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Version: 2.8

Firmware Updates

Keep your Meshtastic radio up to date with the latest firmware for new features, bug fixes, and security improvements.

Checking for Updates​

  1. Open the connected radio's configuration and, under Advanced, tap Firmware Update. The entry appears only for OTAOTA (Over the Air). Typically used to refer to an OTA update, one that happens over a wireless network.-capable devices.
  2. The app checks for available firmware versions.
  3. Available updates show the version number and changelog summary.

Update Methods​

OTA (Over-The-Air) via Bluetooth​

The most common update method for Android users:

  1. Ensure your radio is connected via Bluetooth.
  2. Navigate to the Firmware Update screen.
  3. Select the desired firmware version.
  4. Tap Update to begin the OTAOTA (Over the Air). Typically used to refer to an OTA update, one that happens over a wireless network. process.
  5. Wait for the update to complete — do not disconnect during the update.

Firmware checking for updates

⚠️ Warning: Interrupting a firmware update can brick your device. Ensure your radio has sufficient battery (>50% recommended) and maintain Bluetooth proximity during the entire process.

Firmware disclaimer

In-App USB Update​

When your radio is connected over USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial./serial (rather than Bluetooth), the Firmware Update screen offers USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial. File Transfer. The app reboots the device into DFUDFU (Device Firmware Update). A state in which a device is placed into for it to receive a firmware update. mode, then prompts you to save the .uf2 file to the device's DFUDFU (Device Firmware Update). A state in which a device is placed into for it to receive a firmware update. drive using the system file picker. This option appears only on a USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial./serial connection — it is not available over Bluetooth.

ℹ️ nRF bootloader note: A vendor bootloader supplied as a .zip (e.g. RAK WisBlock RAK4631) has to be flashed with a serial DFUDFU (Device Firmware Update). A state in which a device is placed into for it to receive a firmware update. tool such as adafruit-nrfutil — copying that .zip to the drive won't work. A bootloader supplied as an update-....uf2 can be installed by copying it to the drive; that is how the app's own bootloader upgrade works. The app surfaces a hint when the serial-only route applies.

Factory Erase and Bootloader Upgrade​

On a USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial./serial connection, nRF52nRF52A microcontroller chipset made by Nordic, used by several devices such as the RAK Meshtastic Starter Kit and the Lilygo T-Echo. Lower power usage than ESP32. and RP2040rp2040A microcontroller chip developed by Raspberry Pi, featuring dual ARM Cortex-M0+ processors. devices also offer Erase and reinstall and, where an upgraded bootloader is published for the board, Upgrade bootloader.

Erasing wipes everything on the device — channels, keys and all settings — and there is no backup, so the app asks for confirmation first. Both operations write two files in turn, so you will be asked to select the device's update drive twice: once for the erase or bootloader image, then again for the firmware.

The app reads INFO_UF2.TXT from the drive you select to confirm it really is the device's update drive and to identify the board before writing anything. If it can't confirm which Bluetooth stack your device uses it refuses to erase and points you at the Web Flasher instead — picking wrong there can leave the device needing a hardware programmer to recover.

Other Flashing Options​

For recovery or when neither OTAOTA (Over the Air). Typically used to refer to an OTA update, one that happens over a wireless network. nor in-app USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial. is available:

Version Channels​

ChannelDescription
StableRecommended for most users; tested releases
AlphaPreview releases; may contain bugs
Local FileFlash a firmware file you select yourself, instead of a downloaded release

Pre-Update Checklist​

Before updating:

  • Battery > 50%
  • Stable Bluetooth connection
  • Note your current settings (they may reset on major version changes)
  • Check the release notes for breaking changes

Post-Update​

After the firmware is written, the app verifies the update and waits for the device to come back online:

Verifying update and waiting for the device to reconnect

Once the update succeeds:

  • The radio will reboot automatically
  • Bluetooth connection will re-establish
  • Verify your settings are intact
  • Confirm the new version under Currently Installed on the Firmware Update screen — it's also shown on the node's detail page and the Connections screen

Firmware update success

Troubleshooting​

Update Stuck​

If the update appears frozen:

  • Wait at least 5 minutes before intervening
  • If truly stuck, power-cycle the radio
  • Attempt the update again

Firmware update error

Device Won't Boot After Update​

If your device fails to boot:

  1. Try connecting via USBUSB (Universal Serial Bus). The wired connection used to power a device, flash firmware onto it, and communicate with it over serial. to a computer
  2. Use the web flasher in recovery/DFUDFU (Device Firmware Update). A state in which a device is placed into for it to receive a firmware update. mode
  3. Flash a known-good firmware version
  4. Check the Meshtastic Discord for device-specific recovery steps

Compatibility Warnings​

The app may show warnings when:

  • Connected radio firmware is below minimum supported version
  • Major version mismatch between app and firmware
  • Deprecated features need migration

⚠️ Important: Always update the Meshtastic app before or alongside firmware updates to ensure compatibility.