# SMHUB OS - Update & Restore Methods

Your SMHUB can be updated or restored in **three different ways**:

1. **OTA (recommended)** – simple updates directly from the Web Interface
2. **Type-C Cable** – full recovery if the device doesn’t boot via computer
3. **SD-Card** – full recovery if the device doesn’t boot without copmuter (more reliable)

Below is a quick overview to help you choose the right method 👇

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## 🟢 **1. Regular Update — OTA (Over-the-Air)**

**The easiest and safest method for normal updates.**

**How:**  
`Web Interface → Settings → Updates & Restore → Check for Updates`

**What happens:**  
SMHUB downloads and installs the newest version automatically.

✅ Simple — no cables, no drivers  
✅ Keeps your data and settings  
⚠️ Works only if your system boots normally

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## ⚡ **2. Restore via Type-C Cable**

Good when OTA fails, if you need a clean reinstall, or if you want a quick setup without dealing with command-line environments.

**How:** Connect SMHUB to your PC via Type-C → Download and run the standalone [smhub-flasher](https://github.com/smlight-tech/smhub-flasher/releases) → Click to flash.

✅ Zero Configuration: No terminal commands or manual environment setups required.  
✅ Always Up-to-Date: The interface automatically fetches and downloads the latest online images directly.  
✅ Visual Feedback: Shows real-time progress right on your PC screen.  
⚠️ Connection Requirements: Ensure you use a high-quality data cable and that your system detects the USB device.  
💡 Alternative: If this fails or you prefer a different route, check the SD-Card method below.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT:** If the flashing process does not start, please disconnect POE and other Add-ons (4G/Z-Wave).

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## 💽 **3. Restore via SD-Card (Full Recovery Method)**

**Use this if your SMHUB is “bricked” or not responding at all.**

**How:**  
Copy 3 files (`emmc.img`, `fip.bin`, `partition_gpt.xml`) to a FAT32 SD card → insert into SMHUB → power on → wait ~5 min → power off → remove card → power on again  
[https://smlight.tech/support/manuals/books/smhub/page/updaterestore-using-sd-card](https://smlight.tech/support/manuals/books/smhub/page/updaterestore-using-sd-card)

✅ Works even if device doesn’t boot  
✅ No drivers, no software, no cables  
✅ Visible progress - just wait patiently  
⚠️ Remove SD before next boot (otherwise it will flash again)

**IMPORTANT: If the flashing process does not start, please disconnect POE and other Add-ons (4G/Z-Wave)**

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## 🧭 **Which method should I use?**

<div class="_tableContainer_1rjym_1" id="bkmrk-situation-best-optio"><div class="group _tableWrapper_1rjym_13 flex w-fit flex-col-reverse" tabindex="-1"><table class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)" data-end="2041" data-start="1854"><thead data-end="1881" data-start="1854"><tr data-end="1881" data-start="1854"><th data-col-size="sm" data-end="1866" data-start="1854">Situation</th><th data-col-size="sm" data-end="1881" data-start="1866">Best Option</th></tr></thead><tbody data-end="2041" data-start="1911"><tr data-end="1939" data-start="1911"><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="1928" data-start="1911">Regular update</td><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="1939" data-start="1928">**OTA**</td></tr><tr data-end="1992" data-start="1940"><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="1972" data-start="1940">OTA failed or system unstable</td><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="1992" data-start="1972">**Type-C Cable**</td></tr><tr data-end="2041" data-start="1993"><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="2026" data-start="1993">Device won’t start / “bricked”</td><td data-col-size="sm" data-end="2041" data-start="2026">**SD-Card**</td></tr></tbody></table>

</div></div>---

**In short:**  
🔹 Use **OTA** for normal updates.  
🔹 Use **Type-C** if you need to reinstall.  
🔹 Use **SD-Card** to fully recover a non-booting device.