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OTA Firmware Update

Update nRF52 nodes wirelessly via Bluetooth — no physical access required.

What are OTA Firmware Updates?

Some nodes permit firmware updates via OTA (Over-The-Air) Bluetooth connections. This is beneficial for hard-to-reach node placements such as solar, rooftop, or treetop installations.

Not all nodes support OTA updates. Nodes with nRF52 chipsets (particularly the RAK Wisblock RAK4631) have confirmed OTA support. Research your specific nRF52 variant before attempting.

IMPORTANT: Updating firmware can fail and brick devices. Do research and test updates on accessible devices before attempting on difficult-to-reach installations!

Requirements

  • nRF52 node (typically RAK Wisblock RAK4631) — confirm OTA update compatibility via Meshtastic GitHub
  • Android phone or tablet
  • nRF DFU App by Nordic Semiconductor (v4.29.1) from Play Store
  • OTA-compatible firmware from Meshtastic
  • Solid Bluetooth connection maintained throughout the entire process

Helpful Resources

Preparing Firmware

  1. Visit the Meshtastic nRF52 OTA page
  2. Navigate to Meshtastic Downloads → Firmware section
  3. Select Stable, Alpha, or Bleeding version and go to the GitHub releases page
  4. Scroll to Assets
  5. Locate firmware-nrf52840-x.x.x zip file (exclude variants with “elfs”)
  6. Download and unzip
  7. Locate the file for your specific device model with ota designation (e.g., RAK4631)
  8. Note the file location for later

OTA Update Process

(App updated 1/28/26)

CRITICAL — Back up secure keys and essential node data before proceeding! Once started, device recovery is impossible without direct physical access.

  1. Disconnect from the target node in the Meshtastic App
  2. Open the nRF DFU App
  3. Under File step: Select the previously downloaded OTA firmware file
  4. Verify the filename and size display correctly
  5. Under Device step: Select Select to open the scanner
  6. Grant Bluetooth permission if requested
  7. App scans for Bluetooth devices
  8. CAREFULLY select your target device — verify by name and MAC address. Selecting the wrong device corrupts its firmware.
  9. Under Progress step: Select Start — upload and installation begin
  10. Monitor progress (expect 3–7 minutes; connection speeds display)
  11. The node will restart after completion — allow several minutes
  12. Connect via Meshtastic App (settings are typically reset during the process)
  13. Reconfigure node settings and restore Security Keys if needed

Congratulations! OTA Firmware Update completed successfully!