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How to Update Silhouette Cameo Firmware

How to Update Silhouette Cameo Firmware – Tips & Troubleshooting for Getting It Done!

How to Update Silhouette Cameo FirmwareI put off updating my Silhouette Cameo 3 for quite a while.  Initially, I like to wait a bit so I can let all the bugs shake out of an update, but recently, I just forgot.  So, when I finally went to do it, it didn’t work…and I was like, “Whuuuutt??”.  (Then I said some more words, a lot of them…or really, just a few, but repeatedly.)  So, I’ve got some tips for you to make it work, because I finally got it updated and there’s no need for you to struggle like I did, right?  Right.

Need more help?  Check out these Silhouette Cameo Tutorials!

How to Update Silhouette Cameo Firmware

Silhouette Software updateYou can be super vigilant about checking your Silhouette software to see if there are any updates and it will often say no, even when there are updates.  Two thumbs down on that.  So, familiarize yourself with these two links: Silhouette’s Software updates and Silhouette’s Firmware Updates.

Today, we’re strictly talking about the Firmware update.

Don’t assume that just because your machine is new that you’re up to date.  You’re probably not.

Fact.  You’re going to need that 20 minutes they’re claiming.  So, don’t try this when you’re about to rush off somewhere.

silhouette firmware update site

1. Download the firmware update that’s right for your computer.

2. Restart your computer before you update the firmware.  Trust me.  This helped.

3. Follow the on screen instructions…unless and until you have a problem…see the bottom of this post for a “bricking”/Firmware Update Connection Issue fix.

silhouette firmware update site

Silhouette Software updatesilhouette cameo update instruction screen

During the update process the Cameo screen will change colors
Blue (the one above – Screen 1) > Yellow > Green > Dark Blue

Silhouette Firmware update sending

At this point, you’re looking at 15 more minutes of screen colors changing and HOPEFULLY a Firmware Version screen update at the end.  IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM, scroll to the bottom of this post.

silhouette cameo firmware screen change yellow

Update process: Screen 2 is yellow, like Mountain Dew Yellow.

Update process: Screen 3 is green, and I totally missed a photo of it.  Sorry.

silhouette cameo firmware screen dark blue

Update process: Screen 4 is dark blue, see above.

Silhouette Cameo current firmware version purple screen

If you got to this screen, you’re all done!  Congratulations!  This shows the version that was recent upon my last update.

If you’re having a “Bricking” / Firmware Update Connection Issue:

When updating, I DID have this issue.  How to fix it is straight from the horse’s mouth with Silhouette being the horse, here’s what they say:  If, during the firmware update process, you are experiencing any concerns with connection or the process has stalled on one step for greater than 30 minutes, please do the following to reset the process and reinstall the firmware anew:

Unplug the CAMEO 3 power cord from the machine.
Hold the power button down on CAMEO 3 and then plug the power cable into CAMEO3 . Continue to hold down the power button until the LCD screen turns light blue.
Launch the Firmware Update Tool.
Once you see the window “Please connect the CAMEO and power it on”, press [Ctrl]+[Shift] on your keyboard and then click the [OK] option on the screen as these keyboard buttons are being held down.
This will send the firmware update to the machine again and should resolve the concern.

Here’s a link to Silhouette’s Firmware Update info.  Here’s what they have to say if your Silhouette won’t connect to your PC.

I hope that seeing the screens and having these links and info help you as you update your Silhouette firmware.

Happy Crafting!

Check out these Silhouette Cameo projects & tutorials!

You might also be interested in this post:

New Silhouette Cameo 3 Compared to Silhouette Cameo 2

Comments

  1. I was getting an error while launching the firmware update tool. But the problem is solved now. Thanks for this insightful tutorial.
    Reply

  2. Help ? I double click on the update to run it (Mac) but nothing ever happens. Unlike with the software you get a little prompt this just doesn’t open to anything.
    Reply

  4. My Mac doesn't have a USB port so I connect via Bluetooth, but even though Silhouette Studio says it's connected, the firmware update says it's not. Anyone else get it to work over Bluetooth or do I have to break down and get an adaptor to plug in the USB cable.
    Reply

    • I am having this issue with mine right now, did you have any luck updating your firimware and solving this issue?
      Reply

  5. THANK YOU! Thank you! Thank you!!!!! I have been struggling with this for DAYS! I was so concerned my machine was not working and I LOVE my Silhouette!
    Reply

  7. My Cameo 3 works fine with the studio as long as I am connected through the USB - never could get bluetooth to work, but when I try to do a firmware update it claims that it cannot find my Cameo. I don't understand why it can find it to do projects, but not to do an update. When I look up what to do when you can't connect over USB the first step is to a firmware update - which is exactly what I cannot do. Should I just keep using version 1.3 - it works and I am able to do all my cutting.
    Reply

  8. I solved my issue on a fluke. I turned off bluetooth on my computer and now the firmware update appears to be working - at least I don't have the message about not finding the device. I'm not sure how bluetooth would affect it when Bluetooth was turned off on my Cameo, but sometimes we don't understand why something works - just that it does.
    Reply

  12. Hi. I'm a Visually impaired Male crafter who got a Silhouette Cameo because a) I can no longer see well enough to cut accurately with a craft knife or scissors b) I do better with anything digital anyway It's been a fair journey to get things set up but 2 things which really helped was an amazing YouTuber who gave 20 great tips for starters and your blog post on how to install firmware. I'm fairly familiar with firmware installations being a bit techy but your tips on troubleshooting saved me a lot of searching on Silhouette's own site. It actually took a few false starts before I got it done but now my amazing machine has the most recent firmware and all the shapes properly installed. I've also upgraded to designer so that it's even easier to make my own designs and cut anything my little heart desires. As soon as I get my silver vinyl I'm doing a simple starter project of putting art deco designs on our art deco Tea, Coffee and instant tubs. Thanks again!
    Reply

  13. I tried for hours to make this update and kept getting the same “loading” message on my computer and “working” on my cameo screen. After a google search I found/followed your instructions and BAM, now it’s updating! You rock for taking the time to write this and share with us! Thanks!!!
    Reply

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