--- title: Firmware recovery slug: zero/basics/firmware-update/firmware-recovery description: Learn how to repair the firmware of your Flipper Zero image: https://archbee-image-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/hoDLaDxRSSPCHJLkiSg6V_firmwarerecoveryprev.png docTags: createdAt: 2022-01-24T17:45:26.000Z --- ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3GUDYkC5JgUWgo6RW8piO-Or4KP_Q3-DmCqKbi91kad-20241024-174139.png) Occasionally, your Flipper Zero may fail to update correctly, display images, or respond to button presses. These issues could be caused by corruption in the device’s firmware. On this page, you’ll learn how to repair the corrupted firmware of your Flipper Zero. *** # How to repair firmware You can repair the corrupted firmware with the help of [qFlipper](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/qflipper) and the built-in USB Device Firmware Update (DFU) bootloader. The USB DFU bootloader allows you to update your Flipper Zero by bypassing the device’s operating system, which minimizes the risk of errors during the update process. But first, try doing the following: - Reboot your Flipper Zero by pressing and holding the %left%**LEFT** and %back%**BACK** buttons for 5 seconds. - Charge your device with the provided USB Type-C cable for several minutes because your Flipper Zero might have the battery completely drained. If your Flipper Zero still fails to update correctly, display images, or respond to button presses, follow the steps below. :::Iframe{iframeHeight="0" code="
Firmware repair erases all internal storage data
The dolphin’s level, settings, and information about paired devices will be erased. Data on the microSD card will be saved.
"} ::: *** # Step 1. Switching to Recovery mode Before you start the repair process with qFlipper, switch your Flipper Zero to Recovery mode — this will activate the built-in USB DFU bootloader. Steps for switching your device to Recovery mode may be different and depend on the device state. ## If your device is operational but fails to update properly Switch your Flipper Zero to Recovery mode by doing the following: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Go to **Main Menu -> Settings -> Power**. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Then go to **Reboot -> Firmware Upgrade**. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Press %right%**RIGHT** to reboot. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/hPV85zL3QzZ-mK9jEq55p_flipper-zero-dfu-mode-firmware-upgrade.jpg) ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Connect your Flipper Zero to your computer via a USB cable. The computer should detect your Flipper Zero as a DFU device. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem [Proceed to the firmware repair via qFlipper.](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/firmware-update/firmware-recovery#dYF_V) ::: :::: Alternatively, you can switch the device to Recovery mode by doing the following: :::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Press and hold the %left%**LEFT** and %back%**BACK** buttons **for 5 seconds**. ::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem Release the %back%**BACK** button, but keep pressing the %left%**LEFT** button until the blue LED lights up. :::Iframe{iframeHeight="500" code=""} ::: :::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Connect your Flipper Zero to your computer via a USB cable. The computer should detect your Flipper Zero as a DFU device. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem [Proceed to the firmware repair via qFlipper.](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/firmware-update/firmware-recovery#dYF_V) ::: ::::: :::Iframe{iframeHeight="500" code="
To exit Recovery mode, press and hold the
LEFT and
BACK buttons.
"} ::: *** ## If your device fails to display any images or respond to button presses If your Flipper Zero is bricked, switch the device to Recovery mode via a hard reboot: :::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem **Unplug the USB cable from your Flipper Zero** if connected. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Press and hold the %ok%**OK** and %back%**BACK** buttons for 30 seconds. It is normal if your Flipper Zero has no indications on the screen. ::: ::::WorkflowBlockItem Connect your Flipper Zero to your computer via a USB cable. The computer should detect your Flipper Zero as a DFU device. :::Iframe{code=" " iframeHeight="500"} ::: :::: :::WorkflowBlockItem [Proceed to the firmware repair via qFlipper.](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/basics/firmware-update/firmware-recovery#dYF_V) ::: ::::: *** ### Checking the connection You can check if the device is connected to your computer as a DFU device by doing the following: ::::::Tabs :::::Tab{title="%windows%Windows"} ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Go to **Device Manager**. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Find the **DFU in FS Mode** device. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/TbGugqseaSUdpVpJWTI2y_monosnap-miro-2023-05-12-20-15-38.png "Your Flipper Zero is successfully connected as a DFU device") ::: :::: :::Iframe{iframeHeight="0" code="
The Flipper Zero DFU device doesn’t come with a driver for Windows. The driver is automatically installed during the qFlipper application installation process.
"} ::: ::::: :::::Tab{title="%mac%macOS"} ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Go to ** -> About This Mac -> More info -> System Report**. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Then go to **Hardware -> USB**. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Find the **DFU in FS Mode** device. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/aBncjQngg9sfNC0luflyK_monosnap-miro-2023-05-12-20-16-57.png "Your Flipper Zero is successfully connected as a DFU device") ::: :::: :::Iframe{iframeHeight="0" code="
On macOS, the list of connected devices doesn’t refresh automatically when connecting a new device. To update the list and view the newly connected device, press Command+R.
"} ::: You can also check if your Flipper Zero is connected to your macOS computer as a DFU device using **Terminal**. Run the `system_profiler SPUSBDataType` command in Terminal: ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/PG0SpiYvXqWiaynDS9B6f_monosnap-miro-2023-05-12-20-17-14.png "You can check the connection via macOS Terminal") ::::: :::::Tab{title="%linux%Linux"} ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Run the **Terminal** and enter the `lsusb` command. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Find the **STMicroelectronics STM Device in DFU Mode**. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/X0-mDNwa3QpBKUmBqM7mL_monosnap-miro-2023-05-12-20-19-30.png "You can check the connection via the Terminal") ::: :::: If you have a system information tool installed on your computer: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Go to **USB Devices**. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Find the **DFU in FS Mode** device. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/QxVteQtKpKkqyvtlaFr2j_monosnap-miro-2023-05-12-20-19-51.png "You can check the connection via system information tools") ::: :::: ::::: :::::: ### If your Flipper Zero isn’t detected as a DFU device - Use a different USB cable. - If possible, connect your Flipper Zero directly to a USB port on your computer’s motherboard, avoiding the use of an adapter or hub. - First, remove the microSD card from your Flipper Zero, charge the device for one hour, then attempt to connect it **without** the microSD card inserted. *** # Step 2. Repairing the firmware via qFlipper Once your Flipper Zero is connected to your computer as a DFU device, qFlipper will automatically detect the device. To repair the firmware: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem Run **qFlipper** on your computer. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem On your computer, click the **Repair** button. qFlipper will perform a complete installation of the firmware. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/3StCFqarJkJQZV-7N79yY/tCyKLvjzNphiI6ABaD6p9_monosnap-miro-2023-11-29-16-16-25.jpg "qFlipper automatically detects your Flipper Zero as a DFU device") At this stage, you can also repair the Flipper Zero firmware using a `.dfu` recovery file. Download a `flipper-z-f7-full-[firmware_version].dfu` file from the [update server](https://update.flipperzero.one/builds/firmware/), then select the **Install from file **option in qFlipper. ::: :::: ## If qFlipper fails to repair the firmware - Make sure the qFlipper application is installed on your computer correctly. For more details, see [Installing qFlipper](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/qflipper#Xf0g4). - Reboot your device by pressing and holding the %left%**LEFT** and %back%**BACK** buttons with a USB cable disconnected, then repeat the repair process. - If qFlipper still fails to repair the firmware, perform a hard reboot by pressing and holding the %back%**BACK** button for 30 seconds with a USB cable disconnected, then repeat the repair process. - Run qFlipper as an administrator. - If possible, connect your Flipper Zero directly to a USB port on your computer’s motherboard, avoiding the use of an adapter or hub. - If you have issues on your Windows computer, visit [Troubleshooting drivers on Windows](https://docs.flipper.net/zero/qflipper/windows-debug).