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Updating VibeKeys Firmware

This guide shows you how to update the VibeKeys firmware on your device. There are two methods depending on whether your device is working or needs recovery.

Firmware Pre-installed

Your VibeKeys Max device comes with firmware pre-installed from the factory. You do NOT need to flash firmware for first-time setup. Simply proceed to the Quick Start Guide to configure your device.

What is Firmware?​

Firmware is the software that runs on your VibeKeys device hardware, enabling it to connect to Bluetooth, handle WiFi, process button presses, and communicate with your computer.

How to Choose the Right Method​

SituationMethodTime
Device is working fine, want latest versionOTA Update (below)5-10 min
Device won't connect or is brokenESP LaunchPad (further down)10-15 min
Device needs factory resetESP LaunchPad (further down)10-15 min

Use this if your device is working and connected to WiFi. OTA (Over-The-Air) updates let you install new firmware wirelessly.

Step 1: Connect to WiFi​

  1. Power on VibeKeys Max
  2. To configure WiFi, open setup.html in your browser
  3. Click Connect and select "VibeKeys Max" from the list
  4. Enter your WiFi name and password, then click Save
  5. Once connected, the screen should show a "Ready" status

Step 2: Enter OTA Mode​

  1. Power on VibeKeys Max and press the ESC key immediately
  2. Keep holding until the screen displays an update URL like http://192.168.x/ alt text

Step 3: Open the Update URL​

  1. Enter the URL shown on your VibeKeys Max screen in your browser

  2. Download the firmware for your version (see Identify Your Version if unsure):

    Download: vibekeys_ota.bin

  3. Upload the firmware to the website and click Start

  4. Wait for the update to complete (usually 1-3 minutes)

alt text

The screen will show update progress. When complete, the device restarts automatically.

No USB Cable Needed

OTA updates work entirely over WiFi—no USB connection required. This makes them much faster and more convenient than the ESP LaunchPad method.

Method 2: ESP LaunchPad (Recovery/Factory Reset)​

Use this method for device recovery, factory resets, or if OTA updates don't work.

Backup First

Before using ESP LaunchPad, note down your current WiFi and server settings if possible, as you'll need to reconfigure them after the update.

Prerequisites​

What You Need
  • A VibeKeys Max device
  • A USB cable (USB-A to USB-C or USB-C to USB-C, depending on your computer)
  • A computer with a web browser (Chrome or Edge recommended)
  • Internet connection

Step 1: Connect Your Device​

  1. Locate the USB-C port on your VibeKeys Max device (on the right side)
  2. Connect one end of the USB cable to the device
  3. Connect the other end to your computer
Use a Data Cable

Make sure to use a USB cable that supports data transfer, not just charging. Some cables are power-only.

Step 2: Open ESP Launch Pad​

  1. Open your web browser (Chrome or Edge recommended)

  2. Navigate to:

    https://espressif.github.io/esp-launchpad/?flashConfigURL=https://vibekeys.dev/firmware/vibekeys.toml

alt text

Step 3: Connect to Your Device​

  1. Click "Connect" in the ESP Launch Pad interface header
  2. Allow USB device access when prompted by the browser
    • Click "Allow" to grant permission
    • This is required for the web tool to communicate with your device

Step 4: Update Firmware​

  1. Select your version from the dropdown — choose V1 or V2 matching your device (see Identify Your Version if unsure)
  2. Click "Flash" to begin the firmware update
  3. Wait for completion - this typically takes 2-5 minutes

The process will show:

  • Downloading the firmware from VibeKeys server
  • Erasing old firmware
  • Writing new firmware
  • Verifying installation
Do Not Disconnect

Keep the USB cable connected throughout the entire update process. Interrupting the update may leave the device in an unusable state.

That's all.

Need Help?​

If you encounter issues not covered in this guide:

  1. Check the GitHub Issues - Similar problems may already be solved
  2. Contact Support: vibekeys-customer-support@secondstate.io
  3. Join the Community: Check the GitHub repository for discussions and updates