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Updating by USB

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luminko edited this page Oct 5, 2026 · 1 revision

Use this if your TACT can't update itself over Wi-Fi (see Updating), or if it showed a QR code after an update didn't work. It takes about five minutes. Your settings, saved Wi-Fi networks and stats are kept.

What you need

  • A computer: Windows, Mac or Chromebook. A phone or tablet won't work.
  • Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on that computer. Firefox and Safari won't work.
  • A USB cable that can carry data, to connect TACT to the computer. Some cables only charge. If the computer doesn't find TACT, try a different cable.

Step by step

1. Switch TACT on. Wait until you see the main menu.

2. Connect TACT to the computer with the USB cable.

3. Open the update page in Chrome or Edge: luminko.github.io/tact

4. Click the big UPDATE TACT button.

5. Pick your TACT. A small box opens at the top of the browser with a list. Click your TACT in the list (if there's more than one, unplug TACT and plug it back in: the one that disappears and comes back is TACT). Then click Connect.

6. Wait. The page shows a bar going up to 100%. It takes about a minute. Don't unplug TACT and don't close the page until it says Update complete.

7. When it says Update complete, unplug the cable. TACT restarts with the new version.

8. Check it worked: on TACT, open About. Firmware shows the new version number.

If something goes wrong

TACT isn't in the list (step 5)

  • Make sure TACT is switched on and showing the main menu. It can't be updated while it's switched off.
  • Try another USB cable: the one you have may only charge.
  • Try another USB port on the computer.
  • Close the box, unplug TACT, plug it back in, and click UPDATE TACT again.

"This doesn't look like a TACT"

  • You picked a different device in the list. Nothing was changed. Click TRY AGAIN and pick your TACT.

"This browser can't update TACT"

  • Open the page in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on a computer.

"The update didn't finish", or TACT was unplugged during it

  • Don't worry. Plug TACT back in, click TRY AGAIN (or open the page again) and start from step 4.

TACT shows a black screen afterwards

  • Unplug the cable, wait a few seconds, and switch TACT on again. If it still doesn't start, plug it back in and do the update again from step 3: it can be updated even while its screen stays black.

Erase and fresh install

This deletes everything on TACT (settings, saved Wi-Fi networks and all stats) and installs the latest version, so it starts again as new. Use it only if:

  • TACT keeps misbehaving and a normal update didn't fix it, or
  • you're giving TACT to someone else and want it wiped.

It can't be undone.

  1. Do steps 1 to 3 above.
  2. Instead of the big button, click Erase and fresh install... under it.
  3. Read the warning. Make sure only your TACT is plugged in, then click ERASE AND INSTALL.
  4. Pick your TACT in the list and click Connect.
  5. Wait. Erasing takes a little while before the bar starts moving. Don't unplug TACT or close the page.
  6. When it says Fresh install complete, unplug the cable. TACT restarts with default settings.

Older versions

The update page always installs the latest version. Every version is listed on the GitHub Releases page.

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