Keeping your Bose Soundbar up to date is essential to get enhanced performance and access the latest features. Bose frequently releases firmware updates for various models, including Bose Solo, Bose SoundTouch, and Bose Smart. These updates can be performed using multiple methods, such as via a USB drive, smartphone application, Wi-Fi, or computer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to update your Bose Soundbar, ensuring you get the most out of your device.
How to Check the Firmware Version of Your Bose Soundbar
It’s a good idea to check the current firmware version of your Bose Soundbar before deciding if it needs an update. By following the steps below, you can check the firmware version of any Bose Soundbar model.
1. Install the Bose Music App: Download Bose Music on your iPhone or Android device from the Play Store or App Store.
2. Sign In and Connect: Log in to your Bose account and connect your Bose Soundbar to your phone.
3. Access Settings: After connecting, go to Settings within the app. In some versions, you may need to tap the My Bose icon.
4. Select Your Soundbar: Tap your soundbar and click on Technical Info.
5. View Firmware Version: You’ll see the current version of your soundbar below the Firmware Version heading.
Steps to Update Bose Solo Soundbar
The updation steps below can be used for all Bose Solo models, including Solo, Solo 5, Solo 10, Solo 10 Series 2, Solo 15, and Solo 15 Series 2.
Steps to Update Bose Solo 5 Soundbar:
1. Connect Your PC to Wi-Fi: Make sure your computer is connected to a proper Wi-Fi network.
2. Power Off the Soundbar: Turn off the Bose Solo Soundbar and unplug the power cable from the wall outlet.
3. Download the Firmware: Visit the Bose website on your browser, select your Solo Soundbar model, and download the latest firmware file.
4. Prepare the USB Drive: Insert the USB drive into your computer and transfer the firmware file to it. Once done, eject the USB drive.
5. Insert USB into the Soundbar: Plug the USB drive into the Service port on your Solo Soundbar. This port is located near other connection ports.
6. Power On the Soundbar: Plug the soundbar back into the power outlet. Now, the updation process will start.
7. Amber Light Indicator: During the update, the soundbar’s indicator light will turn amber and blink. Once the update finishes, the light will turn off.
8. Remove USB and Restart: Eject the USB drive, turn on the soundbar, and listen to your favorite songs without any issues.
Steps to Update Bose Solo, Solo 10, Solo 10 Series 2, Solo 15, and Solo 15 Series 2 Soundbars
For these Bose Solo models, the update process is slightly different. You will need a PC and USB drive with at least 10MB of storage (no more than 32GB), and it should be formatted to FAT or FAT32.
1. Power On the Soundbar: Turn on your Bose Solo Soundbar and insert the USB drive into the Service port.
2. Download Soundbar Info: The soundbar will download its information to the USB drive. The light will blink amber during this process.
3. Remove USB Drive: Once the light turns off, remove the USB drive from the soundbar.
4. Download the Bose Updater App: Install the Bose Updater app on your Windows PC or MAC.
5. Run the App: Start using the app and follow the on-screen instructions in the app.
6. Insert USB Drive into PC: Connect the USB drive to your PC and follow the instructions to update the firmware.
7. Reconnect USB to Soundbar: After the update, reinsert the USB drive into your soundbar’s Service port and power it on.
8. Complete the Update: The soundbar will begin updating, and the light will blink amber during the process.
9. Final Steps: Once the update is complete, the light will turn off. Remove the USB drive, turn on the soundbar, and start using it.
Steps to Update Bose SoundTouch Soundbar [All Models]
Bose SoundTouch Soundbars come in three models: SoundTouch 300, 120, and 130. You can easily update these soundbars using the SoundTouch app on your smartphone. Here’s a simple guide to updating your Bose SoundTouch soundbar.
Updating via Smartphone
1. Install the SoundTouch App: Download and install the SoundTouch app on your Android or iPhone from the Play Store or App Store. Then, sign in to your Bose account.
2. Pair and Connect: Pair your soundbar with the SoundTouch app and ensure both devices are connected to the same WiFi network for the update to work.
3. Open the Menu: In the SoundTouch app, tap the Menu icon.
4. Go to Speaker Settings: Select Settings and then choose Speaker Settings.
5. Check for Updates: Tap Update Now if you see an update. If no update is available, the Update Software option will be unselectable.
6. Update Process: The update process will begin and may take up to 20 minutes. Once complete, your soundbar will reboot.
After updating, your soundbar will be ready with the latest features and improvements.
Steps to Manually Update Bose SoundTouch 300 Soundbar
1. Turn on your Soundbar: Power on your SoundTouch 300 and ensure it’s connected to a stable WiFi network.
2. Activate Update Mode: Use your remote to press the SoundTouch button (indicated by a music note icon), then press and hold the Closed Captioning (CC) button.
3. Start Update: The soundbar’s four lights will blink white, signaling the start of the update.
4. Monitor the Progress: After a few seconds, only the WiFi lights will blink, showing that the update is in progress.
5. Completion: The process may take about 20 minutes. Once finished, your soundbar will reboot, and you can begin using it after the restart.
How to Update Bose Smart Soundbar
Bose Smart Soundbars are available in various models, including Smart Ultra, Smart 300, Smart 600, Smart 700, and Smart 900. Each model can be updated through several methods, such as manual updates, using a USB, via an IP address, or by configuring a network connection.
Steps to Manually Update Bose Smart Soundbar
To manually update your Bose Smart Soundbar, ensure it’s running firmware version 5.0.12 or later.
1. Connect and Prepare: Power on your soundbar and connect it to a proper WiFi connection.
2. Activate the Update: Press and hold the Music button on the remote for 10 seconds.
3. Check the Light Bar: If a white light scrolls through the indicator bar, the update is in progress.
4. Completion: Once done, your soundbar will reboot automatically.
5. No Update?: If there are no updates, the soundbar will reboot without flashing the light bar.
Steps to Update Bose Smart Soundbar via USB Cable
1. Download the Firmware: Visit the Bose Support website on your computer. Then, navigate to Home Cinema > Soundbars > Select your Smart Soundbar model > Tap How To’s > Software and Firmware. Download the latest firmware for your model. Note that you do not rename or unzip the file after downloading.
2. Connect the USB Cable: Use a USB A-to-Micro USB cable to connect your computer to the Service port on your soundbar.
3. Reboot the Soundbar: Unplug your soundbar from the power source for 30 seconds and then reconnect. The soundbar will blink white while rebooting and turn off once it’s ready.
4. Enter Service Mode: Hold the Bluetooth and Skip Back buttons on your remote for at least 5 seconds to enter Service mode.
5. Access Update Page: Open a web browser on your computer and visit (http://203.0.113.1:17008/update.html). This page allows you to upload the firmware file (this link works only in Service mode).
6. Upload the Firmware: On the webpage, click Choose File, select the downloaded firmware, and click Upload.
7. Complete the Update: After a few minutes, the soundbar will update to the latest firmware, and you can resume using it.
Steps to Update Bose Smart Soundbar via Direct IP Method
You can update your Bose Smart Soundbar using its IP address on a computer and with a stable Wi-Fi connection.
1. Download Firmware: Visit the Bose Support website on your computer. Go to the software update section for your soundbar model and download the update file without unzipping or renaming it.
2. Reboot Soundbar: Unplug your soundbar from the power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi: Make sure your Bose soundbar is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your computer.
4. Find IP Address: Locate your soundbar’s IP address.
5. Access the Update Page: Open a web browser on your computer and enter the soundbar’s IP address, followed by 17008/update.html.
6. Upload Firmware: On the webpage, click Choose File, select the downloaded Zip file, and tap Upload.
7. Complete the Update: Once the process is finished, a “Upload Complete” message will appear on your screen, and the soundbar will reboot. During the update, a white light will scroll across the light bar, indicating that the soundbar is being updated. Once the process is complete, the light will turn off.
Steps to Update Bose Smart Soundbar Using Built-In Setup Network
1. Download Update File: Visit the Bose Support website on your computer and download the correct update file for your soundbar. Make sure you do not rename or unzip the file.
2. Factory Reset Soundbar: Perform a factory reset on your Bose Smart Soundbar.
3. Connect to Network: On your computer, access the Wi-Fi menu and connect to the network that starts with “Bose,” followed by your soundbar’s model name.
4. Open Update Page: Open a web browser and enter the URL (http://203.0.113.1:17008/update.html) to access the update screen.
5. Upload Firmware: Click Choose File on the update page, select the downloaded ZIP file, and click Upload.
6. Complete Update: Once the upload is finished, you’ll see an “Upload Complete” message. The soundbar will restart once the update is complete, indicated by the white light stopping its blinking.
7. Restart and Use: After the restart, your Bose Smart Soundbar will be updated and ready for use.
If you encounter issues finding the firmware update file, visit the Bose website, navigate to Support, and download the necessary file for your device.
Benefits of Updating Your Bose Soundbar
Updating your Bose soundbar offers multiple benefits:
1. Enhanced Performance: New updates bring improved features and optimize the soundbar’s performance.
2. Bug Fixes: Updates eliminate glitches and ensure smooth functionality.
3. Better Compatibility: Your soundbar becomes compatible with a wide range of devices.
4. Increased Security: Security updates protect your soundbar from potential vulnerabilities.
FAQ
If your Bose Soundbar isn’t updating, check your internet connection, ensure the USB drive is properly formatted with enough space, and confirm you’ve downloaded the correct update file. Try resetting the soundbar if the issue persists.
