The procedure to update firmware is the same for most* Wahoo sensors, trainers, and trainer accessories (including BIKE v1, KICKR*, CORE, MOVE, SNAP, ROLLR, CLIMB, HEADWIND, POWRLINK ZERO pedals, TRACKR HEART RATE, TICKRs, RPM Speed and Cadence, and BLUE SC). Firmware updates for Wahoo sensors, trainers, and trainer accessories are completed with the Wahoo app for iOS or Android. Due to the size of the files involved, firmware updates require a Wi-Fi internet connection for your mobile device.
*ELEMNT GPS computers have a separate firmware update process. See Update Firmware on an ELEMNT, BOLT, or ROAM.
Newer KICKRs (v6 and MOVE), BIKEs (v2 and SHIFT), and KICKR RUN can also update firmware via Wi-Fi. See Using Wi-Fi with a KICKR trainer, BIKE, or RUN
Requirements
If you do not already have the Wahoo app
- Download the Wahoo Fitness app for iOS or Android. If already downloaded, be sure to check for updates in the app store.
- Login to your Wahoo Cloud account or complete a new user registration and fill out your personal profile.
Wake up and Pair the sensor, trainer, or trainer accessory
- Power on and/or wake your sensor (by shaking for RPMs or touching the contact points for TICKR), ensuring the LED lights flash, then follow the prompts to pair or link sensors, then add a new sensor.
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Pair the sensor
- Navigate to the Devices tab
- Select + Pair New (or the + sign if another sensor is paired)
- Select the desired sensor.
- See the Pair a sensor article for screenshots of this process.
Update sensor firmware
When a sensor is paired, the app will check the sensor's firmware against the firmware server for the current version. If the sensor's firmware is not current, Update available will appear under the sensor name in the Devices tab.
- Navigate to the Devices tab.
- Select the sensor and open the sensor details page.
- Update Firmware will appear under the sensor name.
- Ensure that the sensor is only connected to the Wahoo app on your phone or tablet (and not also to Zwift, TrainerRoad, or another app on another device) and that your phone is not paired to any other Bluetooth® devices (including headphones or smartwatches) and then
- Select Update Firmware and follow directions to update the sensor firmware.
- Once the update is finished, you're prompted to toggle Bluetooth off and back on in the iOS or Android Settings app to refresh the connection. We also recommend you power cycle or restart your sensor by unplugging them for 30 seconds after an update (if the device can be powered off. You do not need to remove batteries from sensors).
Because the firmware is updated via Bluetooth, which is a low-bandwidth protocol, please understand the update process will take several minutes.
You can always check the currently installed firmware version by scrolling to the bottom of the sensor details page where the version number and its status -- (Old or Latest) will be listed.
Troubleshooting
The keys to success for updating device firmware are to ensure that there is nothing to disrupt the wireless transmission of the firmware file from cloud servers to the Wahoo app and from the Wahoo app to the sensor.
- no other Bluetooth devices that could connect to the sensor are on in the room/nearby area during the update,
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no other apps are running on the phone
- This reduces phone processor, Wi-Fi, and bluetooth bandwidth, ensuring it goes to downloading the firmware from the remote server and uploading it to your sensor, trainer, accessory, etc.
- No other app can be obstructing the Wahoo app's Bluetooth connection to the sensor
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no other Bluetooth devices are connected to the phone at that time.
- This includes headphones, smartwatches, etc. The firmware update has to be transmitted from the phone to the sensor via Bluetooth, which is a low bandwidth signal type and so requires an uninterrupted connection for success.
- In some extreme cases, unpairing the Bluetooth accessory rather than simply disconnecting it by turning it off is necessary.
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the sensor is near the phone or tablet running the Wahoo app, and the tablet is near the Wi-Fi access point.
- Close physical connection helps to ensure a good connection for both the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi by reducing physical obstructions or potential for wireless signal interference.
- ideally, no other wireless devices are on in the room/nearby space
- This reduces the chance for wireless interference.
In the case of a firmware update failure,
- Force close the Wahoo app.
- Toggle the phone/tablet's Bluetooth off via the iOS or Android Settings app. NOT the quick tray.
- Power cycle the sensor, trainer, or accessory (if disconnecting power is an option) for 30 seconds.
- Plug in, turn on, or wake up the sensor, trainer, or accessory.
- Toggle the phone/tablet's Bluetooth back on.
- Open the Wahoo app.
- Attempt the firmware update again.