How to Update Yamaha Soundbar Firmware Update [All Models]

Despite the solid reputation, Yamaha Soundbars need to be updated consistently to make it more compatible. You can update the firmware of any model of Yamaha Soundbar using WIFI or via a USB flash drive. After doing an update, minor bugs and errors will be fixed, and your soundbar will become more stable. Along with that, you’ll get new software upgrades on DTS:X, Dolby Surround, etc., which get added.

If you are a Yamaha Soundbar user and are looking for ways to update your device, then follow this article. Here, I have provided ways to check and update firmware on all models of Yamaha Soundbars, along with a few solutions if it fails to do so.

How to Check Yamaha Soundbar Firmware

Before downloading the latest firmware update for your Yamaha Soundbar, it is advisable to check the current firmware version of your soundbar. You can do that via the Sound Bar Controller app installed on your Smartphone.

1. Launch the Sound Bar Controller app on your smartphone and choose your soundbar. You can find all the paired devices provided at the top.

2. Click on Sound Bar Info.

3. After this, the app will display your soundbar’s Firmware version.

Note: If the current firmware version of your soundbar is newer or the same as the one you have downloaded, an update won’t occur.

Ways to Update Yamaha Soundbar

Depending upon the model, the Yamaha Soundbar can be updated in 2 different ways. One is to update via the Internet, and the other is to update via a USB drive. Both of the procedures are explained below, and choose a method suitable to your model.

How to Update Yamaha Soundbar via a Network

This method involves updating your Yamaha Soundbar firmware via the internet. For this, we need to connect your soundbar to the internet via the Sound Bar Controller app. You can apply this method on Yamaha Soundbars like True X Bar 50 A, X Bar 40 A, ATS-X500, etc. After pairing both devices, it will look for updates automatically and install it on your Yamaha Soundbar. The procedure is as follows.

1. Install the Sound Bar Controller app on your iPhone or Android Smartphone.

2. Now, launch the Sound Bar Controller app on your smartphone and click on Add Soundbar.

3. In the following steps, you have to choose the model number of your soundbar.

4. After this, turn on your Yamaha Soundbar and click on its Source button.

5. Further, select WIFI to put the soundbar into pairing mode.

Note: The WIFI light on your soundbar starts blinking when you turn it on.

5. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, and it will look for available devices to pair with. Keep your smartphone, WIFI router, and soundbar close to each other.

6. When the Sound Bar Controller app detects your soundbar, click on Set up this soundbar; enter the WIFI password and pair both devices.

7. Now, connect the Yamaha Soundbar to the WIFI network as your Smartphone.

8. Once paired, the app will look for firmware updates for your soundbar. If there is any, the app will automatically download and install the firmware to your device.

9. After this, your Yamaha Soundbar restarts and updates the firmware.

Tip! In case you have already paired your smartphone to your soundbar, you’ll be notified of the latest firmware updates when it gets released. When you re-pair both devices, just click on the NEW option to update your soundbar.

Update Yamaha Soundbar via USB Flash Drive

Here, you can update the Yamaha Soundbar via a USB Flash drive. This method applies to any model of Yamaha Soundbar, like YAS-209, YAS-207, YAS-107, ATS-1080, etc. Before getting into the process, ensure you have a non-encrypted empty USB drive in FT16 or FAT 32 format and a Computer. After this, proceed with the following:

1. Open a browser on your computer and visit the official website of Yamaha Soundbar.

2. Click on the Support option provided at the top and select Firmware/Software Updates provided at the bottom.

3. Enter your model number, search for your soundbar, and download the required firmware.

4. Decompress the downloaded file and save it to the root folder on your USB drive. After this, eject the USB drive from the computer.

Note: Do not change the name or the format of the downloaded file.

5. Now, turn off your Soundbar and insert the USB drive into the Update Only USB Port of it.

6. After this, turn on your soundbar.

7. Press and hold the Source and the Volume Down buttons on the soundbar for at least 3 seconds. Firmware update begins after this.

8. Once it starts the updation process, the WIFI light or the Update light on it starts blinking. In some models, all the lights on the soundbar glow in succession.

Note: Do not remove the USB drive or turn off your soundbar when the update is in progress.

9. After the update is over, all the lights on the soundbar start flashing, and then the device restarts.

10. Now, press the Power button on your soundbar; turn it off and remove the USB drive connected to it.

After this, your Yamaha Soundbar will update its firmware successfully.

Yamaha Soundbar Not Updating – Solutions

If you are unable to update your Yamaha Soundbar’s firmware, it could be due to a manual error related to the USB flash drive or the WIFI network. In case of an error during the updation process, your soundbar indicates this either by flashing a red light, a green light, or a combination of both. Depending upon that, you can easily figure out the exact issue.

• Faulty Connection: If the USB drive is not connected properly to your soundbar, updates won’t occur. Remove and insert the USB drive properly. A red blinking light indicates the problem.
• Incorrect File Name: The downloaded firmware has to be saved in the format specified on the Yamaha website. If it is otherwise, updates won’t happen.
• Red & Green Light Flashing: Both light flashes when you either disconnect the USB drive during the updation process, damage the USB drive, or have a corrupt file on your drive. In such a case, press the Power button, terminate the process, and re-download the firmware from the official website.
• Power Failure: If no indicators blink on your soundbar, it could be due to power failure. Therefore, check the power cables of your soundbar and the power socket to which your soundbar is connected.
• WIFI Issues: If the WIFI to which your Yamaha Soundbar is connected is unstable or poor, then you can’t download the firmware properly. So, restart your WiFi router or change the WIFI to another stable network to rectify the issue.

FAQ