08-25-2026
01:43 PM
- last edited on
08-26-2026
08:10 AM
by
James_C
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.
08-25-2026 06:56 PM
Try removing the card that doesn't have the FIR file on it.
08-26-2026 01:07 AM - edited 08-26-2026 01:14 AM
@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
08-26-2026 11:52 AM - edited 08-26-2026 11:53 AM
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:
March411_0-1784721082468.jpeg
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
I would like to thank shadowsports and Waddizzle for helping me tighten up this thread. Their contributions are appreciated and valued!
R5 Mk II ~ R6 Mk III ~ R7
Lenses: RF Trinity and others
Adobe and DxO PhotoLab Elite for post processing
Personal Gallery
08-26-2026 01:57 PM
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.
08-26-2026 02:19 PM
@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
R5 Mk II ~ R6 Mk III ~ R7
Lenses: RF Trinity and others
Adobe and DxO PhotoLab Elite for post processing
Personal Gallery
08-27-2026 10:41 AM
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
08-27-2026 06:35 PM
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..
R5 Mk II ~ R6 Mk III ~ R7
Lenses: RF Trinity and others
Adobe and DxO PhotoLab Elite for post processing
Personal Gallery
07/22/2026: New firmware updates are available.
EOS R6 Mark III - Version 1.1.0
05/13/2026: New firmware updates are available.
EOS R5 Mark II - Version 1.3.0
EOS R6 Mark II - Version 1.7.0
03/17/2026: New firmware updates are available.
SELPHY CP1500 - Version 1.0.7.0
01/20/2026: New firmware updates are available.
10/15/2025: New firmware updates are available.
Speedlite EL-5 - Version 1.2.0
Speedlite EL-1 - Version 1.1.0
Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 - Version 1.2.0
Canon U.S.A Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.