Apple updates its AirPods products periodically with new firmware, which installs automatically in the background. But while the process was a mystery for years, the company now offers step-by-step instructions for how to manually trigger a firmware update yourself.Step-by-step instructions for installing AirPods firmwareApple offers on its AirPods firmware support page step-by-step instructions on how to walk through the process.Here are the six steps to follow for updating AirPods and AirPods Pro:Update your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmwareMake sure that your AirPods are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac thats connected to Wi-Fi.Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.Plug the charging cable into your charging case, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.Keep the lid of the charging case closed, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.Check the firmware version again.Apple notes that if you still cant update your firmware, you should reset your AirPods then try again.Similarly, theres a five-step process available for AirPods Max users:Update your AirPods Max firmwareMake sure that your AirPods Max are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac thats connected to Wi-Fi.Plug the charging cable into the bottom-right earphone, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.Reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.Check the firmware version again.Behind the scenes, firmware updates still work the same as they always have. They will still install automatically in the background for most users. But if you want to manually trigger an update yourself, this is the process for doing so.The next time new AirPods firmware is released, youll be ready.How have you installed AirPods firmware in the past? Let us know in the comments.Best AirPods Pro deals and accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel