topic Re: RS5MkII firmware won't update in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

EOS R5 Mark II firmware won't update

mrmugooo — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:10:43 GMT

I'm trying (this is about the 100th time) to update my R5MkII to the latest firmware. I've tried downloading it onto a card and updating using that method - no avail. I've tried updating it using the Camera Connect App on my iPhone - no avail. Regardless of the method, I always end up with the message "Update file cannot be found. Please check the memory card and reload the battery and try again" displayed on my camera's LCD screen. I've tried new cards, reformatted cards, old reformatted cards and nothing seems to get me past this point. Any help would be appreciated.

Re: RS5MkII firmware won't update

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:56:48 GMT

Try removing the card that doesn't have the FIR file on it.

Re: RS5MkII firmware won't update

FloridaDrafter — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 05:14:20 GMT

@mrmugooo wrote:

I'm trying (this is about the 100th time) to update my R5MkII to the latest firmware. I've tried downloading it onto a card and updating using that method - no avail. I've tried updating it using the Camera Connect App on my iPhone - no avail. Regardless of the method, I always end up with the message "Update file cannot be found. Please check the memory card and reload the battery and try again" displayed on my camera's LCD screen. I've tried new cards, reformatted cards, old reformatted cards and nothing seems to get me past this point. Any help would be appreciated.

Johns suggestion is the first thing I would try. IIRC, one of the f/w updates for the R5 or mark II said to only use one card in the instructions. I can typically install with both cards and putting the FIR file on the SD, but I have had to resort to one card in the past.

If that doesn't work, start from the beginning. I understand that it can be confusing if you are not used to using containers like ZIP (Windows & Mac) and DMG (Mac), which are a way to make the files you will need smaller, or compressed. To me, it is just safer and easier to use the SD card with a USB card reader or a reader that may be built into your computer. All you need to do, once the ZIP or DMG is on your computer, is extract the *.FIR file, put it in the open area (root) of the SD card, put the card in the camera and perform the update. Just remember that the firmware update routine on the camera will disable the touch screen, so you will have to use the large dial on the back to make your selections, then press the "SET" button to get things started.

Please get back with us, good or bad 🙂

Newton

Re: EOS R5 Mark II firmware won't update

March411 — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:53:42 GMT

A couple of us here collaborated on putting this together for our members that have challenges upgrading their firmware. If you follow this closely it should resolve your challenges.

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.

March411_0-1784721082468.jpeg

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

March411_1-1784721082467.jpeg

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 R5 Mark II firmware won't update

gossamer88 — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:57:16 GMT

I use a SD specifically for FW. Always format in camera and drag the FIR file on the root of the card. Use Program mode and never had an issue. I actually udated successfully to 1.3.1 yesterday using the above method. I also remove the CFExpress card.

Re: EOS R5 Mark II firmware won't update

March411 — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 18:19:37 GMT

@gossamer88 I also own the R5 Mk II and if you updated to 1.3.1 you are running the current firmware version for that body.

From the Canon Website: EOS R5 Mark II Firmware Update, Version 1.3.1 Date: 06.05.26

Re: EOS R5 Mark II firmware won't update

sliderhorse — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:41:07 GMT

Thank you!

I followed your instructions and it was the easiest I have ever updated my camera. Thank you for taking the time to help us.

Kerri

Re: EOS R5 Mark II firmware won't update

March411 — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:35:26 GMT

Three different sets of eyes putting a guide together will normally find what someone else missed. Shadowsports, Waddizzle and I just wanted put something together in simple English that was a breeze to follow

Glad it worked out..