How to Update Firmware on KICKR trainers, BIKEs, and RUN

The following article applies to all KICKR trainers (KICKR, MOVE, CORE, SNAP, and ROLLR), KICKR BIKE variants (v1, v2, and SHIFT), and the KICKR RUN treadmill.  For Wi-Fi enabled Wahoo trainers / BIKEs, and RUN, once connected to Wi-Fi, firmware updates are automatically downloaded and installed, provided the device is not actively being controlled in a workout. 

Requirements

• A Bluetooth^® enabled phone or tablet on iOS 16 or Android 10 or newer
• Your device actively connected to the internet over Wi-Fi
  
• The Wahoo app for iOS or Android
• A trainer that is not connected to any additional apps or devices (ensure previously connected devices are off/disabled and no other apps are running in the background)

Update Steps

1. Ensure
   • Bluetooth is enabled in your phone or tablet's device settings
   • no other devices are paired to your phone or tablet's Bluetooth, including smart watches and headphones
   • your trainer is plugged in and powered on
   • your device is within 5 feet of the trainer
2. Open the Wahoo app.
3. Navigate to the Devices tab.
4. Select your trainer or add it if you have yet to pair your trainer.  Upon establishing a connection with your KICKR, the Wahoo  app will determine if your trainer's firmware is out of date. If an update is available, the app will display a notice - Update Available
5. Select Update firmware. 
   
   
6. The app will list the firmware version update available. Select Install update and leave your device near the KICKR until the update is complete.
   
7. Once the update is finished, complete the following:
   1. Reset your trainer by unplugging it for 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in.
   2. Turn Bluetooth off and back on in phone/tablet system settings to reset the connection.

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.

1. no other Bluetooth devices that could connect to the sensor are on in the room/nearby area during the update,
2. 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
3. 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. 
4. 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.
5. 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,

1. Force close the Wahoo app.
2. Toggle the phone/tablet's Bluetooth off via the iOS or Android Settings app. NOT the quick tray.
3. Power cycle the sensor, trainer, or accessory (if disconnecting power is an option) for 30 seconds. 
4. Plug in, turn on, or wake up the sensor, trainer, or accessory.
5. Toggle the phone/tablet's Bluetooth back on.
6. Open the Wahoo app.
7. Attempt the firmware update again.