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Problems after a firmware update

Guide based on the manufacturers' official documentation; usi3d has not yet verified it on a machine.

Technology: FDM · Symptoms: Problems after a firmware update, The printer shows an error code or message · Updated on 9 October 2026

Symptom

After updating, the display shows squares or strange symbols, configuration or memory (EEPROM) errors appear, the first layer or temperatures no longer behave as before, or the update fails halfway. In Klipper, the system asks you to reflash the board or reports configuration errors.

Likely causes, from most to least likely

  1. Firmware for another model or variant was installed.
  2. Old saved settings and calibrations that no longer fit the new version (for example, the EEPROM in Marlin).
  3. The update was interrupted or failed because of the USB cable, the port, or a program that was using the connection.
  4. In Klipper, the software on the computer was updated but not the one on the board (MCU), or there are incompatible configuration changes.

Checks to tell which one it is

  • Check in the printer's info menu which firmware version and model are installed.
  • In Marlin, look in the console for messages such as “Error:EEPROM datasize error” or “EEPROM CRC mismatch”.
  • If you updated over a cable, check the updater's log: it usually says whether the file was wrong or the port couldn't be opened.
  • In Klipper, read the warning: if it asks to reflash the board, the MCU firmware must be rebuilt and flashed again; RESTART and FIRMWARE_RESTART don't load new software.

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. Install the correct firmware

    Download the exact firmware for your model from the official website, unzip it if needed and install it again following the manufacturer's guide: with the printer switched on, a good USB data cable and no other programs using the port (slicers, print managers or others).

    Check: The display shows normal text and the right version.

    If that does not fix it: Reset the stored settings.

  2. Reset the stored settings (Marlin)

    If EEPROM errors appear, first write down your settings and calibrations, send M502 and then M500, and restart the printer. This returns to the firmware's factory values, so you'll need to recalibrate.

    Check: The EEPROM errors are gone at startup.

    If that does not fix it: Do a factory reset.

  3. Do a factory reset

    Many printers have a factory reset that clears old calibrations and settings the update doesn't wipe. Run it following the manual (it also erases statistics and calibrations), reinstall the firmware if needed and repeat the calibration wizard.

    Check: The printer works as if freshly set up.

    If that does not fix it: Contact your manufacturer's support.

  4. Klipper: update the board too and review the config

    If after updating Klipper it warns that the MCU must be reflashed, or an odd error appears, follow the full procedure (make menuconfig, make clean, make and make flash) and review the configuration changes document (Config Changes) in case printer.cfg needs changes.

    Check: Klipper starts without errors and the printer works.

    If that does not fix it: Review the configuration changes document again; if the printer shipped with Klipper, contact its support.

  5. Recalibrate after updating

    After changing firmware or resetting settings, repeat the calibrations: first layer or Z offset, and hotend and bed PID.

    Check: The first layer and temperatures are right again.

    If that does not fix it: Contact your manufacturer's support.

Prevention

  • Only download firmware from the official website and check it's for your exact model.
  • Before updating, write down your settings and calibrations and read the release notes (in Klipper, the configuration changes document).
  • Don't unplug the cable or switch the printer off while it updates.

Still not fixed?

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Printers it applies to

Any FDM (filament) 3D printer, from any brand.

Official sources

This guide summarises the official documentation linked here:

This guide is general information: usi3d has summarised it from the official documentation linked here, and it may not match your model, its version or its firmware. If in doubt, follow the manual and the support of your printer's manufacturer. You decide what you do with your machine, and working on it may affect its warranty.

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