Why is Live Translation Not Working on AirPods Pro 2 After iOS Update?

Having trouble with AirPod Live Translation? Here’s the step-by-step fix you need.

Apple’s new iOS 26 update brought an exciting feature called Live Translation to the AirPods Pro 2. This function is designed to act as your personal interpreter, translating conversations in real time directly into your ears.

However, many people who updated their devices have found that this feature does not work as expected. When they try to use it, either nothing happens, or they get stuck in a loop asking them to download languages that are already on their phone. This can be confusing, but the solution is usually simple. The problem is often not with your iPhone, but with the software inside your AirPods Pro 2.

The Core of the Problem: Your AirPods Firmware

Your AirPods have their own internal software, which is called firmware. For Live Translation to work, your AirPods Pro 2 must be updated to firmware version 8A356. This specific version was released with iOS 26. Even if your iPhone has the latest iOS, your AirPods might not have automatically received their own update yet. Without the correct firmware, the AirPods do not know how to respond to the command for Live Translation, which causes the issues you are seeing. Before trying any fixes, you should first check which firmware version your AirPods are running.

To check your firmware version:

1. Connect your AirPods Pro 2 to your iPhone.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Tap on the Bluetooth menu.
4. Find your AirPods Pro 2 in the list and tap the blue “i” icon next to their name.
5. Scroll down to the “About” section. You will see the firmware version listed there. If it does not say 8A356, you will need to update it.

How to Fix Live Translation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Forcing the firmware update is the most reliable way to solve the Live Translation problem. The update process happens in the background, but performing a reset can help trigger it. Follow these steps carefully.

Solution 1: Perform a Full Reset of Your AirPods

A reset can clear any software glitches and prepare the AirPods to receive the new firmware.

1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth on your iPhone.
2. Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods Pro 2 and select “Forget This Device.” Confirm the action.
3. Place both AirPods back into their charging case and close the lid. Wait for 30 seconds.
4. Open the lid of the case. Press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds. The status light on the front of the case will flash amber, and then it will flash white. You can now let go of the button.

Solution 2: Reconnect and Charge

After the reset, your AirPods need to be re-paired with your iPhone and given time to update.

1. With the case lid open, bring your AirPods close to your iPhone. A setup animation should appear on your iPhone’s screen. Follow the on-screen steps to reconnect them.
2. Once connected, close the lid.
3. Plug the charging case into a power source with a Lightning or USB-C cable. Make sure the case is charging.
4. Place the charging case right next to your iPhone. Your iPhone must be connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
5. Leave the AirPods and iPhone near each other for at least 30 minutes. Do not use them during this time. This quiet period allows your iPhone to transfer and install the new firmware to your AirPods. After about 30 minutes, you can check the firmware version again to see if it has updated to 8A356.

Other Potential Fixes to Check

If the firmware is correct and Live Translation still is not working, there are a few other common issues you should look into.

You Must Have the Apple Translate App

The Live Translation feature is powered by Apple’s own Translate application. If you have previously deleted this app from your iPhone to save space, the feature will not work. You can easily fix this by going to the App Store, searching for “Translate,” and downloading the official app made by Apple.

Download the Correct Language Packs

Some users have reported that the feature requires the English (US) language pack to be installed, even if they are in another English-speaking region like the United Kingdom or Australia. Open the Translate app, go to the language selection menu, and make sure you have downloaded the English (US) pack for offline use. This seems to resolve the language download loop for many.

Your iPhone Must Support Apple Intelligence

Live Translation is not a standard iOS 26 feature; it is part of Apple Intelligence. This suite of advanced features requires the processing power of newer iPhone models. You must have an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or a newer model for Apple Intelligence and Live Translation to be available.

The Feature is Not Available in the EU

It is also important to know that Apple has not made Live Translation available to users in the European Union. This is likely due to the EU’s strict data privacy regulations, such as GDPR. Apple may release the feature in this region in the future after making adjustments to comply with local laws.