How to update AirPod firmware

flowerBarn Said:

"How to update AirPod firmware: I have the same issue and this solution does not work. Have been trying for 10 days since I purchased them.”

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Return or Swap Out:

So, who’s the seller? Request a return or a swap out. Apple gives you 14 days to return these, given you location.

Verify these are Genuine AirPods:

1. Get the Serial Number: Find the Serial Number of your AirPods - Apple Support
2. Enter the Serial Number here: Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support
3. View the Results: If all shows up as an AirPod, then you are fine. If not, then these are fake, and that is likely why you are getting the issue of connectivity.

Yesterday, I determined with an Apple Tech Specialist that these ARE counterfeit AirPod Pros. Amazing to say this even though it is being sold at a major retailer like Walmart. So, be warned that counterfeits are on the market and sold at 'trusted' retailers.

Now I have a pair of legit AirPod Pros in my possession, I can confirm that:

a) the Noise Cancellation worked properly, as did the Spatial feature

b) Firmware updated almost immediately once connected, which prompted me looking into all this

c) it connected to my phone as well as my account with no trouble

d) sound was WAY better - I thought I was losing my mind with how much bass I was getting

e) fit is also noticeably better - turns out the ear molds were just a little bit 'off' and too large for my ears

Honestly, if you didn't know and don't usually care about things like Firmware (or sound quality) you may not have thought it an issue before the 30 day warranty expired.

The counterfeit product is incredibly hard to identify before you purchase. As pointed out to me by the Apple Repair specialist, VERY MINOR differences on them, but only after opening the box:

1. recharge light on the case is slightly less bright
2. font is slightly larger on the inside of the case

Honestly these are the only tell tale sign until you try to update firmware or use them.

My partner calls Walmart the Evil Empire half jokingly, but this experience has solidified that position.

As follow up with the store: I spoke to someone where I purchased them and they were defensive and rude about all of this, and it took nearly 3 hours to get someone to pick up the phone in the first place. Either they know they are selling fakes, or they really really don't give a **** about anything.

I escalated to Walmart USA customer support and they seemed to take this more seriously, but we will see. Return is possible within 30 days at any USA Walmart with a receipt, so at least that's good. I have a report from Apple Repair that says these are not legitimate products, which I will print and show to the store when I return them.

So fair warning to all who read this. FAKE products out there, and not purchased on a street corner or in some dodgy electronics shop in the wrong part of town. IF Firmware won't update, then possibly this is why, and get to and Apple Store asap to verify and then get your money back if you discover what I did.

thx

flowerBarn Said:

"How to update AirPod firmware: 2nd generation AirPods model number A2031 Version 3A283. How to update to the latest firmware?"

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Updating Airpods to the Latest Firmware:

Connect and pair these to a device that itself is already connected to the Internet. The firmware will be updated itself.

When I do this it asks for a purchase date, which I add then it tells me I have to call Apple, which I did and they manually added. No indication from Apple at the time there was an issue with the serial number, though still not ‘registered’.

BTW I bought from a Walmart in Kansas City. Is it possible they are selling fake products?

It would be a serious repetitional risk for Walmart to sell counterfeit products so it is extremely unlikely - like No Way would management ever take the risk. However, their record keeping for sales and submission to Apple may leave something to be desired.

If you still have cause for concern it might be worth a visit to the Apple Store if you live within easy distance, and consider adding AppleCare+ cover. Apple would want to examine your AirPods before accepting for AppleCare+, and any fakes are not going to pass an in-hand inspection.

I don’t live in KC and after talking with Apple for an hour they simply washed their hands of it and told me to call the store. Spent 2 hours trying to reach someone at the Walmart in question, no one would get a manager on the phone and they don’t have a 1 800 you can call for this kind of thing. Im going to an Apple Store in the morning, if I can’t resolve via them, then I guess I’m out $250. What a drag, and what irresponsible corporate behaviour so far.

That’ll be my next move. Spent an hour on a call with Apple and their only solution was to call Walmart, and I am unable to reach anyone other than a store manager, who wouldn’t pick up a phone after 2 hours of trying. What a waste of money so far, these products are useless if I can’t update the firmware.

protourman Said:

"[...]Im going to an Apple Store in the morning, if I can’t resolve via them, then I guess I’m out $250. What a drag, and what irresponsible corporate behaviour so far."

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All another reason to purchase an expensive Apple product from Apple and none other. So, next time you go about getting these, concider getting AppleCare, as well.

Actually, if it’s a legit product - and Apple isn’t suggesting it’s not - then this is simply an issue with serial number registration.

In that sense I disagree with you. Apple should be able to verify and I shouldn’t be forced to buy only from an Apple Store if they are distributing their (legitimate) products to major vendors. If they have no mechanism to resolve or will take no responsibility then they should stop allowing Walmart, Bestbuy, the Source, or any large chain from selling their products. Sorry, but how is this a solution?

protourman Said:

"[...]Apple should be able to verify and I shouldn’t be forced to buy only from an Apple Store if they are distributing their (legitimate) products to major vendors.[...]"

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A Returned Item, Perhaps?:

No one is forcing your to purchase this at Apple. It's no more than a recommendation, on my part. Plenty reports are on these forums of people purchasing AirPods from retailers, and it turn out to be a returned item. The cashier accepted it, yet never confirmed that the device was disassociated from the original buyer's account.

Read and follow the article linked above. AirPod firmware updates are done at Apple’s discretion.

I have the same issue and this solution does not work. Have been trying for 10 days since I purchased them.

flowerBarn Said:

"How to update AirPod firmware: […]BTW I bought from a Walmart in Kansas City. Is it possible they are selling fake products?”

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IDK. Ask the staff at the store.

protourman wrote:

these products are useless if I can’t update the firmware.

That’s preposterous. The product would be useless if it failed to function - deliver sound as expected.

Very informative! Thanks for posting.