TL;DR
To update your Mac’s Firmware:
- Click the Apple menu in the top left corner.
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
- Your Mac will check for updates automatically.
- If an update is available, click Update Now and follow the instructions.
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Want to keep your Mac secure and running smoothly? Updating your firmware is the key, and it’s easier than you think. In this post, I’ll explain why firmware updates matter and guide you through a quick and simple process to check and update your Mac’s firmware.
What Is Mac Firmware and Why Should You Update It?
Firmware is like a special kind of software that lives inside your Mac’s hardware. It helps your computer’s parts, like the motherboard and hard drive, communicate and work together properly. Think of it as the behind-the-scenes instructions that keep everything running smoothly.
Updating your Mac’s firmware is important because:
- Performance: Some updates might include improvements that make your Mac run faster or more efficiently.
- Security: New updates often fix security holes that could make your Mac vulnerable to hackers or malware.
- Stability: Updates can fix bugs or issues that might cause your Mac to crash or behave unpredictably.
- Compatibility: As new hardware and software come out, firmware updates help your Mac stay compatible with the latest technology.
How to Check Your Mac’s Firmware Version
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There are two ways to check your Mac’s firmware version that I’ve shared below.
1. From System Report
To check your Mac’s firmware version using System Report, follow these steps:
- Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac from the drop-down menu.
- Click More Info on the new window.
- In the window that appears, click the System Report button.
- In the left-hand column of the System Information window, scroll down and select Hardware.
- You’ll see the firmware version next to System Firmware Version in the right-hand pane.
2. Using Terminal
You can swiftly uncover your Mac’s firmware version with simple commands. To check your Mac’s firmware version using Terminal, follow these steps:
- Open the Terminal app on your Mac. You can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder or by using Spotlight search.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sw_vers
- The Terminal will show the firmware version for your Mac’s logic board next to ProductVersion.
How to Update Your Mac’s Firmware
One of the easiest ways to ensure your firmware is up to date is through the Software Update feature in macOS. Below, I’ve shared how to access the Software Update feature and update your Mac’s firmware with just a few clicks.
- Click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select System Settings.
- Click General and select Software Update in System Settings.
- Wait for your Mac to check for available updates.
- If an update is available, click Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
If a firmware update is available, it will install with the software update.
Keep Your Mac’s Firmware Up to Date
Now that you know how to check and update your Mac’s firmware, you can get the most out of your computer without facing performance issues. Here are some more tips for Mac maintenance:
- Keep your macOS updated for the latest security, performance, and bug fixes.
- If you’re still facing performance issues, consider updating apps on your Mac, as the problem may be app-specific.
- You may need to upgrade your Mac RAM if you face frequent performance issues, like freezing and crashing.
