Headphones & earbuds

Earbuds app is stuck in a loop asking to update firmware repeatedly

This usually means the update is silently failing to complete due to a connection drop, and the app keeps re-detecting the same old version. Ensuring an uninterrupted connection during the update breaks the loop in most cases.

Difficulty
Moderate
Time
20–40 minutes

Symptoms

  • App repeatedly prompts for the same firmware update after each restart
  • Update appears to install but version number never changes
  • Earbuds disconnect partway through every update attempt
  • No error message is shown, just a repeated prompt

Likely causes

  • CommonBluetooth connection dropping partway through the update transferAn incomplete transfer means the update never actually finishes installing, so the app keeps detecting the old version.
  • CommonEarbuds going into a case or auto-sleep during the update processIf the earbuds power down or disconnect mid-update due to inactivity settings, the process fails silently.
  • PossibleApp caching an incorrect firmware version statusA display bug in the app can show an outdated status even if the update actually succeeded.
  • PossibleInsufficient earbud battery causing the update to abort partway throughLow battery safety cutoffs can interrupt an update before it fully completes.
  • Less commonCorrupted firmware file requiring a full reset to clearA partially downloaded or corrupted update file can get stuck in the earbuds' memory.

What to do

  1. Charge the earbuds to at least 60–70% before attempting the update again.
  2. Keep the earbuds out of the case and actively worn or held near the phone throughout the entire update process, without letting them go idle.
  3. Force close and reopen the companion app before retrying the update.
  4. Clear the companion app's cache (Android) or reinstall the app entirely to rule out a display bug.
  5. Move closer to the phone and avoid any Bluetooth interference during the update.
  6. Perform a factory reset on the earbuds, then attempt the firmware update fresh from a clean state.

When to call a pro

If the update loop continues after a factory reset and a fully monitored update attempt, contact the manufacturer's support, since this can indicate a deeper firmware corruption needing their specific recovery tool.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.