--- title: "Firmware Updates: Choosing Your Update Method" description: Learn the difference between Konnected App-managed updates and ESPHome self-managed updates and why you should pick one method. --- [Skip to content](https://support.konnected.io/firmware-updates-choosing-your-update-method#main-content) English Show submenu for translations [Submit a Ticket](https://support.konnected.io/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Customer portal](https://support.konnected.io/tickets-view?hsLang=en) ![Refreshed Logo Blue (HQ)](https://support.konnected.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Refreshed%20Logo%20Blue%20(HQ).png?width=250&height=45&name=Refreshed%20Logo%20Blue%20(HQ).png) - [Tickets](https://22554404.hs-sites.com/tickets-view) - [Sign out](https://22554404.hs-sites.com/_hcms/mem/logout) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Tickets](https://22554404.hs-sites.com/tickets-view) - [Sign out](https://22554404.hs-sites.com/_hcms/mem/logout) - English Show submenu for translations - [Submit a Ticket](https://support.konnected.io/kb-tickets/new) - [Customer portal](https://support.konnected.io/tickets-view) - [Shop Now](https://konnected.io/collections/shop-now) [Shop Now](https://konnected.io/collections/shop-now) Konnected Knowledge Base - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help & Support](https://support.konnected.io/?hsLang=en) 2. [Konnected Devices in General](https://support.konnected.io/konnected-devices-in-general?hsLang=en) 3. [Firmware and Updates](https://support.konnected.io/konnected-devices-in-general?hsLang=en#firmware-and-updates) # Firmware Updates: Choosing Your Update Method ## How to update Konnected Device firmware with the Konnected app OR with ESPHome Builder ### Understanding Your Two Update Options Your Konnected device is built on **ESPHome**, an open-source smart home platform. This gives you flexibility, but it also means you'll see firmware update options in two different places. Understanding the difference will save you time and frustration. This article applies to Konnected devices running the **ESPHome** firmware, which is default on most new Konnected devices. #### The Konnected App (Recommended for Most Users) **What it is:** A managed, done-for-you firmware update service built into the Konnected's mobile app and cloud service. **How it works:** - Tap on *Settings* to manage device settings and apply firmware updates in the app. - We deliver a pre-configured, tested firmware specifically for your device - All your settings, zones, and integrations are preserved - No YAML configuration files to manage **Best for:** - Users who want a simple, reliable update process - Alarm Panel products with complex configurations - Anyone who doesn't want to learn YAML syntax - The 95% of users who just want their system to work #### ESPHome Device Builder (Advanced DIY Path) **What it is:** The open-source ESPHome platform that lets you fully customize your device firmware. **How it works:** - Access your device through Home Assistant's ESPHome Dashboard - Edit YAML configuration files directly to customize device settings - Compile and update the device firmware from your HA server - Full control over every setting and feature and 100% privacy **Best for:** - Advanced users comfortable with YAML configuration - Custom integrations not supported by the Konnected App - Users who need specific ESPHome features - DIY enthusiasts who want complete control and prefer not to use our hosted tools #### The Golden Rule: Pick a Lane and Stick to It ⚠️ **Important:** You must choose ONE update method and use it consistently. You cannot have both the Konnected App and ESPHome Builder managing the same device's firmware. ##### What Happens If You Mix Methods? If you update via the Konnected App and then try to manage the device in ESPHome Builder: 1. Your device will show as "Offline" in ESPHome Dashboard 2. The device will disappear from ESPHome's discovery 3. ESPHome will no longer be able to update or manage the device **Why does this happen?** When you update via the Konnected App, we take over firmware management and change the device's discovery settings. This is intentional—it prevents conflicts between two systems trying to control the same device. **Your device is NOT broken.** It's working exactly as designed. 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