Owners of popular quadcopters Xiaomi FIMI X8 SE It is a critical procedure that not only adds new features, but also corrects stabilization errors, improves video stream quality and optimizes work. GPS-Modern drones are complex computers, and their brains require regular maintenance.
The upgrade process can seem difficult for a beginner, especially if you have previously used only automatic notifications on your smartphone. However, sometimes automation fails, or the drone requires manual installation of the new version through a firmware file. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances, including working with the FIMI Navi application and manual installation through a memory card.
Ignoring updates can lead to unstable gyroscopes and telemetry issues. Below is a detailed guide to help you safely update your aircraft firmware, avoiding common bugs and the potential risks of bricking your device.
Preparation for the software update procedure
Before you start any manipulation of the drone software, you need to ensure stable conditions for the procedure. Battery charge is the first and most important parameter. Make sure that the quadcopter battery is charged at least 60%, preferably 80-90%. The process of writing data to flash memory is energy intensive, and a sudden power outage can lead to fatal errors.
The second aspect is the stability of the connection between your smartphone and the drone. the Wi-Fi module in FIMI X8 SE is sensitive to interference, so it is better to perform the procedure indoors or in open areas away from powerful radiation sources.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to start the upgrade process if the battery level of the remote control is below 50.
Finally, check out the version of the FIMI Navi app (or FIMI AI, depending on model and region) in the Google Play or App Store. Often new firmware requires an up-to-date version of the client software to properly unpack and install files. Older versions of the apps may simply "not see" the new service pack.
Check the current version and availability of updates
The first step should always be to diagnose the current state of the system: run the application on your smartphone, turn on the drone and remote, wait for the connection. The main interface screen usually displays the current version of the firmware. If a red indicator is lit next to the version number or a pop-up appears, then Xiaomi FIMI servers have already discovered an available novelty for your region.
Sometimes the automatic notification doesn't come right after the new version is released, in which case you manually go to the settings. Click three dots in the corner of the screen, select Settings, then find the About Device or Software Update section. The system will contact the server itself and check the currentness of the installed software.
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If the app says “No Updates” but you know for sure that the new version is out, try changing the region in the app’s settings or switching from Wi-Fi to mobile internet on your smartphone during the checkout.
It is important to understand the difference between updating the remote, drone and camera. The menu can have separate tabs for Remote Controller, Aircraft and Camera. It is recommended to update all components sequentially, starting with the remote, then the drone, and at the end - the camera, if the updates are available separately.
Automatic updates via FIMI Navi app
The easiest and preferred way for most users is an over-the-air update (OTA) when you click the Update button on the menu, the download process begins. Speed depends on your Internet connection, as the file is first downloaded to the phone and then transmitted to the drone.
Once loaded, the installation will begin, at which point the drone can reboot several times, and the indicators on the body will flash in an unusual rhythm. This is normal behavior. The main thing is not to close the application or block the smartphone screen, as this can break the connection at a critical time of recording memory sectors.
☑️ Checklist before launch OTA
Once the process is complete, the application will report success and the drone will automatically restart, and then it is recommended to calibrate the compass and gyroscope, as new control algorithms may require fresh data on the position of the sensors in space, which will take no more than two minutes, but will ensure stability of the flight.
Manual installation of firmware through SD-map
If the automatic method doesn't work, the connection is permanently cut off, or you're in a zone without internet, you'll have to use a manual method, and you'll need a computer, a card reader, and a microSD card that's installed in the drone, and you'll first remove the card from the drone and paste it into the PC.
You need to find the official firmware file on the manufacturer's website or on the community's trusted resources. The file usually has an extension.bin or.fw and a specific name, such as firmware.bin. Copy this file into the memory card's root directory. Importantly, the file should be at the root, not inside the folders.
What if the drone doesn’t see the firmware file?
Put the map back in the drone that's off. Turn on the machine. If the firmware file is correct, the indicators will start flashing, signaling the start of the process. Under no circumstances turn off the drone and remove the map until the blinking stops and the drone goes into normal standby mode.
Compatibility table and software versions
It is important for users to navigate versions, as FIMI X8 SE has several modifications (2018, 2020, V2, V3). Installing firmware from another model can lead to functionality failure.
| Model drone | Current version of the software (example) | Min version of the annex | Critical changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIMI X8 SE 2018 | 1.5.6.46 | 1.3.2 | GPS fix |
| FIMI X8 SE 2020 | 2.1.0.12 | 2.0.5 | Improved zoom |
| FIMI X8 SE V2 | 2.3.4.10 | 2.1.0 | New OcuSync protocol |
| FIMI X8 SE V3 | 3.0.1.55 | 3.0.0 | Support for 4K 100Mbps |
Look for hardware revisions that can vary even within the same lineup. Hardware is often duplicated in the app when you connect. If you own the 2020 version, don't try to install firmware from the 2018 version, because the camera and transmitter are very different.
⚠️ Warning: After manually installing the firmware, be sure to perform a full reset of calibration settings (IMU Old calibration data may conflict with new flight algorithms, leading to a drone drifting toward the other end.
Possible errors and methods of their elimination
During the update process, users often encounter an Update Failed error or an endless download cycle, most often because the firmware file was corrupted when downloaded. Try downloading the package again using another Wi-Fi connection or mobile network to eliminate broken data packets.
Another common problem is the app's crowded cache: Before you try again, go to your smartphone's settings, find the FIMI Navi app and clear its cache. Don't delete the data completely unless you want to reset maps and flight logs, but the cache can be reset safely.
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If the drone is “stuck” on the logo after the update, try pressing the power button on the 15-20 If that doesn't work, repeat the manual installation procedure through SD-map.
If nothing helps and the drone has stopped responding to commands, it may be necessary to use special utilities to flash through the drone. USB-TTL adapter, but this is a level of advanced repair, requiring disassembly of the case and soldering skills. 95 percent of the time, rewriting the file on the back of the file helps. SD-map-format FAT32.