WiFiCom Update Tool

Use this tool to install your initial WiFiCom files or to update an existing WiFiCom to a newer release. Also works for downgrading!

Mac read first!

• Please ensure MacOS is updated to 15.2 or higher.
• On MacOS 14.4 to 15.1, updates are slow, may cause excessive flash wear on your WiFiCom, and may have issues upgrading CircuitPython.
• MacOS 14.0 to 14.3 will corrupt files on CIRCUITPY drives.

Updating (WiFiCom)

• Back up the files on your CIRCUITPY drive if you changed anything important. This tool aims to preserve previous WiFiCom config and only delete/overwrite specific files, but be cautious about any files you don't want to lose.
• Put the WiFiCom into Drive Mode using the menu.
• Run the update tool and select an option.
• If a CircuitPython upgrade/downgrade is recommended, the tool will link to the appropriate file.
  • Choose "Download UF2 file" to save the file using your web browser.
  • Eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
  • Exit Drive Mode by holding the C button.
  • Put the unit into bootloader mode using the option in the Settings menu.
  • Copy the UF2 file into the RPI-RP2 drive that appears.
  • When the WiFiCom has rebooted, put it back into drive mode using the menu. If you changed the major version of CircuitPython (e.g. 8.x.x to 9.x.x), the menu will not appear and the CIRCUITPY drive will already be writeable, so skip this step.
  • Re-run the update tool with the same option as before.
• Wait for the update to complete.
• Eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
• Exit Drive Mode by holding the C button.

Updating (P-Com)

• Back up the files on your CIRCUITPY drive if you changed anything important. This tool aims to preserve previous WiFiCom config and only delete/overwrite specific files, but be cautious about any files you don't want to lose.
• Put the P-Com into Dev Mode: disconnect the USB, reconnect while holding the main button, and keep holding until the CIRCUITPY drive appears.
• Run the update tool and select an option.
• If a CircuitPython upgrade/downgrade is recommended, the tool will link to the appropriate file.
  • Choose "Download UF2 file" to save the file using your web browser.
  • Eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
  • Put the unit into bootloader mode using the instructions for your board below.
  • Copy the UF2 file into the RPI-RP2 drive that appears. While copying, hold the main button until the CIRCUITPY drive reappears.
  • Re-run the update tool with the same option as before.
• Wait for the update to complete.
• Eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
• Disconnect and reconnect the USB to reboot the device.

Installing on a new build

• Install the appropriate version of CircuitPython:
  • Check the wificom-lib CHANGELOG for the exact version tested with each release.
  • Raspberry Pi Pico W (WiFiCom)
  • Raspberry Pi Pico (P-Com)
  • Xiao RP2040 (P-Com)
  • On a fresh board, the RPI-RP2 drive appears by default. Otherwise, enter bootloader mode using the instructions below.
• If you are using a custom circuit layout, modify "board_config.py" from wificom-lib and save it to your CIRCUITPY drive.
• Run the update tool and select an option.
• Wait for the installation to complete.
• If you wish to use WiFi, create a new WiFiCom on https://wificom.dev/ and follow the "Credentials Download" instructions on the page that appears.
• Eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
• Disconnect and reconnect the USB / power supply.

Exceptions (other boards, older versions, non-bootable)

Making the CIRCUITPY drive writeable

• WiFiCom (2.x) Dev Mode: connect the unit to USB while holding the C button, and keep holding until the CIRCUITPY drive appears.
• WiFiCom (1.x) Dev Mode: connect the unit to USB while holding the C button, then release the button promptly when the LED comes on.

Rebooting into normal mode (make CIRCUITPY read-only again)

• First eject (safely remove) the CIRCUITPY drive from your computer.
• Older WiFiCom firmware in "Drive Mode": select a different mode from the menu.
• Screenless units / WiFiCom in "Dev Mode" / not running: disconnect and reconnect the USB / power supply.
• Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect: press the RESET button once.

Bootloader mode

• Most boards: disconnect the USB / power supply, reconnect while holding the BOOT button, and keep holding until the RPI-RP2 drive appears.
• Xanthos's premade units: the BOOT button is on the back. On battery units you will need to detach the battery module. You may need a tool to press the button.
• Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect: double-click the RESET button.