I’d like to address a topic that I believe deserves some clarification for many of us: how to correctly and safely perform updates on BambuLab devices and software.
Context:
First of all, I want to clarify that I don’t use ORCA. I’ve been using Bambu Studio from the beginning, and it perfectly fits my needs. I don’t want this thread to become a debate about whether ORCA, Bambu, or other tools like PANDA are better. If the discussion strays from the main topic, I’ll request that the thread be closed.
Over the past few days, I’ve gone through hundreds (if not thousands) of posts trying to understand the current situation. However, I haven’t come across a clear explanation of the correct and secure procedure for installing updates.
I’m therefore posting some specific questions here and hope to get constructive responses from @BambuLab or experienced users who can provide reliable information.
My Questions
1. What is the correct procedure for performing an update?
Should we update the printer first, then Bambu Studio?
Or is it the other way around: update Bambu Studio first, then the printer?
2. Is updating via an SD card mandatory?
If so, how can we ensure we avoid installing the wrong version or an open version with security vulnerabilities?
3. Is it necessary to install Bambu Connect independently?
My current version of Bambu Studio does not explicitly mention this during installation.
Could Bambu Connect handle updating Bambu Studio automatically?
4. Do we need to re-bind devices (printer, cloud, Bambu Handy, Bambu Studio)?
If yes, what is the correct order to connect these devices?
I’ve also read that some users are experiencing issues with network PIN codes. Are there any clarifications or solutions regarding this?
5. Network-related questions:
For those planning to use a separate network, which ports are required for proper communication?
What is the bandwidth required for P2P video?
Are there any plans to evolve or improve this in future updates?
6. Workflow-related questions:
Although I’ve been told the process remains transparent via Bambu Studio, is it ever necessary to manually extract files and send them via Bambu Connect?
Does Bambu Studio handle this automatically when connected to Bambu Connect?
What is the current role of Bambu Handy?
Conclusion:
I believe I’ve covered the main points. My goal is for this thread to eventually become a clear resource for everyone, possibly as a wiki article, a blog post, or even a video tutorial.
In the meantime, let’s keep the discussion open and courteous. Thank you in advance for your responses!
I don’t think it is mandatory that you upgrade from SD card - for my A1 I upgrade via wifi from the printer itself, but also have the option of managing firmware via Bambu Handy (upgrading to latest, or downgrading back a limited number of versions). But if you are offline, then you have the option of SD card updates…
i.e. for the X1 series
For the P1 series
For the A1 series
I don’t readily see the wifi/OTA guide (if there even is one for the A1), but it is an automatic on-screen prompt to update if there is a firmware update available, that is shown after every power up , it not in LAN mode and connected to a Bambu account.
Thank you very much @pfeerick for this initial response! It perfectly addresses a large part of the questions I had. I’ll update this post very soon, if that’s allowed.
From what I understand, Bambu Handy seems to be the main tool for managing updates. This makes the question regarding its role much clearer now.
I assume that once the printer is connected to the network and you instruct Bambu Handy to perform an update, the printer looks for the OTA update and downloads it. While updating via an SD card is a valid option, it might not be the simplest or most convenient method for most users. That said, it’s still a viable solution when needed.
For now, I’m left wondering how to use Bambu Handy to effectively manage updates. If you have any details or guides to share on this, I’d greatly appreciate it.
I can only comment first-hand for the A1, but when I was running 01.03 firmware it would nag shortly after every power up about the 01.04 update on the printers own screen, and I skipped until yesterday. I let it apply it and it rebooted, and then I ran full calibration again as recommended somewhere, and everything seems fine so far. Just prior to that I was also trying out LAN mode, and it seems when you enable that, it no longer wants to update, as I didn’t get any automatic prompts, nor did it say there was an update when I went into the firmware version section or the printers interface.
There is also a update section in Bambu Studio, which appears to allow for you to trigger an firmware update there. However since I’m now running the latest it doesn’t let me do anything now. I think that also doesn’t work when in LAN mode.
not much experience on bambu Studio, but I’d suggest to upgrade it before updating the printer (ie : get the software ready before changing the printer firmware level)
As my X1C is without internet access, I can only I use the SD cards for printing and would use them for updates too, per the bambu wiki
I asked Bambu support about firmware update on AMS /AMS2 pro, from a SD card, their answer was : "you can only do the AMS update by getting online "
as that would need me to move the X1C and both AMS from the workshop to my house, this is not a light tack, so asked about AMS update trhough the printer, using a SD card (I remember someone posting you need to disconnect the AMS before doing the update of the printer, then reconnect the AMS et re-run the update), but still awaiting their answer
I just got the response from Bambulab support : “you can await the upcoming firmware release. The subsequent Printer firmware will include the AMS firmware package.”
which is good news for me and will help all the users in LAN mode only
I asked at the time about the expected delay to get the new firmware : “no firm date can be provided”
more than one month later, still no news, but now small prints on the shop page for engineering plate, stating “support for X1C & H2D will be in a future firmware expected Q1 2026”
just hoping that the firmware will also bring this feature
