> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.researchanddesire.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Firmware Updates

> How your trainer receives and installs software updates

Your Deepthroat Trainer receives firmware updates over-the-air (OTA) when connected to Wi-Fi. Updates bring new features, improvements, and bug fixes.

## How updates work

### Automatic checking

Each time you power on and connect to Wi-Fi, the trainer checks for available updates during the preflight phase.

### Update process

When an update is available:

1. The screen shows "Updating" with progress information
2. New firmware downloads automatically
3. The device restarts with the new version

<Warning>
  Do not power off the device during an update. Wait for it to complete and restart automatically. Interrupting an update could cause issues.
</Warning>

## Firmware streams

Your trainer may receive updates from different firmware streams:

| Stream         | Description                                        |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| **Production** | Stable releases for general use                    |
| **Beta**       | Preview releases with new features (may have bugs) |
| **Alpha**      | Early testing builds (internal/limited use)        |

<Info>
  Most users receive production updates automatically. Beta enrollment is typically managed through your dashboard account or subscription tier.
</Info>

### Current beta status

Active subscribers are often enrolled in the beta stream during rollouts. A dashboard toggle to switch between Production, Beta, and Latest streams is planned.

See the <a href="/dtt/software-2.0-preview">Software 2.0 Preview</a> for details on current beta features.

## What updates include

Firmware updates may include:

* **New features** — Training modes, UI improvements, customization
* **Bug fixes** — Resolved issues from previous versions
* **Performance** — Faster response, better stability
* **Security** — Protection improvements

## Version information

Your current firmware version is displayed during device startup. Note this information when contacting support.

## Manual update check

To force an update check:

1. Ensure Wi-Fi is connected
2. Power cycle the device
3. The preflight checks will look for updates automatically

There's no manual "check for updates" button — the check happens automatically on each startup when online.

## Manual USB flashing

If your Trainer can't receive OTA updates (due to connectivity issues or network restrictions), you can manually flash firmware using a USB cable and the Web Flasher.

<Info>
  Use manual USB flashing when troubleshooting connectivity issues or when instructed by support. Most users won't need this—OTA updates handle everything automatically.
</Info>

### Prerequisites

* A USB cable that supports **data transfer** (not just charging)
* A computer with an available USB port
* Google Chrome, Edge, or another Chromium-based browser

<Warning>
  **Hardware compatibility:** Trainers purchased before July 1st, 2025 do not have the required USB interface for manual flashing. If you see a message indicating your device isn't flashable, or if the webflasher cannot detect your device, contact [support@researchanddesire.com](mailto:support@researchanddesire.com) for assistance.
</Warning>

### Flashing instructions

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect your Trainer">
    Plug the USB cable into your Deepthroat Trainer and connect the other end to your computer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Web Flasher">
    Navigate to [dashboard.researchanddesire.com/app/tools/web-flasher](https://dashboard.researchanddesire.com/app/tools/web-flasher) in your browser.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select firmware options">
    In the Web Flasher:

    1. Select **Deepthroat Trainer** from the device dropdown
    2. Select **Production** from the firmware stream dropdown
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect to your device">
    Click **Connect** and select your device from the list. Look for a device labeled:

    * **UART Bridge**
    * **USB JTAG** (or similar)

    <Warning>
      If no device appears, verify your cable supports data transfer and try a different USB port.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Flash the firmware">
    Click **Flash** to install the firmware. Wait for the process to complete.

    <Warning>
      Do **not** enable "Erase device" unless specifically instructed by support. Erasing clears your Trainer ID and requires re-provisioning.
    </Warning>
  </Step>
</Steps>

### After flashing

Once the flash completes, your Trainer restarts with the new firmware. Connect to Wi-Fi to verify connectivity.

If you see **E-DTT-1** ("No internet. Check firewall and router.") after connecting, this confirms a network restriction is blocking your device. Follow the <a href="/dtt/errors/e-dtt-1">E-DTT-1 troubleshooting guide</a> to resolve the issue.

## Update requirements

| Requirement  | Details                            |
| ------------ | ---------------------------------- |
| **Internet** | Wi-Fi connection required          |
| **Battery**  | Sufficient charge recommended      |
| **Time**     | Updates typically take 1-3 minutes |

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Update doesn't start">
    * Verify Wi-Fi is connected and working
    * Check that the device can reach the internet (no firewall blocks)
    * Try power cycling and reconnecting
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Update fails or restarts repeatedly">
    * Ensure stable power (plug in charger if battery is low)
    * Check for strong Wi-Fi signal
    * If repeated failures, contact support
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Trainer ID shows jumbled or random characters after update">
    If your Trainer ID displays corrupted characters (such as ".t", "U]t", or other random symbols) and changes on every reboot, the device's provisioning data was erased during the firmware update.

    **Cause:**
    This typically happens when using the web flasher with the "Erase device" option enabled. The erase option clears all stored data including the unique Trainer ID assigned during manufacturing.

    **Solution:**
    Contact support at [support@researchanddesire.com](mailto:support@researchanddesire.com). Include:

    * Your order number
    * A description of what you see on the screen
    * The steps you took before the issue appeared

    Support can re-provision your device with a new Trainer ID.

    <Warning>
      When using the web flasher, only enable "Erase device" if specifically instructed by support. Normal firmware updates do not require erasing the device.
    </Warning>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Features don't match documentation">
    * You may be on a different firmware stream than documented
    * Some features are beta/preview only
    * Check your current version against release notes
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I downgrade firmware?">
    Downgrading isn't supported through normal operation. If you're experiencing issues with a new version, contact support.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Release communication

Updates and changes are communicated through:

* Dashboard announcements
* Documentation updates
* The <a href="/dtt/software-2.0-preview">Software 2.0 Preview</a> page

## Related guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Software 2.0 Preview" icon="sparkles" href="/dtt/software-2.0-preview">
    Current beta features and roadmap.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Wi-Fi Setup" icon="wifi" href="/dtt/quick-start/pairing/wifi-setup">
    Connect your trainer for updates.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>