How to Update Firmware on Shelly Devices Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide

Firmware updates are essential for keeping your smart home devices secure, reliable, and feature-rich. Shelly devices are designed with OTA (over-the-air) firmware updates in mind, making the process straightforward when done correctly. However, a failed update can leave a device in an unstable state, so it’s important to follow safe practices.

This guide walks you through how to update firmware on Shelly devices safely, from preparation to completion. Whether you own a Shelly 2PM Gen4 List or a Shelly Wave PM Mini EU LR, the core steps remain similar, but we’ll highlight specific considerations for different protocols and models.

Why Firmware Updates Matter for Your Shelly Devices

Firmware updates bring critical security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements. For smart home devices that operate over Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or ZigBee, keeping firmware current reduces vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Shelly regularly releases updates that add new features, improve energy monitoring accuracy, and enhance compatibility with smart home platforms like Home Assistant, Alexa, and Google Home.

Neglecting updates can lead to connectivity issues, missing functionality, or even safety risks in relay-based devices. For example, energy meters like the Shelly 3EM-63W Gen3 benefit from firmware improvements that refine real-time power measurement. Similarly, relay switches such as the Shelly 2PM Gen4 List receive updates that optimize load handling and switching response.

• Security patches protect against unauthorized access
• Bug fixes resolve intermittent disconnections or misreadings
• New features (e.g., script support, Matter compatibility) are only available via updates

Preparing for a Safe Firmware Update

Before starting any firmware update, take a few minutes to prepare. First, ensure your Shelly device is powered stably – avoid updating on a device that is being powered by a battery that is low, or on a circuit that may be switched off. If your device is connected through a smart plug or power strip, use a direct power connection if possible.

Second, note down your current settings or export a configuration backup if your device supports it. Some Shelly devices allow you to save the device configuration via the web interface. This is invaluable if the update resets settings or causes unexpected behavior. Third, make sure your phone or computer has a stable connection to the same local network as the Shelly device, especially for OTA updates over Wi-Fi or Z-Wave.

Step-by-Step: Updating via the Shelly Smart Control App

The easiest way to update most Shelly devices is through the Shelly Smart Control app. Open the app, log in to your account, and navigate to the device you want to update. On the device details page, tap the settings icon and look for 'Update' or 'Firmware version'. The app will automatically check for available updates.

If an update is available, you will see a prompt to download and install it. Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Shelly device (for Wi-Fi models) or that the Z-Wave/ZigBee gateway is connected. Tap 'Update' and wait. Do not switch tabs or leave the app. The update typically takes 1–3 minutes. The device will reboot automatically, and you can verify the new version in the same menu.

For Z-Wave devices like the Shelly Wave PM Mini EU LR, the app uses the Z-Wave controller's OTA functionality. The process is similar but may take slightly longer. Ensure the Z-Wave network is stable, and do not move the device during the update.

• Always use the latest version of the Shelly Smart Control app
• Update one device at a time to avoid network congestion
• If the update fails, try again after a power cycle of the device

Step-by-Step: Updating via the Web Interface (Local or Cloud)

Alternatively, you can update firmware directly through the Shelly device’s local web interface. This is useful if you prefer not to use the app or need to access the device while not logged into the cloud. Find the device’s IP address on your router or via the app, then enter it in a web browser. Log in with your device credentials (username and password if set).

Navigate to the 'Firmware Update' section. The device will check for updates from Shelly’s server. If you have downloaded a firmware file from the Shelly support page, you can also use the 'Upload' option. This manual method is helpful for devices that are offline or for beta testing. For local Wi-Fi models, the file format is usually a .zip or .bin file. For Z-Wave, the file is typically an .otz file.

During the upload, do not close the browser tab or disconnect power. The device will reboot to apply the new firmware. You can then verify the update by checking the 'Device Info' section. Note that some modern devices, like the Shelly 2PM Gen4 List, include a failsafe recovery mode if the update fails, automatically reverting to the previous firmware.

• Keep a note of your device’s IP address for quick access
• Use only official firmware files from Shelly
• If the device becomes unresponsive after an update, power-cycle it and try again

Troubleshooting Common Firmware Update Issues

Even with careful preparation, updates can sometimes fail or cause problems. The most common issue is a lost Wi-Fi connection during the OTA process. If that happens, the device may become stuck. Wait 5 minutes, then power off the device, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on. The device will often recover and revert to the previous firmware.

Another issue is a corrupt download. If you see an error message indicating a bad file, re-download the firmware from Shelly’s official site and try again. For Z-Wave devices, ensure the Z-Wave controller is within range and not overloaded with traffic. The Shelly Wave PM Mini EU LR, for instance, should be within 10–15 meters of the controller for reliable OTA.

If the update succeeds but the device behaves strangely (e.g., incorrect readings, sensor not responding), perform a factory reset and restore your configuration from backup. For devices like the Shelly 3EM-63W Gen3, you can recalibrate the energy monitoring after an update via the app settings.

• Keep a backup of device configuration before any update
• If a Z-Wave device fails to update, exclude and re-include it, then retry
• Contact Shelly support if you experience repeated failures

Best Practices for Ongoing Firmware Maintenance

To keep your Shelly devices running smoothly, enable automatic update notifications in the Shelly Smart Control app. You can also check for updates manually once a month. When a major firmware version is released (e.g., adding Matter support), read the release notes to understand what changed and whether you need to update other devices in your ecosystem.

Avoid updating all devices simultaneously, especially if your smart home relies on many units. Update one device first, verify it works, and then proceed to others. For mission-critical devices like door locks or heating controls, consider updating during a low-usage period. The Shelly USB Charger-Wall Display Stand can be a handy tool to keep your phone charged while managing updates, though it is not required.

Finally, keep your Shelly Smart Control app up to date, as app updates often include improvements to the OTA process itself. By following these tips, you can ensure that your Shelly devices remain secure, stable, and equipped with the latest features.

Updating your Shelly devices is a straightforward process when you take the right precautions. By preparing your network, backing up settings, and following the app or web interface steps, you can safely keep your smart home running at its best. Now that you know how to update safely, consider exploring a device like the Shelly Wave PM Mini EU LR for its precise energy monitoring and Z-Wave reliability.