topic Re: Need Help for Canon R6 Mark II in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

EOS R6 Mark II Can't get firmware to update

Photographer-63 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:28:08 GMT

Hello everyone. I'm trying to update the firmware on my two Canon R6 Mark II cameras, and I can't get it to update using the correct procedure on my Mac. I've used three (3) brand new memory cards, and nothing works. I format the card, download the firmware from the Canon website, insert the card into the camera, go to firmware settings, and follow the procedure, but the memory card isn't recognized. What could I be doing wrong, or do I need to send the cameras to Canon for repair? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Re: Need Help for Canon R6 Mark II

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:30:28 GMT

Hello.

1. after you insert and format the memory cards can you record photos on them?

2. when you download the firmware update to your computer do you open the file and copy the .fir file to the camera memory card?

3. if you get that far when you are in the camera update procedure do you use the QCD (not the touchscreen) to move the prompt to OK?

4. if you are still having a problem give Canon support a call at 1-800-OK-CANON.

Re: Need Help for Canon R6 Mark II

Photographer-63 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:39:50 GMT

Answer:

#1 No

#2 Yes

#3 Yes

#4 I think to call Canon support.

Thank you John

Re: EOS R6 Mark II Can't get firmware to update

SignifDigits — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:51:46 GMT

I used Canon Camera Connect on my last firmware updates, and found it easy-peasy compared to the memory card file-based option. Just a thought.

Re: Need Help for Canon R6 Mark II

ebiggs1 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 14:59:54 GMT

Answering, no, to JRH's first question is a problem. You are using a full size SD and the one recommended in your m anual?

Re: EOS R6 Mark II Can't get firmware to update

March411 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:17:19 GMT

I can't speak to how the downloaded version on a Mac or if you have to unzip a file but here are the procedures to update once you have the firmware file available.

A couple of things to start:

Fully charged battery in the camera
A cleanly formatted (low format) card
Only a card in slot one, take the second card out
No lens mounted on the camera
place the camera mode to P or M

Firmware updates are cumulative so you do not have to update sequentially. What does that mean to you, updates can go straight from v1 > v5, there is no reason to make the updates in between releases if you missed one/some .

Notable elements when updating Firmware:

Download the file from the Canon website directly, note that there are both Win and Mac OS files available for download. Download the correct file based on your operating system.
Create a folder/directory on your computer using the body or lens name for easy ID and historical purposes if you save old files.
Copy/Cut/Move the zipped file to this folder This will make it easy to find them if you need them at a later date.
Extract the file on your computer, unzip pr unpack into this folder.
Read and follow instructions that are located in a separate folder (update-procedure-pdf) of the unzipped file.
Format the CF or SD card in the camera you will use for the update. Micro SD cards should never be used for firmware updates or any other reason in your camera; they are not compatible.
Copy the file to the card you are using for the update. Move only the FIR (body) or .afu (lens) file to the root of your CF/SD Card.
If you have two card slots only have the single card you are using in slot 1 for the update (CF or SD). Other slots should be empty.
Place the camera mode to P, M, Tv or Av
Turn the camera on, go to the menu, select the wrench menu, select firmware update.
At this point you will need to use the quick control dial for all your selections during the update process. The quick control dial in located on the back of your camera, the placement and appearance may be different depending on the R series body you own. Use it to move menu from the preselected prompt highlighted which is Cancel to the prompt OK. Once your selection is complete use the Set button initiate the selection. Do not press any buttons or attempt to operate the camera until the firmware update is complete. The touch screen and other dials do not work during a firmware update.

Follow the prompts in the firmware update menu selection (Body/Lens).

If you follow the procedures exactly and the update fails you may want to delete the original download from your computer, this includes the file in your download folder. Reformat the card used for the firmware update. Download a fresh file from Canon and attempt the process again with a clean file. Files can become corrupt during the download or the unzipping process.

Please be aware that you can also use the EOS Utility to update camera firmware. The software to download is located in the second section of the application on this linked page: Canon EOS / PowerShot / SELPHY Apps & software

CANON LENS FIRMWARE

I would like to thank shadowsports and Waddizzle for helping me tighten up this thread. Their contributions are appreciated and valued!

Re: EOS R6 Mark II Can't get firmware to update

Waddizzle — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:59:41 GMT

It helps to have only one memory card installed during an update. Afterwards, install two cards as you would normally use. Verify which memory card is selected for reading and writing. Verify file types, too.

Card confusion and potential reconfiguration because you closed the door with only one card installed is why I usually use a USB cable.

Re: EOS R6 Mark II Can't get firmware to update

shadowsports — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 12:33:29 GMT

@Photographer-63

If you follow the steps in Marc's post above @March411 you"I'll be successful. We've all contributed to that post and it's been fine-tuned.

It sounds like you're leaving a second card in the camera or have not copied the extracted fir file to the root of of the remaining card. The fir file is inside the .DMG if using a Mac or .ZIP If using Windows. Firmware is operating system agnostic so it doesn't matter which one you choose. They're just packaged differently but they have to be extracted or unzipped to get the .fir file. Please review the steps in Marc's post. I'm sure you're missing something.

If you're not able to capture photos to one of the cards after formatting in camera, you have a different issue. (What @jrhoffman75 and @ebiggs1 mentioned)

If it doesn't work, your .fir file is corrupt, you have a hardware issue, or you're not following the steps.

Hopefully your next post will be an a-ha moment. We look forward to your reply. 🙂