In this walkthrough, we will cover:

• Current Software Versions
• How to Manually Update via SD Card
• Updating via Internet: Connecting GNARBOX to the Internet
• Updating via Internet: How to Perform an Operating System (OS) Update
• Updating via Internet: How to Perform a Firmware Update
• Updating via Internet: How to Perform a Software Update
• Troubleshooting

Current Software Versions

GNARBOX App: 2.7.1.1236 (Android) / 2.7.2.1242 (iOS)

OS: 2.7.1.1512

Software: 2.7.1.1507

Firmware: 2.7.0

 

For more detailed information on the current release and past releases, please check out our public changelog here.

How to Manually Update via SD Card

Software updates are crucial to make sure you’ve got the latest features and most optimized software performance. When you first unbox your GNARBOX 2.0 SSD, you’ll want to make sure everything is up-to-date.  Updating via SD card is the preferred method as it is an easy experience that updates the 3 layers of software on the GNARBOX – Operating System (OS), Software, and Firmware – in one shot.

Please ensure all data is backed up prior to updating.  All data could be erased in the event of a failed update via SD card.

 

To get started, please do the following using a computer:

1. Have an SD card handy (16GB or larger).
2. Download this file.  Do not unzip the file.
3. Download and install BalenaEtcher, a safe and free software for loading software on an SD card.
4. Connect your SD card to your computer.
5. Format the SD card to exFat using Disk Utility or other formatting software.  If you are unsure how to format an SD card on your computer, you can find instructions here: Windows | Mac.
6. Launch BalenaEtcher and click Flash From File.  
7. Choose the downloaded zip file and click Open.
8. If the formatted SD card is not automatically detected, click Select Target.  Choose your formatted SD card and click Continue.
9. Press Flash!.  BalenaEtcher will inform you when the process is complete and the SD card will be ejected.

Next, follow these instructions using your GNARBOX:

1. Ensure your GNARBOX is powered OFF and connected to the charger.  Insert the SD card into the GNARBOX.
2. Power your GNARBOX on by holding the right button.  
3. Once the GNARBOX has powered on, you'll be prompted with the option to format the internal SSD.  Select the option you desire and press the right button when ready.  If you choose to wipe data, you will be prompted with an additional confirmation screen.
4. The installation process will begin.  
5. When prompted, remove the SD card and continue by pressing any button.
6. Once the installation is complete and the GNARBOX boots up, hold the right button and power the GNARBOX down.

You may now power on the GNARBOX and the update process is complete.

 

Updating via Internet: Connecting GNARBOX to the Internet

For the easiest update experience, we recommend updating manually via an SD card.  If you do not have access to a computer and prefer to update via an Internet connection, you do have the option to do so.

This can be done by doing any of the following:

1. Switching your GNARBOX for the first time into Home Mode using a local network
2. Quick-swap into Home Mode via on-board screen
3. Connecting the GNARBOX directly to your Internet router

Instructions for each of these methods can be found below.

 

Please ensure all data is backed up prior to updating.

 

Switching Your GNARBOX into Home Mode for the First Time:

1. Connect to your GNARBOX wifi and launch the GNARBOX App.
2. In the GNARBOX App, navigate to the Settings page.
3. Tap Connection Manager.
4. Tap Home to switch your GNARBOX to Home mode.
5. Next, tap Choose a Network.
6. Locate your home WiFi network from the list.
7. Enter your WiFi password and press Done when ready.  Your home WiFi network may take a moment to connect.
8. Once the WiFi connection is complete, the app will notify you to switch your mobile device to your WiFi network.
9. Open up your network settings on your mobile device or tablet to connect to your home WiFi network.
10. Now, re-open the GNARBOX App.
11. Tap Pair GNARBOX.
12. Select your GNARBOX from the list to connect.
13. Once connected, a Software Update will be available toward the bottom of the screen. Tap the Software Update button.
14. Any available updates will appear on this page.  

There are 4 layers of software that work together behind the scenes on your GNARBOX. In addition to your mobile app, your GNARBOX 2.0 SSD has an Operating System, Firmware, and Software package on the box itself.  When you first unbox your GNARBOX, you’ll want to make sure everything is up-to-date.

If there are no available software updates, then you are already up-to-date!

 

Quick-Swap Into Home Mode via On-Board Screen:

If this is the first time you are connecting the GNARBOX to a local network, please follow the instructions above for connecting in Home Mode for the first time.

If you have previously connected the GNARBOX to your local network, you can quickly switch your GNARBOX from Field Mode to Home Mode by doing the following:

1. Using the GNARBOX screen and buttons, press the up button from the Home screen.
2. Toggle down and use the right button to select Home Mode.
3. GNARBOX will switch Home Mode to ON.
4. Using your mobile device, launch the GNARBOX App.  The app will display a yellow "Checking Connection" banner. Navigate to the Settings Page.
5. Tap Connection Manager.
6. Select Home.
7. Tap Pair GNARBOX.
8. Select your GNARBOX from the list.
9. Your GNARBOX is now connected in Home Mode.

You can also use a 4G MiFi device or a secondary phone as a mobile hotspot using these same instructions.

 

Connecting the GNARBOX directly to your Internet router

GNARBOX supports ethernet connectivity via USB-C, which provides the most direct connection with the fastest upload and download speeds.  For full instructions on connecting directly to your Internet router, check out our walkthrough here.

If you experience any difficulties with connecting in Home Mode, please check out the troubleshooting tips in our Home Mode walkthrough or email us at support@gnarbox.com.

Updating via WiFi: How to Perform an Operating System (OS) Update

Please ensure all data is backed up prior to updating.

1. Follow the above instructions to switch your GNARBOX into Home Mode.  Once in Home Mode, tap the Software Update button.
2. Scroll down and press Prepare for OS Update.
3. The update screen will prompt you to connect to power and remove any connected devices before continuing the update process.  Once all 3 green checkmarks appear, press Install OS Update to begin.
4. The GNARBOX will download and install the update.
5. Once the installation has completed, the GNARBOX will reboot itself.  You'll receive a notification to close your app and reconnect.
6. Connect to your GNARBOX's WiFi network in your phone's WiFi settings.
7. Relaunch the GNARBOX App.  After a few seconds, the app will finalize the installation and notify you that the update is complete. Tap Finish.

Updating via WiFi: How to Perform a Firmware Update

Please ensure all data is backed up prior to updating.

To perform a Firmware update, you’ll need to switch your GNARBOX back into Home Mode if you’ve just completed an OS update.  Once you’ve done that:

1. Follow the above instructions to switch your GNARBOX into Home Mode.  Once in Home Mode, tap the Software Update button.
2. Scroll down and press Prepare for Firmware Update.
3. The update screen will prompt you to connect to power and remove any connected devices before continuing the update process.  Once all 3 green checkmarks appear, press Install Firmware Update to begin.
4. The GNARBOX will begin updating.
5. Once the update has finished, the app will finalize the installation and notify you that the update is complete.

Updating via WiFi: How to Perform a Software Update

Please ensure all data is backed up prior to updating.

1. Follow the above instructions to switch your GNARBOX into Home Mode.  Once in Home Mode, tap the Software Update button.
2. Scroll down and press Prepare for Software Update.
3. The update screen will prompt you to connect to power and remove any connected devices before continuing the update process.  Once all 3 green checkmarks appear, press Install Software Update to begin.
4. The GNARBOX will begin updating.
5. Once the update has finished, the app will finalize the installation and notify you that the update is complete. Tap Finish.

Once you’ve completed your updates, switch your GNARBOX back to Field Mode for general workflow needs or continue in Home Mode if you wish to perform Cloud uploads.

Troubleshooting

My GNARBOX is stuck between Home Mode and Field Mode.  How can I fix this?
You can always revert your GNARBOX to Field mode using the on-board screen and buttons.  To do this:

1. Use the down button to access the Settings menu.
2. Select Mobile Connection.     
3. Use the right button to switch to Field mode.

My local WiFi network does not require a password.
If your WiFi network does not require a password, the GNARBOX will be unable to connect to it.  In addition, if your WiFi network has a gated entry point where you are required to accept terms before continuing, the GNARBOX will be unable to connect to that network.  We recommend updating via SD card instead of via WiFi.

 

My GNARBOX is updating very slow and/or I'm experiencing failed updates via WiFi.
Try the following:

• Ensure you are close to your WiFi router.
• Restart the GNARBOX by removing the battery fully for 30 seconds and quit the app.  Then, reinsert the battery into the GNARBOX, power on, and attempt the update again.
• If the issue persists, please try updating manually via SD card.

 

Technical Support

Need assistance? We’re here for you! Browse our walkthroughs for full tutorials and troubleshooting tips. If you’d like one-on-one assistance, you can always email us at support@gnarbox.com or use our live chat in the bottom right!

  Live Chat Hours:

Mon-Fri: 10AM–5PM PST