Here is how to update bootloader in the Taranis in a few easy steps. The first thing you want to do is to check what bootloader version you have.
You might still be able to use and update OpenTX without updating the bootloader, and you probably wouldn’t notice any difference. But for some Taranis with really old bootloader version it’s necessary to update it, otherwise you could run into errors when doing things like flashing your receivers for examples through the Taranis.
How to Check Bootloader Version
Enter bootloader mode.
For the X9D (plus) you need to press both horizontal trims inwards while powering on the TX (slide power button upward):
For the Q X7 you need to press both horizontal trims inwards first, then power on the TX.
For the X-Lite, you need to hold down the trim button at the center (make sure all 4 trims are pressed), then power on the TX.
Once the Taranis is in bootloader mode, the version number is displayed on top.
How to Update Taranis Bootloader
Take the OpenTX firmware you will be flashing to your Taranis, and put it in the EEPROM folder in the Taranis SD card, rename it to something less than 9 characters, e.g. opentx223.
Get into the SD card folder in the Taranis, find the file we just placed there in the EEPROM folder.
Hold down the Enter button and select Flash bootloader. That’s it!
Now go to the bootloader mode and verify.
20 comments
I am trying to upgrade my qx7 to edgetx, it crashes and breaks the bootloader. Each time gets harder to reach bootloader and reflash bootloader. In my thrid attempt, have not been able to reflash bootloader and software. Any suggestions? Thanks
In newer versions of OpenTX 2.3 the firmware (renamed to 9 characters) has to be saved to the Firmware folder. The EEPROM Folder is only used for backups and its contents cannot be selected from the “Write Firmware” submenu.
Thanks for the update. In that case you can update Bootloader by flashing OpenTX via DFU mode.
For the x9D+2019 (and 2019 SE) version,
I couldn’t get mine into Bootloader mode whatever I tried, then I read (think it was on GitHub) you need to hold in the trim tabs and then TAP the POWER BUTTON TWICE – apparently it’s a new procedure, probably due to the new momentary power button instead of the previous slide switch.
That worked and I was able to upgrade from 2.3.0 to 2.3.11, on a USB 3 connection (the USB 3 bit might just be luck!).
I found that on my Taranis 7S I had to pull out the trim tab buttons and not push them in to access the bootloader. After attempting to update the software, I found the Tranis locks up, and I had to remove the battery to reset. I could not update the firmware. I tried manually transferring files from the sd card directly to Tranis but that will not work either. I tried using the companion, and it does not work. I am out of ideas.
On my Taranis qx7 running 2.2.2 from 2018 to enter boot loader I push trim switches apart then push power. I have uploaded boot loader to 2.3.9 now I’m learning about open tx installer for firmware update. Having problems getting rxsr or Xm+ to bind to transmitter after I updated firmware on both. Connecting it to Hobbywing xmotor 60a F4 G3 Hope updating transmitter works. Would you suggest a different receiver that works well with f4 and qx7?
Hi Oscar
I have Upgraded my TARANIS X9E to OpenTx 2.3.10
I am not comfortable to do bootloader upgrade, just yet
You suggest to use EEPROM folder on SD card
I have seen some other guys put the downloaded file to FIRMARE file
Does it makes any difference? you still need to do “Upgrade the Bootloader” entry
what seems to be the issue for my qx7s i cant enter bootloader? currently running on 2.2.4, follow the step ( both trim inwards and power up ) however nothing happen. pls help thanks!
too bad taranis doesn’t provide the most basic key presses to access bootloader or firmware access on the x9dplus. If i had realized their manual was garbage and omitted every possible useful piece of information, I would have just bought the x7. this is like a damn scavenger hunt through the internet for basic x9dplus information. what a pain in the ass.
if you can guide, i’d love that, but thanks for your resources otherwise even though this one isn’t what i need.
My Horus is semi-bricked so all these bootloader instructions don’t work for me. I can talk to the TX in the DFU mode, upload a bootloader and firmware but the radio still boots to emergency mode. FrSky is effectively closed for another 2 months so I am just going to buy a paladin.
Does anyone know how to unbrick a Horus?
Have a 2013 X9D not the “Plus”. It doesn’t go into bootloader mode when I press in both sliders, and turn to power on. Tried all kinds of things. Any idea’s what is wrong?
have you confirmed if the trim buttons are working properly? maybe one of them got stuck
Thank you so much for this comment, this was my problem!
Came across same problem trying to falsh the bootloader from the boot loader itself.
Just start the radio as normal and navigate to the SDCard screen. Then go to the EEPROM folder and select the same bin file you used to flash the radio to begin with (having renamed as detailed above), select this bin file and hold the enter key and you then get the option to flash the eeprom, this worked for me using the same bin file. So the above prpcedure appears to be correct, just can’t replace the bootloader from within the bootloader itself it would appear.
Cheers
My sd card EEPROM file currently contains this file
eeprom-2019-04-08-020034.bin
Where do I get the latest update to replace it?
Thanks, DIck
Good afternoon. I have taranis cd plus I have 12 models and they all stoped binding iv tried everything I can’t even get a new build to bind I’m lost and getting very frustrated. Please help. Rudy.
This didn’t work for me. It said its not a valid EEPROM file. opentx234.bin is the file I had, and I used it to update the firmware earlier. Is there a separate bootloader file different from the regular firmware? Because that is what it looks like to me. EIther that or the file extension has to be removed, which seems weird.
Hello Oscar Liang;
After upgrading my old X9D to 2.3.15 it just kinda sorta quit. The screen flashed a few times and went blank. The bootloader is 2.2.4 so I don’t believe it needs to upgraded. My file manager can read the updated sd card via companion 2.3. I downloaded the firmware associated with the version of the transmitter i.e. X9D. I formatted the sd card with the downloaded zipped file and shows the latest version information. I believed I covered all of the items including something else that slips my mine at moment. I did target the location of the sd backup files. Can you think of something that might help me out. I’ll gladly donate to your favorite charity if you reply and bring a bigger smile on your face if works. From Salish Sea. Jim
Hello Oscar, my taranis has open tx v 1.1.02 which is from bronze age. it doesn’t have bootloader avaliable. do have such experience how to update such open tx version to 2.X?
you will have to check with Frsky or OpenTX support about this, i have no experience of updating from V1.X