How to Update Your Yamaha Receiver Firmware 

You can update your Yamaha AV receiver firmware directly from the internet using a WiFi Network or from a previously downloaded update file off of a USB drive. Whichever method you choose, it has to be done correctly to ensure a successful update. 

Firmware updates are important maintenance procedures that ensure your receiver stays functional and performs optimally at all times. Yamaha rolls out new features, glitch fixes, and compatibility upgrades through these periodic software updates. 

A lot of users have reported confusion about the steps to properly update their receiver firmware. I was once part of this crowd, till I had a technical issue and had to research all the possible steps to successfully update my receiver and fix my issues. 

In today’s blog post, I’ll explain why firmware updates are so crucial, as well as walk you through the steps I took to update my receiver firmware and the appropriate measures to take post-update.

Key Takeaways

• Yamaha receiver firmware updates are important maintenance procedures that ever user should routinely perform 
• Firmware updates preserve optimal receiver function, give you access to new features, improve your receiver compatibility range and give you a better home theater experience. 
• To update your firmware to the latest version, you may use either the Network or USB update methods. 
• After completing the update process, restart your receiver, reconfigure your settings and recalibrate your receiver YPAO 

4 Reasons Why You Need to Update Your Yamaha AV Receiver Firmware 

Why go through the stress of updating your receiver when you could just run it on the base firmware version? Routinely checking and making updates as soon as possible can save you a ton of stress. 

Here are a few reasons why I recommend that you should always update your Yamaha AV receiver firmware as soon as possible: 

1. Optimal Receiver Operations 

Receiver faults and malfunctions may result from corrupted firmware or glitches. Keeping your receiver firmware up to date may correct underlying technical issues like system crashes and bugs before they become major problems thus ensuring that your receiver retains optimal function at all times. 

2. Access to New Features 

Yamaha releases most of their new features and innovations to users through firmware updates. Updates may add features such as access to advanced audio formats, improved stream quality and game-specific features like better refresh rates all aimed at giving you the best possible home theatre experience. 

3. Improved Compatibility 

Beyond adding new features, firmware updates may increase your receiver compatibility range allowing you to enjoy audio and video in more formats and better quality, from more streaming sites and device types. 

4. Better User Experience

Users have reported improved receiver performance after updating firmware. Reported improvements include better sound quality, easier navigation and simpler controls.  

Step-by-step Guide On How to Update Your Receiver Firmware 

Tools Needed 

To update your Yamaha receiver firmware, you’ll need: 

• Your Yamaha AV Receiver
• Your Receiver Users’ Manual 
• A stable internet connection (WiFi or Ethernet)
• An empty USB drive (4GB or larger and formatted to “FAT 32”)
• A computer, preferably a laptop  
• A backup list of your current receiver settings (Optional)

Update Duration 

The core update process should take up about 25 minutes, in the absence of complications. Taking preparation steps and post-update procedures into account, I advise that you set aside 45 minutes from your schedule to update your receiver firmware

Preparatory Steps to Update Your Receiver 

Updating your receiver is an important maintenance procedure and has to be done correctly, down to the smallest detail. As such, it is important that you take time out to properly prepare your receiver and all tools and files necessary for the update process. 

The recommended preparatory steps for updating your receiver include:

1. Check Current Firmware Version 

Before trying to update your receiver firmware, note the firmware version you’re currently running. 

• Press the “Setup” button on the remote control to access the setup menu.
• Navigate to “System Config” > “Firmware Update” > “Version Info.”
• Write down the displayed firmware version details. 

2. Download the Right Firmware File 

• Visit the firmware update section of the Yamaha support website. 
• Enter your receiver models and click search. 

• Compare the available firmware update version with the current version on your receiver. .
• If the versions match, your receiver firmware is up to date and does not require an update. 
• If the available version is newer than your current firmware, download the update ZIP folder.

3. Prepare your USB Drive (For the USB update method)

• Format the USB drive to FAT32 file system.
  Note: This step erases all the files on the drive, back up important files before attempting  

Formatting Steps for Windows

1. Connect the drive to your computer. 
2. Open File Explorer.
3. Right-click on the drive and select “Format.”
4. Set File System to “FAT32.”
5. Click Start
6. Third-party applications may be needed if the drive size is greater than 32 GB.

Formatting Steps for MAC

1. Connect the drive to your computer.
2. Open Finder, search for Disk Utility and select it. 
3. Select your drive and click on the Erase tab. Be careful not to select your hard drive instead. 
4. Select “MS-DOS (FAT)” as the Volume Format 
5. Click on the “Erase” button to begin formatting.

4. Prepare the Downloaded Firmware File (For the USB update method)

• Extract the downloaded update ZIP folder. 
• Copy the extracted update file to the root directory of your USB drive (i,e E:\ update file.bin). Do not rename the file or place it in a folder. 

5. Important Preparatory Precautions

• Ensure the receiver is connected to stable power. Use a UPS to prevent unexpected power disruptions that may cause malfunctions. 
• Close all running applications and streaming services on your receiver before starting the update process. 

Method 1: Network Update 

Updating your internet-enabled receiver directly is the most convenient firmware update method, as it cuts out the need of added equipment beyond your receiver and a WiFi router or Ethernet cable.

To update your receiver directly using a network, follow the steps below: 

 For Older Receiver Models 

1. Ensure Network Connection:
   • Verify that your receiver is connected to your Ethernet or WiFi router and can access the internet.
   • Test the connection by trying to play internet radio stations.
2. Enter Advanced Setup Mode:
   • Turn off the receiver by pressing the “MAIN ZONE” button.
   • While holding down the “STRAIGHT” button, press and hold the “MAIN ZONE” button.
   • Keep both buttons held down until “ADVANCED SETUP” appears on the front display.
3. Select Network Update:
   • Press the “PROGRAM” button repeatedly until “FIRM UPDATE USB” is displayed.
   • Press the ”STRAIGHT” button to change the display to “NETWORK“.
4. Start the Update Process:
   • Press the “INFO” button to initiate the firmware update.
   • The update will begin, and the progress will be shown on the display.
   • This process typically takes about 20 minutes. Do not turn off the power during this time.
5. Complete the Update:
   • When “UPDATE SUCCESS” appears, the update is complete.
   • Press the “MAIN ZONE” button to turn off the receiver.
   • Wait a few minutes, then turn the receiver back on to finalize the update.

If “UPDATE UNAVAIL” is displayed, your receiver is already running on the latest firmware version.

For Newer Receiver Models 

Newer Yamaha Receivers have a new and improved interface that may make the Network update more complicated to carry out. New interface or not, I’ve got you covered. 

Follow the steps below to Network update newer Yamaha receivers like the RX-V6A model;  

• Ensure your receiver is connected to the Internet
• Press the “MENU/CONNECT” button on the front panel. 
• Use the front panel SELECT/ENTER knob to scroll through and pick “Settings”
• Navigate through the Settings and pick out “Firmware Update”. 
• Select “Start Update“.
• The receiver automatically starts to scan for the latest updates. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process 
• Allow the update process to complete, This process takes about 20 minutes in total 
• The receiver restarts automatically after the update is finished. 

Method 2: USB Update 

If you have difficulty connecting your receiver to the internet, you have the option to update your receiver from a pre-downloaded update file off a USB drive. 

Follow the USB-specific preparatory steps listed previously in this section to get your USB drive and the firmware update file ready for the update procedure. 

Follow the steps below to perform a USB firmware update on your Yamaha receiver:

For Older Receiver Models 

1. Power Off the Receiver 
2. Insert your prepared USB drive into the receiver USB port 
3. Enter Advanced Setup Mode:
   • Turn off the receiver by pressing the “MAIN ZONE” button.
   • While holding down the “STRAIGHT” button, press and hold the “MAIN ZONE” button.
   • Keep both buttons held down until “ADVANCED SETUP” appears on the front display.
4. Select USB Update
   • Press the “PROGRAM” button repeatedly until “FIRM UPDATE USB” is displayed.
5. Start the Update Process
   • Press the “INFO” button to initiate the firmware update.
   • The USB update will begin, and the progress will be shown on the display.
   • This process typically takes about 20 minutes. Do not turn off the power during this time. 
6. Complete the Update Process 
   • An “UPDATE SUCCESS” message is displayed when the process is complete. 
   • Turn of the receiver by pressing the “MAIN ZONE” button 
   • Remove your USB drive 
   • Wait for 5 minutes. Turn your receiver back on. 

For Newer Receiver Models 

• Insert the USB flash drive into the receiver’s USB port.
• Press the “MENU/CONNECT” button on the front panel. 
• Use the front panel SELECT/ENTER knob to scroll through and pick “Settings”
• Navigate through the Settings and pick out “Firmware Update”. 
• Select “USB Update” and then “Execute”. The update procedure should start automatically
• Allow the update process to complete, This process takes about 20 minutes in total 
• An “UPDATE SUCCESS” message is displayed when the process is complete. 
• Turn off your receiver and take out your USB drive.

Common Firmware Update Issues and How to Fix Them 

Updating your Yamaha AV Receiver Firmware is usually a straightforward and simple process, but as with most home theater equipment, sometimes a few things can go terribly wrong. 

In this section, I’ll be providing you with a list of possible hiccups you may encounter while trying to update your receiver and how to work around them, Keep reading: 

Update Error Messages 

Error messages are the top problems users encounter while trying to update their receiver firmware. Error messages may prevent the update process from starting in the first place or may disrupt it midway. To fix error message issues while updating your firmware: 

• Read the error code. Most update error codes are specific and easy to understand. Refer to your user manual to clear up specific error codes
• Verify that your receiver is connected to the internet or your USB drive meets the requirements for the update procedure. 
• Restart the update procedure. Pay close attention not to miss any steps. 

Update Freezes 

Users have reported updates freezing and stalling midway and taking way more than the expected 20 minutes to complete. Unexpected freezes are not normal and may be indicative of more serious faults. Before you start to panic, try out the following troubleshooting steps: 

• Wait patiently. If your update seems to be stalling, give your receiver some grace and wait an extra 15-30 minutes to be sure the freeze is indeed a malfunction 
• Check your power source. Avoid using extensions and power strips during the update process. 
• Force a receiver restart by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds until it goes off then turn it back on again, 
• Retry the update process. 

Unrecognized USB Drive 

If your receiver does not recognized the prepared USB drive holding the firmware update file, try the following fixes: 

• Go over the preparatory steps and make sure your USB drive is properly formatted to the “FAT32” file system 
• Try out an alternative USB drive as some drive manufacturers are incompatible with Yamaha receivers. Ensure your new drive meets all the requirements for the update procedure—formatted to FAT32, at least 4GB of free space and contains no other files apart from the update file. 
• Ensure the update file is placed in the right directory. Update files should be placed in the root directory of the USB drive, not in folders or sub-directories.  

Other Unexpected Issues

Other unexpected errors and issues may occur at any point of your update procedure. If issues persist or are not easy to work around with basic troubleshooting steps, it may be necessary to seek out professional help and contact Yamaha support. 

Contact Yamaha Support

Phone

• You can call Yamaha’s customer support number at 1-(714)-522-9000. 
• Fees may apply if your receiver is out of warranty. 

Website Support

• The Yamaha website has helpful pages on general support and contact details. 

Online Chat 

• The Yamaha website also provides an online chat option.

Post-Update Steps 

After a successful update it is important that you take time to go over all the functionalities of your receiver and ensure all settings and configurations are in place to prevent unexpected problems at a later date. 

Carry out the following steps after updating your Yamaha receiver: 

Verify the Update 

Follow the steps below to ensure the update is successfully installed: 

• Press the “Setup” button on the remote control to access the Setup menu.
• Navigate to “System Config” > “Firmware Update” > “Version Info.”
• Note the displayed Firmware Info and make sure it matches the latest available update version. .

Restart Your Receiver 

After updating your receiver, it is good practice to power cycle your receiver and observe the boot up sequence for any hiccups or unexpected error messages. 

To Power Cycle your receiver, follow the steps below: 

• Turn off the receiver and unplug the power cable from the outlet.
• Wait at least 30 seconds, then plug the power cable back in and turn on the receiver. 

Reconfigure Settings 

Firmware updates may disrupt the settings and preferences of your receiver unit. Take time out to carefully note the setting choices after an update and make sure they match the home theatre experience you desire. 

A list of your pre-update settings will be a great asset in this step and ensure that you are able to get your settings back to just the way they were before the update. 

Important settings that may get affected by a firmware update and you should keep an eye out for include: 

• Audio Settings: Equalizer settings, Speaker configurations and Sound modes 
• Video Settings: HDMI output, picture quality and resolution and any video output preferences you previously had selected. 
• Network Settings: Test your receiver’s connectivity to the internet via either Ethernet or WiFi   

Recalibrate Your Receiver Sound 

Your receiver surround sound may get disrupted after an update, as such it is an important post-update procedure to room-calibrate your receiver right after. Yamaha receivers have the in-built YPAO calibration system that automatically matches your receiver sound output with your room’s acoustics. 

Conclusion 

Updating your receiver may be a tricky process especially as a first time Yamaha user. The step-by-step guide through the Network or USB update procedures in this article is sure to fix your headache.