When Ask A Vet publishes new firmware for your tracker, the app lets you know and you install it in a few taps. This article walks through the whole thing, for both Main firmware and Module firmware.
How you'll hear about an update
| Where | What it says |
|---|---|
| A sheet when you open the app | "Tracker update available" — "A new firmware update is ready for {pet}'s tracker." with Update Now and Later |
| A banner on the GPS tracker map | "Firmware update available" — "A new firmware update is ready for {pet}'s tracker. Tap to install it from Tracker Info." |
| A notification | "A new tracker update is available for {pet}" — "Install version {version} to receive the latest improvements." |
All of them lead to the same place.
Before you start
- For a Main firmware update: the tracker must be powered on and connected to the mobile network. Keep it that way for the whole update.
- For a Module firmware update: keep the tracker next to your phone with Bluetooth on, and leave the app open on the update screen. The app keeps your screen awake so the transfer isn't interrupted.
Tip: Charge the tracker first. The update screen shows a Battery tile reading Good, Fair, Low or Unknown — it's there to help you decide whether now is a good moment.
Step-by-step
- Open your pet's profile and tap GPS tracker settings.
- Tap Tracker info ("Device details & sync").
- Scroll to Firmware updates and find the card you want — Main firmware or Module firmware.
- Tap Update Now.
- Check the update screen: the version you're on, the version you're moving to, the Download size, an Est. time, the Battery tile, and a WHAT'S NEW list of what's changed.
- Tap Install update.
You'll see a confirmation — "Main firmware update requested. Keep the tracker online." or "Bluetooth firmware update requested. Keep the tracker nearby."
What happens next
A progress ring counts up through Downloading… then Installing…, with a step checklist beneath it. On a Module update you'll also see the reminder:
Keep the tracker nearby and the app open until this finishes.
Important: Don't leave the screen during a Bluetooth (Module) update. If you try, the app warns you: "A firmware update is in progress. Leaving this screen may interrupt it. Please stay on this screen until it finishes." Choose Stay.
When it's finished
The tracker restarts to finish installing. It may look off or show as offline for a few minutes — that's completely normal, and it reconnects by itself. The app explains it as:
Your tracker is restarting to finish the update. It may appear off for a few minutes — this is normal.
The update screen then changes to Up to date with a Done button, and you get a notification: "{Pet}'s tracker was updated" — "Firmware updated to version {version}."
Related articles - What is a tracker firmware update? Main firmware vs Module firmware - The firmware update won't start - The firmware update failed or seems stuck - How to postpone a firmware update