There's a new Apple Support doc about AirPods updates Spoiler: You're doing it correctly already If things go wrong, try, try again Apple's AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max aren't like other Apple products: where iPhones,

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.

Rather than leave it up to chance, you can take steps to update your specific AirPods model to the latest software version.