Update Your Echo Buds Software to Avoid Overheating

No one wants literal “ears burning”

by
Rob LeFebvre
Senior News Editor
Rob LeFebvre has been a freelance technology writer for 10 years and an educator for 20. His articles have appeared in 148Apps, Cult of Mac, Engadget, and many others.
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Rob LeFebvre
Published July 15, 2020 01:50PM EDT

Even if it’s only in rare cases, it’s best to be sure your Echo Buds aren’t going to overheat from use.

Amazon Echo Buds in an ear
 Lifewire / Lance Ulanoff

Claiming that Echo Buds could overheat "in rare cases" while charging in their case, Amazon sent an email to users on Wednesday asking them to update their software, according to BBC.

How it works: The company apparently also said that users would get the safety update automatically when connected to their phones via Bluetooth. You can check to see if yours have been updated by connecting them to a phone while they're in the case and using the Alexa app to see if the software version is 318119151 or higher, says BBC.

Then what? If your Buds haven't updated, you can "force" one by keeping them in range of your phone for about 30 minutes, after making sure they're connected via the Alexa app.

Bottom line: Chances are your Echo Buds will be fine, but it's a good idea to make sure they're being updated. The Amazon email also said the update will improve the performance of your batteries in the long run, so that's a good thing, too. Aside from the whole "not overheating" thing, of course.