K1: update not found, update fails or it stays on the start screen (memory full)

Symptom

On a K1 series printer, the online (OTA) update says «You are currently on the latest version» even though a newer one exists, the update fails, or the printer stays on the boot screen or behaves abnormally after uploading or copying G-code files, even after restarting.

Likely causes, from most to least likely

1. The printer is not connected to the network: K1 printers only connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi.
2. Creality Cloud has not yet released the new firmware for your model: if it is not released, the OTA cannot detect it.
3. An unstable connection during the download; an iPhone hotspot uses WPA2-AES encryption by default, which may not be compatible with the printer.
4. Internal storage is almost full of G-code and timelapse videos: Creality asks to keep more than 1 GB free.
5. Old firmware, or a communication fault between the nozzle's small board and the mainboard that leaves the printer stuck on the start screen.

Checks to tell which one it is

• In the network settings, check that it is connected: its IP should appear under the Wi-Fi name.
• Check on the Creality Cloud firmware page whether there really is a new version for your model.
• Under Settings → About the device, check how much storage is free.
• If it stays on boot, watch the blue light on the nozzle's small board: it should stay on steadily.

Before you start

Before taking anything apart, cleaning or adjusting it, switch the printer off and unplug it, unless a step says otherwise, and do not touch the nozzle, the heater block or the bed until they have cooled down. If in any doubt about electricity, heat or moving parts, stop and ask a professional.

Step-by-step fix

1. Connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and retry

   Connect the printer to a 2.4 GHz network and confirm its IP appears. If it was already connected, disconnect it from that Wi-Fi, restart the printer, reconnect and try the update again.

   Check: The OTA detects the new version and installs it.

   If that does not fix it: Try an Android phone hotspot (next step).

2. Try an Android phone hotspot

   Create a hotspot with an Android phone, connect the printer and start the update. Creality advises against an iPhone hotspot because of its default WPA2-AES encryption.

   Check: The printer finds the new firmware and completes the update.

   If that does not fix it: Update from a USB drive (next step).

3. Update from a USB drive

   Download the latest official firmware from the Creality or Creality Cloud website to a USB drive, insert it into the printer and start the update from its menu.

   Check: The new version shows in Settings.

   If that does not fix it: Check free storage (next step).

4. Free up internal storage

   If less than 1 GB is free, delete G-code and videos: on the screen, long-press a file in the file list, tick the ones you do not need and delete them; or from Creality Print, on the device page, delete files, history and timelapses. You can also restore factory settings (Settings → Restore factory).

   Check: More than 1 GB is free and the printer works normally again.

   If that does not fix it: If it no longer responds even after restarting, Creality publishes a recovery procedure for the K1 Max with full memory; if you do not feel confident, contact its support.

5. If it stays on the start screen

   Restart it and make sure the firmware is up to date. With the printer switched off and unplugged, disconnect and reconnect the cable between the nozzle and the mainboard. When powered on, the blue light on the nozzle's small board should stay on steadily.

   Check: The printer goes from the start screen to the menu.

   If that does not fix it: Creality tests the cable's continuity with a multimeter (buzzer mode) and replaces it if needed; with the cable ruled out, it replaces the nozzle board or the mainboard. Order the parts from its support.

Prevention

• Every now and then delete G-code and videos you do not need and keep more than 1 GB free.
• Update over a stable 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
• Before looking for an OTA update, check on Creality Cloud which firmware is released for your model.

Still not fixed?

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Printers it applies to

The Creality K1 family: K1, K1 Max, K1 SE and K1C.

Official sources

This guide summarises the official documentation linked here:

• OTA Online Upgrade Is Not Available (K1 series) · Creality
• K1 update failure · Creality
• K1 is Stuck at starting screen · Creality
• K1 Max Memory Full Brick Processing Procedure · Creality