Keeping your printer's firmware up to date helps improve performance, strengthen security, resolve known issues, and add support for new features. The steps below will help you update your printer safely, troubleshoot common update problems, and verify that the installation completed successfully.

1. Connect Your Printer to the Internet

1. Turn on your printer.
2. Ensure it is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
3. Confirm that the printer has internet access.

A reliable network connection helps prevent interruptions during the update.

2. Check for Firmware Updates

1. Open the Settings, Setup, or Device Settings menu on the printer.
2. Navigate to Firmware Update, Printer Update, or Software Update (the menu name varies by manufacturer).
3. Select Check for Updates.
4. Wait while the printer searches for available firmware.

If an update is available, continue with the installation.

3. Install the Firmware Update

1. Review any information displayed on the screen.
2. Select Download or Install.
3. Wait for the firmware to download and install.
4. Do not turn off the printer or disconnect it from the network during the update.
5. Allow the printer to restart automatically if prompted.

Interrupting the update may damage the firmware and prevent the printer from operating correctly.

4. Verify the Firmware Version

After the printer restarts:

1. Print a configuration or status page, or
2. Open the printer's settings and locate the firmware version.

Verify that the installed firmware matches the latest version available from the manufacturer.

Update Using a Computer

1. Identify Your Printer Model

Locate your printer's exact model number. It is usually found:

• On the front of the printer
• On the back panel
• Inside the printer cover
• On the product label

2. Download the Latest Firmware

1. Visit the printer manufacturer's official support website.
2. Search for your printer model.
3. Open the Drivers, Downloads, or Firmware section.
4. Download the latest firmware that matches your printer model and operating system.

Always download firmware from the manufacturer's official website.

3. Prepare the Printer

Before starting the update:

1. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable or ensure both devices are connected to the same network, if supported.
2. Close any applications currently using the printer.
3. Verify that the printer is powered on and ready.

4. Install the Firmware

1. Run the downloaded firmware update utility.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Keep the printer powered on throughout the update.
4. Do not disconnect the USB cable or network connection.
5. Allow the printer to restart if prompted.

Wait until the update is fully complete before using the printer.

5. Confirm the Update

After installation:

1. Check the firmware version using the printer settings or printer management software.
2. Confirm that the installed version matches the latest release.

If the version has not changed, refer to the troubleshooting section.

Turn On Automatic Firmware Updates (Optional)

Automatic Firmware Updates

1. Open the printer's Settings or Device Management menu.
2. Locate Automatic Updates or Firmware Update Settings.
3. Enable automatic firmware updates.
4. Keep the printer connected to the internet.
5. Schedule updates for times when the printer is not in use to minimize interruptions.

Automatic updates help keep your printer secure without requiring manual checks.

If the firmware update does not complete successfully, try the following solutions.

Printer cannot find a firmware update

• Confirm the printer is connected to the internet.
• Print a network status report to verify connectivity.
• Restart both the printer and your router.
• Verify that the printer's date and time settings are correct, if applicable.
• Check the manufacturer's website to confirm that newer firmware is available.

Firmware update fails or stops

• Keep the printer powered on throughout the update.
• Use a wired Ethernet or USB connection instead of Wi-Fi whenever possible.
• Close applications communicating with the printer.
• Download the firmware again if the original file may be corrupted.
• Restart the update process after rebooting the printer.

Printer becomes unresponsive after the update

1. Wait several minutes to ensure the update has finished.
2. Turn off the printer.
3. Unplug it for approximately 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the power cable.
5. Turn the printer back on.

If your printer supports Firmware Recovery Mode, follow the manufacturer's recovery instructions before attempting another update.

Restore factory settings only if recommended by the manufacturer.

Computer cannot detect the printer

• Try another USB cable.
• Use a different USB port.
• Restart both the computer and printer.
• Reinstall or update the printer driver.
• Ensure the printer and computer are connected to the same network when required.

Firmware version does not change

• Verify that the firmware matches your exact printer model.
• Confirm the installation completed without errors.
• Check the firmware version again using the printer's settings or management software.
• Run the update utility again if necessary.

• Review the firmware release notes before installing to learn about bug fixes, security improvements, new features, known issues, or special installation requirements.
• If network-based updates are repeatedly interrupted, temporarily disable VPN software or restrictive firewall rules if appropriate, then re-enable them after the update.
• If power outages are common in your area, use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to reduce the risk of firmware corruption during the update.

• Ensure the printer is connected to a reliable power source before starting the firmware update.
• Never turn off or unplug the printer during the update process.
• Back up custom printer settings, address books, or network configurations if your printer supports exporting them.
• Download firmware only from the printer manufacturer's official website.
• Verify that the firmware is designed for your exact printer model before installation.
• Avoid printing or sending print jobs while the firmware update is in progress.
• If updating over Wi-Fi, move the printer closer to the router or use a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible.
• If repeated update failures occur or the printer becomes unusable after an update, stop further troubleshooting and contact Swazzy Support.