Owners of the Apple ecosystem are often faced with the need to update the software of their wireless headphones, but users of smartphones based on Android find themselves in a less advantageous position. The standard update mechanism via Bluetooth settings in the system iOS is simply absent here, which creates the illusion that the procedure is impossible. Nevertheless, technical possibilities for updating firmware exist, although they require more complex manipulations or the involvement of third-party devices.
The main difficulty is that the data transfer protocol for updating is closed by Apple and is optimized exclusively for their operating system. Directly through the standard Bluetooth menu in Android you will not find the "Update Software" button, since the operating system does not know how to unpack and transfer binary firmware files to the headphones. This limitation is software, not hardware, so the headphones themselves are technically capable of receiving updates, but do not “hear” commands from the Android smartphone.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the known ways to solve this problem: from using “crutches” with emulators to the only officially working method using Apple devices. You will learn why some applications on Google Play promise miracles, but do not fulfill their functions, and how to safely carry out the procedure so as not to turn your headphones into a “brick.”
Why Android does not see an update for AirPods
The fundamental reason for the impossibility of direct updating lies in the architecture of interaction between devices. When you connect AirPods to your iPhone, the device checks the version firmware on Apple servers and, if a new version is available, initiates a background download. A smartphone based on Android does not have access to these service protocols, so it sees the headphones only as a standard audio output device.
Many users mistakenly believe that special applications from Google Play can solve this problem. However, most of them, such as Material Pods or Capodcan only read the battery level and check the serial number. They do not have system privileges to introduce low-level flashing of the chip H1 or W1installed inside the headphones. There is also a security aspect. Apple strictly controls the software integrity of its accessories. Direct transfer of firmware files over the unsecured Bluetooth channel that Android uses could create vulnerabilities. That is why the manufacturer has limited the ability to manage firmware only to trusted devices.
There is also a security aspect. Apple strictly controls the software integrity of its accessories. Direct transfer of firmware files over the unsecured Bluetooth channel that Android uses could create vulnerabilities. That is why the manufacturer has limited the ability to manage firmware only to trusted devices.
⚠️ Attention: No application from the Google Play Store has official rights from Apple to update the AirPods firmware. Be extremely careful with apps that require root access to supposedly “forward” updates - this can lead to unstable operation of your smartphone’s Bluetooth module.
However, there are workarounds that allow you to initiate the update process, using Android as an intermediate link or emulating the Apple environment. It is important to understand that these methods do not guarantee 100% success the first time and depend on the version of the Bluetooth protocol and the model of the headphones themselves.
The official update method is through Apple devices
The most reliable and only guaranteed way to update firmware your headphones is to temporarily use any iOS-based device or iPadOS. It could be a friend's iPhone, a co-worker's iPad, or even an old iPod Touch lying around. The algorithm of actions in this case is as simple as possible and does not require the installation of additional software.
You need to bring the case with the headphones to the Apple device and open the lid. If your device has Bluetooth enabled and is connected to a Wi-Fi network, the process will begin automatically. The system itself will determine that the software version on the accessories is outdated and will offer or silently install an update.
- 📱 Connect the AirPods to the iPhone or iPad, making sure that the device is authorized in iCloud.
- 📶 Check for an active Wi-Fi connection, as the firmware file can weigh several dozen megabyte.
- 🔋 Make sure that the charge of the case and the headphones themselves is more than 50% so that the process is not interrupted halfway.
After connecting, leave the headphones near the device for 15-20 minutes. In most cases, the update occurs in the background without notifying the user. If the update requires confirmation, a corresponding notification will appear on the screen.
If you don’t have your own Apple device, ask a friend with an iPhone to simply connect your AirPods to their phone for 20 minutes. This will not affect his personal data, but will update your headphones.
Using iOS emulators on Android
For technically advanced users, there is an alternative path that involves using iOS emulators directly on an Android smartphone. This method is complex, requires high performance from the phone and is not always stable, but it allows you to avoid searching for Apple devices.
The essence of the method is to launch a virtual machine that emulates the environment iOS. Popular projects, such as Cider or more modern analogues like UTM (for devices with processors of a certain architecture), can theoretically launch the iOS interface. However, launching a full-fledged operating system with a working Bluetooth stack on Android is extremely difficult due to differences in drivers.
A more realistic option is to use cloud services or specialized emulator applications that broadcast the iOS interface. But even in this case, forwarding a Bluetooth signal from the physical module of an Android phone into the emulated iOS system is often impossible. Data transfer protocols simply do not fit together.
However, enthusiasts are developing scripts that use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to attempt communication. You can try entering the command in the terminal, although the chances of success are minimal:
adb shell am start -n com.apple.bluetooth/.UpdateServiceThis command is hypothetical and is given as an example of the complexity of the process. In reality, without deeply reflashing the Android smartphone itself and introducing Apple's proprietary libraries, this method remains more theoretical than practical.
⚠️ Warning: Installing dubious iOS emulators from unverified sources can lead to your smartphone becoming infected with malware. Use only proven open source tools.
Checking the current firmware version
Before you start actively looking for ways to update, you need to make sure that the update is really required. Often users try to “flash” headphones that are already running the latest software version. You can also check the version via Android using third-party utilities.
One of the most functional applications for AirPods owners on Android is Material Pods or Assistant Trigger. After installation and provision of the necessary permissions to access Bluetooth and geolocation, these applications can read service information.
In the app interface, find the “About device” or “Information” section. The firmware version number will be indicated there, for example 5B58 or 6A300. This number should be compared with the latest versions available at the time of reading the article.
List of current firmware versions
Version 6A300 was released for AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) at the end of 2023.|Version 5B58 is intended for AirPods 3rd generation.|Older models AirPods 2 may receive 4E71 updates less frequently.
If your version matches the latest known version, then no action needs to be taken. The headphones work stably, and a forced attempt to “update” them may lead to malfunctions of the microphone or noise reduction.
Compatibility table and software versions
For ease of navigation through software versions, below is a table comparing headphone models with the characteristic numbers of their firmware. Please remember that Apple does not publish detailed changelogs for each update, often limiting itself to the phrase “stability and performance improvements.”
| AirPods model | Example software version | Main changes | Year of release |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | 6A300 | Support for Lossless Audio, improved ANC | 2023 |
| AirPods (3rd generation) | 5B58 | Correcting connection errors | 2022 |
| AirPods Pro (1st generation) | 4E71 | Improved performance of the adaptive equalizer | 2021 |
| AirPods (2nd generation) | 3E751 | General stability improvements | 2020 |
As can be seen from the table, version numbering is not always linear for different models. It is important to pay attention to your device model. An attempt to apply the logic of versions from the iPhone to headphones does not work here.
☑️ Checklist before updating
Typical problems and their solutions
When trying to update the firmware, users may encounter various errors. The most common problem is that the headphones do not update even when connected to the iPhone. In this case, you need to check whether the case is critically discharged. If the indicator is orange, charge the device first.
Another common situation is an endless update loop. If the LED on the case has been blinking white for more than 30 minutes, the process may be stuck. In this case, put the headphones in the case, close the lid and wait 10 seconds, then open it again. Sometimes you need to reset your headphones to factory settings.
To reset, follow these steps:
- 🗑️ Remove the device from the Bluetooth list on all paired gadgets.
- 🔘 Press and hold the button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds.
- 🟠 Wait until the indicator turns orange and then white.
After the reset, you will need to go through the connection procedure and wait for the update again. Often, it is a full configuration reset that allows you to “push” an update that was not previously installed.
Resetting headphone settings to factory settings often solves the problem of a "stuck" update by clearing the error cache in the device's memory.
Do I need to update AirPods on Android?
Many users wonder: is it worth it at all? made of sheepskin? If you use the headphones exclusively with an Android smartphone, the lack of the latest firmware may be even less noticeable than on iOS. Core features like noise cancellation, transparent mode, and audio quality work at the base firmware level.
Updates often bring improvements specifically designed to integrate with the Apple ecosystem: faster transition between devices (Auto Switch), improved Siri performance, or spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. If you don't use these features (as they either don't work or work limited on Android), then there's no urgency to update.
However, there are critical security updates and bug fixes that may fix problems with connection drops or rapid battery drain. If you notice that your AirPods have begun to behave strangely, updating may be the solution to the problem.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and connection methods may change with the release of new versions of Android and iOS. Always check with official Apple support sources if standard methods no longer work.
Bottom line, if you have the opportunity to connect headphones to your iPhone for 15 minutes, do it. This will take a minimum of time and ensure that the software is up to date. If this is not possible, and the headphones work stably, you should not look for complex ways through emulators, the risk of damaging the device is not worth it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update AirPods through a computer with Windows?
No, computers with Windows do not support updating the AirPods firmware. iTunes and the Apple Devices app in the Microsoft Store only allow you to sync media files and make backups, but do not update the firmware of accessories.
What happens if you interrupt the update process?
If you remove the headphones from the case or run out of power during the update, the device may go into recovery mode. In the best case, it simply will not turn on until the update is successfully attempted again. At worst, service will be required.
Will the sound deteriorate after updating to Android?
No, the sound quality should not deteriorate. However, some users have noted changes in the operation of noise reduction, as the algorithms can be reconfigured for the iOS ecosystem. On Android this may be less noticeable.
Does the AirPods Android app work for updating?
No. There is no official Apple AirPods app for Android. All applications with this name on Google Play are third-party developments that do not have access to firmware updates.