How to Flash and Update FLYQ Air Firmware
Understanding FLYQ Firmware Updates
Keeping your FLYQ Air drone firmware up-to-date is essential for optimal performance, new features, and safety improvements. This comprehensive guide covers everything from automatic updates to manual firmware flashing for advanced users.
Why Firmware Updates Matter
Firmware updates provide: enhanced flight stability algorithms, new intelligent flight modes, improved obstacle avoidance, camera performance optimization, bug fixes and security patches, and extended battery efficiency. FLYQ releases updates regularly to ensure your drone performs at its best.
Method 1: Automatic Updates via FLYQ App (Recommended)
The easiest way to update your FLYQ Air firmware is through the official FLYQ mobile app. This method is recommended for 95% of users.
Prerequisites
• Fully charged drone battery (minimum 50%)
• Fully charged remote controller
• Stable Wi-Fi connection
• Latest FLYQ app installed on your mobile device
• At least 2GB free storage on your phone
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Power on your FLYQ Air drone and remote controller. Wait for the connection to establish (green LED indicators).
Step 2: Open the FLYQ app on your mobile device. The app will automatically check for available firmware updates.
Step 3: If an update is available, youll see a notification banner at the top of the screen: "Firmware Update Available - Version X.X.X"
Step 4: Tap "Download" to begin downloading the firmware package. Download size typically ranges from 150MB to 400MB depending on the update.
Step 5: Once download completes, tap "Install Now". DO NOT power off the drone or controller during installation.
Step 6: The installation process takes 10-20 minutes. Progress bars will show: Aircraft Firmware (5-8 minutes), Remote Controller Firmware (3-5 minutes), Battery Firmware (2-4 minutes).
Step 7: After installation, both drone and controller will restart automatically. Wait for the restart cycle to complete (approximately 2 minutes).
Step 8: Verify successful update by checking: Settings → About → Firmware Version. The new version number should match the update you installed.
Troubleshooting Auto-Updates
Update fails at 30-40%: Weak Wi-Fi signal. Move closer to your router and restart the download.
"Installation Failed" error: Restart drone and controller, ensure battery is above 50%, and try again.
Drone wont power on after update: Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force restart. If still unresponsive, see manual recovery methods below.
Method 2: Manual Firmware Flashing (Advanced Users)
For advanced users who need to: downgrade firmware, install beta/experimental versions, recover from failed updates, or customize firmware parameters.
Required Tools and Software
• FLYQ Air drone with USB-C data cable
• Windows PC, Mac, or Linux computer
• FLYQ Firmware Flash Tool (download from flyq.com/support/tools)
• Latest firmware binary files (.bin format)
• USB drivers installed (automatic on most systems)
Downloading Firmware Binary Files
Official Release Firmware: Visit flyq.com/support/firmware and navigate to your drone model (FLYQ Air, Air 2, Air 3, etc.). Download the complete firmware package which includes: main_firmware.bin, controller_firmware.bin, battery_firmware.bin, and checksum verification file (SHA256).
Beta Firmware (Testers Only): Beta firmware requires enrollment in the FLYQ Beta Program. Access beta downloads through your beta portal account.
Installing FLYQ Firmware Flash Tool
For Windows: Download FLYQ_Flash_Tool_Win.exe from the support page. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. The tool will automatically install required USB drivers.
For Mac: Download FLYQ_Flash_Tool_Mac.dmg. Open the DMG file and drag FLYQ Flash Tool to Applications folder. On first launch, go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy and click "Open Anyway".
For Linux: Download the AppImage file, make it executable with chmod +x, and run. You may need to install libusb-1.0 manually: sudo apt-get install libusb-1.0-0
Flashing Process Using Flash Tool
Step 1: Prepare the Drone
Power off your FLYQ Air completely. Remove the battery and wait 10 seconds. Reinsert the battery but DO NOT power on yet.
Step 2: Enter DFU Mode
Press and hold the power button. While holding, connect the USB-C cable from drone to your computer. Continue holding power button for 5 seconds, then release. The status LED will blink red-blue rapidly, indicating DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.
Step 3: Launch Flash Tool
Open FLYQ Firmware Flash Tool. The tool will detect your drone automatically. You should see "FLYQ Air Detected - Serial: XXXX" in the connection status panel.
Step 4: Select Firmware Files
Click "Add Files" and navigate to your downloaded firmware binaries. Add each file with its correct memory address:
• main_firmware.bin → Address: 0x10000
• bootloader.bin → Address: 0x1000
• partition_table.bin → Address: 0x8000
Step 5: Configure Flash Settings
Set the following parameters:
• Chip Type: Auto-detect (should show ESP32-S3)
• Flash Speed: 921600 (default, reduce to 115200 if errors occur)
• Flash Mode: DIO
• Flash Size: 16MB (for FLYQ Air 2/3), 8MB (for FLYQ Air original)
Step 6: Verify Files
Click "Verify Checksums" to ensure downloaded files arent corrupted. All files should show green checkmarks.
Step 7: Start Flashing
Click the large "FLASH" button. The progress bar will show:
• Erasing flash memory (30 seconds)
• Writing firmware (2-5 minutes)
• Verifying written data (1 minute)
Step 8: Complete and Test
When you see "Flash Complete - Success!", disconnect the USB cable. Press the power button to boot normally. The first boot after manual flashing takes 30-60 seconds as the drone initializes new firmware.
Common Flash Tool Errors and Solutions
Error: "Device Not Found"
• Ensure drone is in DFU mode (red-blue blinking LED)
• Try a different USB cable (must be data cable, not charge-only)
• Reinstall USB drivers from FLYQ support page
• Try a different USB port (prefer USB 2.0 ports over USB 3.0)
Error: "Flash Failed at 47%"
• Reduce flash speed to 115200 and retry
• Check USB cable quality
• Ensure battery is fully charged
• Close other applications that might access USB ports
Error: "Checksum Mismatch"
• Downloaded firmware is corrupted
• Re-download firmware files
• Download from official FLYQ sources only
Error: "Timeout Waiting for Response"
• Drone exited DFU mode - restart DFU mode procedure
• USB connection interrupted - use shorter, higher quality cable
• Computer USB power saving interfering - disable USB selective suspend in power settings
Method 3: Web-Based Firmware Flashing
For users who prefer not to install software, FLYQ offers a web-based firmware flash tool accessible through Chrome or Edge browsers (requires WebUSB support).
Using FLYQ Web Flash Tool
Step 1: Visit flash.flyq.com using Chrome or Edge browser (Firefox and Safari not supported due to WebUSB limitations).
Step 2: Put your FLYQ Air into DFU mode as described above (power button held while connecting USB).
Step 3: Click "Connect Device" on the web page. A browser popup will show available USB devices. Select "FLYQ Air - Serial: XXXX".
Step 4: The web tool automatically detects your drone model and firmware version. Click "Select Firmware Version" and choose the desired version from the dropdown menu.
Step 5: Click "Load Firmware Files" - the tool downloads firmware directly from FLYQ servers (no manual download needed).
Step 6: Review the firmware details and click "Flash Firmware". Progress is shown in real-time with percentage and estimated time remaining.
Step 7: Upon completion, the web page displays "Flashing Complete ✓". Disconnect USB and power on your drone normally.
Web Flash Tool Advantages
• No software installation required
• Always uses latest flash tool version
• Automatic firmware downloads
• Works on any operating system with Chrome/Edge
• Simpler interface for beginners
Web Flash Tool Limitations
• Requires internet connection throughout process
• Cannot flash custom/modified firmware
• Limited to official release versions only
• No advanced configuration options
Firmware Recovery Mode
If your FLYQ Air fails to boot after a failed update or becomes unresponsive, you can use Recovery Mode to restore functionality.
Entering Recovery Mode
Method 1: Button Combination
1. Power off the drone completely
2. Press and hold: Power Button + Return Home Button simultaneously
3. While holding both, connect USB cable to computer
4. Continue holding for 8 seconds
5. Release buttons - LED will show solid red indicating Recovery Mode
Method 2: Hardware Reset
If button method fails, locate the small reset pinhole on the bottom of the drone (near battery compartment). Use a paperclip to press and hold the internal button while powering on. Hold for 5 seconds until LED shows solid red.
Recovering from Failed Updates
Once in Recovery Mode, use FLYQ Firmware Flash Tool or Web Flash Tool to install firmware. Recovery Mode accepts firmware even if the previous installation was incomplete. Always flash the latest stable firmware version when recovering.
Downgrading Firmware
Occasionally you may want to downgrade to a previous firmware version (compatibility issues, new bugs, preference for older features).
Downgrade Procedure
Warning: Downgrading can potentially cause data loss or unexpected behavior. Back up your flight logs and settings before proceeding.
Step 1: Download the older firmware version you want from flyq.com/support/firmware/archive
Step 2: Use Manual Flashing Method (Method 2) or Web Flash Tool to install the older version. The automatic app update (Method 1) only installs newer versions.
Step 3: After downgrading, perform a factory reset: Settings → System → Factory Reset. This clears configuration data that might be incompatible with older firmware.
Step 4: Recalibrate all sensors: IMU calibration, Compass calibration, Gimbal calibration, and Vision system calibration.
Important Downgrade Notes
• FLYQ app may continue prompting you to update - dismiss these notifications
• Some features from newer firmware may not be available
• Flight logs recorded on newer firmware may not open properly
• You can always upgrade again later using Method 1
Beta Firmware Testing Program
FLYQ releases beta firmware to registered testers 2-4 weeks before public release. Beta testers help identify bugs and provide feedback.
Joining Beta Program
Visit flyq.com/beta and complete the enrollment form. Requirements include: 50+ hours flight time, basic technical knowledge, willingness to report bugs, and acceptance of risks (beta firmware may have issues).
Installing Beta Firmware
Beta firmware is only available through Manual Flashing (Method 2). Download from your beta portal account, never from unofficial sources. Beta versions are marked with "-beta" suffix (example: v3.2.1-beta3).
Reverting from Beta
To return to stable firmware, download the latest stable release and flash using Method 2. Then perform factory reset and sensor recalibration.
Firmware Changelog and Version History
Always review changelogs before updating to understand what has changed. Access changelogs at: flyq.com/support/firmware/changelog
Understanding Version Numbers
FLYQ uses semantic versioning: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH
• MAJOR: Significant changes, new features, possible breaking changes
• MINOR: New features, improvements, fully backward compatible
• PATCH: Bug fixes, minor tweaks, security patches
Example: Version 3.2.0 → 3.2.1 is a patch update (bug fixes only). Version 3.2.1 → 3.3.0 is a minor update (new features). Version 3.3.0 → 4.0.0 is a major update (significant changes).
Post-Update Checklist
After any firmware update, perform these checks before flying:
✓ Check version numbers: Verify firmware version matches what you installed
✓ Sensor calibration: Recalibrate compass and IMU if update changelog mentions sensor changes
✓ Camera test: Test photo/video recording and gimbal movement
✓ Test flight: Perform a short test flight in open area, testing basic movements and RTH
✓ Review settings: Some updates reset certain settings to defaults - review your preferences
✓ Update controller: Ensure controller firmware matches aircraft firmware version
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I update firmware?
A: Update within 1-2 weeks of new stable releases. Critical security updates should be installed immediately.
Q: Can I fly while firmware is downloading?
A: No. Wait until download completes, then fly. Starting a flight interrupts the download.
Q: What if my drone powers off during update?
A: If battery dies during update, the drone enters automatic Recovery Mode. Charge battery and use Recovery Mode flashing to restore.
Q: Will updating erase my flight logs?
A: No. Flight logs, photos, and videos are preserved during updates. Settings are usually preserved but occasionally reset.
Q: Can I update without internet?
A: Method 1 (app update) requires internet to download. Method 2 (manual flash) can be done offline if you previously downloaded firmware files.
Q: Why is my controller firmware different from aircraft?
A: Controller and aircraft have independent firmware versions. Always update both when prompted.
Q: Can I use third-party firmware?
A: Third-party firmware voids warranty and may damage your drone. FLYQ only supports official firmware.
Getting Support
If you encounter issues during firmware updates:
• Live Chat: flyq.com/support (Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM EST)
• Email Support: support@flyq.com (24-48 hour response)
• Community Forums: forums.flyq.com/firmware-updates
• Video Tutorials: youtube.com/flyqair/firmware-guides
Safety Reminders
• Never update firmware in the field before important flights
• Always keep at least one backup battery fully charged during updates
• Perform test flights in safe, open areas after major updates
• Read changelog notes before updating to understand changes
• Keep your FLYQ app updated to latest version
• Back up important flight data before major version upgrades
Conclusion
Firmware updates are essential for maintaining your FLYQ Airs peak performance and safety. While automatic updates (Method 1) work perfectly for most users, understanding manual flashing methods empowers you to handle any situation - from recovery to beta testing. Keep your drone updated, follow best practices, and enjoy the continuous improvements FLYQ engineers deliver with each release.