Firmware update (OTA)
Update firmware wirelessly — on the device itself or via the app
OTA means "over the air": the HydroCommander downloads the new firmware itself via Wi-Fi and installs it — no cable, no PC.
THERE ARE TWO WAYS:
- On the device (recommended) — when you open "Info & update", the HydroCommander checks by itself whether an update is available and installs it at the press of a button. Neither app nor URL needed.
- Via the app — the app checks once a day whether a newer version exists and shows it on the home screen; tap the notice and "Update now". You can also check for an update yourself at any time under Settings → Firmware update (OTA).
REQUIREMENTS
- The HydroCommander is on Wi-Fi with internet access.
- For the app route additionally: your phone on the SAME Wi-Fi — for security, updating remotely via the cloud is blocked.
SECURITY: The HydroCommander only installs firmware with a valid digital signature. A tampered or incompletely downloaded update is discarded; the installed version then stays unchanged.
1Compare versions
The path differs between app and device — the result is the same.
In the app
Settings → About shows the installed version. If there is a newer one, the home screen shows it. The changelog is on hydrocommander.com.
On the device
Settings → "System settings" → tap "Info & update" (the tile shows version and uptime). The popup names the installed version and — once the online check has finished — the newest available one.
2Route A: update directly on the device
If a newer version exists, an "Update now" button appears in the "Info & update" window. Tap it — the update starts right away, there is no further prompt. The device downloads the firmware from hydrocommander.com by itself.
Tip
The simplest route: no app, no URL, no typing. The device checks on its own whether something new is available as soon as you open the window.
3Route B: update via the app
The path differs between app and device — the result is the same.
In the app
If the home screen shows "Firmware … available", tap it and choose "Update now". Or check yourself: Settings → Firmware update (OTA) → "Check for update", then tap "Update now" and confirm the safety prompt. A few minutes later the app reports whether the update was applied.
Caution
This route exists only in the app, not on the device display — and it only works with phone and device on the same Wi-Fi.
4Wait (~3 minutes)
First all running pumps are stopped automatically. Then the HydroCommander downloads the firmware (1–2 min), verifies the signature, installs the update and restarts. The display may briefly go black — that is normal.
Caution
Never disconnect power during the update!
5Verify success
After the restart check the version number — on the device in the "Info & update" window, in the app under Settings → About.
All settings, calibrations, zones, presets and statistics are preserved across the update.
Tip
The release notes are worth a look — new features are often included.
WHAT THE DEVICE INSISTS ON
- A valid signature — only signed firmware is installed. If the check fails, the previous version stays active.
- A trusted source — in normal operation only addresses from hydrocommander.com; in maintenance mode also an address in your own home network.
- No remote updates — OTA over the cloud is deliberately blocked.
THE RIGHT MOMENT
Do not install an update right before a vacation or a longer absence — better a few days earlier, while there is still time to check.
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
- Update aborts → the old firmware stays intact and keeps running. Check the internet connection and try again.
- No newer version appears in the "Info & update" window → either the device is already up to date, or the check is still running or the device has no internet right now.
- Device does not start after the update → disconnect power for 30 seconds and reconnect.
- New features missing in the app → update or restart the app.