Updating Singular AirPod

I have AirPods Pro 2 (lightning cable) and have lost one AirPod. Has been like this for years. I want to update the software on my singular AirPod but cannot even when following Apple’s guide. I’ve tried hard resetting it (which I’ve done in the past with one AirPod) but it continuously flashes amber for hours on end without resetting. What can I do to update my AirPod? Is it possible?

Posted on Oct 18, 2026 1:24 AM

1 reply

WheelieNick

Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 18, 2026 7:32 AM in response to Princey584

It is not possible to update the firmware on a single AirPod Pro 2 if it is completely unpaired, and you cannot hard reset the case with only one earbud inserted.

The persistent flashing amber light indicates a hardware communication error. Apple design parameters require both matching AirPods (left and right) to be present inside the charging case to complete a factory reset or to handshake and pull down firmware updates. Because your system detects a missing component, the case remains stuck in an error loop.