Owners of the Apple ecosystem know that firmware updates for AirPods occur automatically when connected to an iPhone or iPad. However, users of smartphones based Android are often confused to find that their headphones do not receive new features and bug fixes. This fact raises many questions, since the settings interface in the Google system does not contain a tab for managing the headphone firmware.
Unfortunately, there is no direct way to download and install a new version of the software through the settings itself Android smartphone there is no. The firmware architecture is closed by the manufacturer and is tied exclusively to Apple services. However, this doesn't mean your headphones are doomed to become obsolete. There are proven methods that allow you to initiate the update process, even if you don’t have the latest iPhone at hand.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options, from using friends’ devices to using specialized software. You will learn what risks exist when using third-party applications and how to properly prepare accessories for the procedure to avoid malfunctions.
Why updating is not possible directly via Android
The main reason for blocking the function lies in the policy of Apple, which seeks to keep users within its ecosystem. The communication protocol required to transfer the firmware file is encrypted and is only available to certified Cupertino devices. The system Android sees the headphones only as a standard Bluetooth device for transmitting an audio stream.
When you connect AirPods to an Android phone, the operating system ignores the service communication channels through which the command to check the software version usually comes. Even if the headphone memory contains data about an available update, the smartphone will not be able to recognize it and initiate installation. This is a fundamental limitation that cannot be overcome by simple settings in the Bluetooth menu.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to use Android engineering menus or third-party utilities to deeply configure Bluetooth in the hope of finding a hidden update button. This may lead to an unstable connection or a complete shutdown of the wireless module.
However, the headphones themselves are capable of receiving updates autonomously if they are within range of an Apple device. Your Android smartphone in this chain acts only as a passive sound receiver, but not as a firmware controller. Understanding this principle is critical to choosing the right strategy.
Using someone else's Apple device to update
The most reliable and secure method is to find an opportunity to connect yours AirPods to any device running iOS or iPadOS. It could be a friend's iPhone, a co-worker's tablet, or even a demo at an electronics store. The algorithm of actions in this case is extremely simple and does not require the installation of additional software.
First, you need to place the headphones in the charging case and make sure that they are charged at least 50%. Then open the lid of the case next to your Apple device and press the pairing button on the back until the light starts flashing white. After successful connection, the system will automatically check that the software version is up to date.
- 📱 Make sure that your Apple device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- 🔋 Leave the case with the headphones closed and connected to the charger for 15-20 minutes.
- 🔄 Do not open the case cover during the update process, so as not to interrupt the communication session.
If the update is available, it will start in the background. You won't see a progress bar on the screen, but the light on the case may flash amber and then white. When the process is complete, the headphones will automatically reconnect, and you can use them again with your Android smartphone, but with a new firmware version.
Update via a computer with macOS or Windows
An alternative solution is to use a personal computer. If you have a Mac, the procedure is almost identical to using an iPhone. Just connect the case to your computer via a Lightning or USB-C cable and open the application Settings or Finder (depending on the version of macOS). The system itself will offer to update the accessories.
For Windows users the situation is more complicated, since iTunes and the application Apple devices do not have functionality for updating the headphone firmware. However, there is a caveat: if your computer has previously synced with your iPhone, it may cache update data. In rare cases, connecting the case to such a PC may trigger a background scan, but you should not count on it.
| Device type | Probability of success | Required cable | Additional. software |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | 99% | No (Bluetooth) | No |
| MacBook / iMac | 95% | Lightning / USB-C | No |
| Windows PC | 5% | Lightning / USB-C | iTunes (not guaranteed) |
Using a cable is preferable to a wireless connection as it provides stable data transfer and power to the case during the process. This is especially true if the headphone charge is low. A wired connection minimizes the risk of interrupting data recording into the controller's flash memory.
Before connecting to a computer, wipe the charging port contacts on the case with a dry soft cloth. Oxidation can prevent a reliable data connection from being established.
Third-party Android apps: myths and reality
The Google Play store offers dozens of apps that promise complete control over AirPods on Android. apps like MaterialPods, AndroPods or AssistantTrigger are really useful for displaying the charge level and setting up functions, but they do not have access rights to the system level of the headphone firmware.
The developers of such utilities use open Bluetooth APIs to read service information, but the protocol for writing new firmware remains closed. So if an app offers an "Update Firmware" button, it's likely either a promotional ploy or a feature that redirects you to the app store to update the client itself rather than the headphones.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful with apps that require root access to update your AirPods. Giving full system access for the sake of a dubious feature can compromise the security of your personal data and banking applications.
However, some advanced utilities allow you to emulate certain data packets that can “trick” your headphones into thinking they are connected to an Apple device. However, this method is extremely unstable, requires highly skilled users and can lead to “scaling” of the accessory. We do not recommend using such experimental methods for ordinary users.
Why can't applications update the firmware?
Apple's update protocol uses a cryptographic signature. Without a certified key, which is only available in Apple devices, it is technically impossible to write a new code into the headphone memory using standard Android tools.
Preparing the headphones for the update procedure
Regardless of the chosen method, proper preparation of the equipment is the key to success. Power failure while new data is being written is a leading cause of electronic failure. Therefore, before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the condition of the case and the headphones themselves.
Clean the charging contacts inside the case and on the headphones themselves. Accumulation of dust or lint may prevent full charging, causing the update process to be interrupted at a critical stage. Use a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol to gently clean hard-to-reach areas.
☑️ Ready for update
Make sure that the Bluetooth version on your Android smartphone is up to date. Although it is not involved in the firmware, older drivers may cause conflicts when re-pairing after an update. Go to Settings → About phone → Software update and install all available security patches.
What to do if the update is frozen or has not started
Sometimes the process may take a while or the indicator on the case will start flashing orange color to indicate an error. In such a situation, there is no need to panic. Most often, the problem is solved by simply resetting the headphones to factory settings. This will clear temporary errors and allow you to start the procedure again.
To perform a reset, place both headphones in the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds. Then open the lid and press and hold the setting button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds until the light flashes amber and then white. After this, you will need to re-pair with the phone.
If the problem persists after the reset, it is possible that the firmware version that the headphones claim to be is incompatible with the current hardware revision. This happens rarely, but it does happen when using very old first-generation models with new versions of iOS on the device to update. AirPods first generation with new versions of iOS on the device for updating.
Resetting the headphone settings solves 90% of problems with the update freezing. This is the first step to take when errors appear.
Checking the current firmware version on Android
After a successful procedure, many users want to make sure that the version has really changed. On Android there is no built-in menu for viewing the build number, so you will have to use third-party tools or visually observe new functions.
Install an application like MaterialPods or similar, which can read detailed information about accessories. The application menu often displays a field Firmware Version, where numbers like 6A30 or 5B58are indicated. By comparing this data with the version table on the Internet, you will understand whether the update has passed.
You can also focus on the appearance of new functions. For example, upgrading to a version with support Spatial audio or improved noise reduction will be immediately noticeable when listening to music. If the functionality has expanded, then the procedure was successful, even if you did not see the numbers on the screen.
Can I update AirPods if I don’t have any Apple devices at all?
Technically, this is impossible to do on my own. You will have to contact a service center or friends who have an iPhone or iPad. Without at least one device in the Apple ecosystem, you cannot initiate the recording of new firmware.
Will the update erase my equalizer settings?
No, the firmware update only affects the headphone system software. All user settings, including sound balance and device names, are saved in the memory of the case and phone.
How often are updates released for AirPods?
Apple releases updates irregularly, usually several times a year. They are often timed to coincide with the release of new versions of iOS or the fixing of critical security vulnerabilities.
Is it dangerous to interrupt the update by opening the case?
Yes, this can damage the headphone software. In the worst case, one of the headphones will stop working and will require restoration at a service center.
⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and settings menus may vary depending on your smartphone model and Android version. If you do not find the described items, use the settings search or refer to your phone manufacturer's documentation.