Sony SmartEyewear 1 Firmware Update Troubleshoot

Introduction

Sony SmartEyewear 1 has been a popular choice for those who want a lightweight pair of smart glasses that can run basic applications, display notifications, and integrate with the Sony SmartEyewear ecosystem. As with any connected device, the firmware that runs the glasses evolves over time. New features, security patches, and performance improvements arrive through firmware updates delivered via the Sony SmartEyewear app or directly through the device’s internal update mechanism.

When a firmware update is out, most users simply tap “Update” and wait for the process to finish. However, firmware upgrades can occasionally run into hiccups. The device may stop responding, show an error code, or fail to detect the new firmware file. These issues can leave the glasses stuck at an old firmware version, missing new functionality, or even becoming unusable.

The purpose of this guide is to walk you through the most common firmware update problems and show you step‑by‑step troubleshooting methods. By following these instructions, you should be able to restore the SmartEyewear 1 to a working state or successfully install the latest firmware.

Understanding the Update Workflow

Before diving into troubleshooting, it helps to understand how the update process normally works:

1. Check for Updates – The SmartEyewear app connects to Sony’s servers and checks the current firmware version on the glasses.
2. Download Firmware – If a newer version exists, the app downloads the firmware package to the smartphone.
3. Initiate Update – The app instructs the glasses to start the update. The glasses temporarily disconnect from Wi‑Fi, flash the new firmware, and reboot.
4. Verify – After reboot, the app verifies that the new firmware is active.

Problems can arise at any of these stages. The following sections cover the most common points of failure and provide practical fixes.

Preparing for the Update

A well‑prepared environment reduces the chance of update failures. Follow these pre‑update checks:

• Battery Level – Ensure the glasses are charged to at least 50 %. Firmware updates can drain battery rapidly—see the Samsung Galaxy Fit 4 Battery Drain Repair guide for tips on managing battery health during updates.
• Stable Wi‑Fi Connection – The glasses and phone must be on the same Wi‑Fi network. Prefer a 2.4 GHz band if the glasses only support it.
• Background Apps – Close other Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi‑heavy apps on your phone to avoid interference.
• Free Storage – The phone should have enough free space for the firmware file (typically 15‑30 MB).
• Phone Compatibility – The SmartEyewear app is supported on Android 6.0+ and iOS 10.0+. If you’re using a device that’s barely compatible, consider a quick firmware backup before updating.

Common Firmware Update Problems

Below are the most frequently reported issues. Each section includes a short description, possible cause, and step‑by‑step solution.

1. Update Stalls Mid‑Process

Symptom – The update screen freezes or shows a spinning wheel for an extended period.

Possible Causes

• Weak Wi‑Fi signal
• Interference from other devices
• Insufficient battery

Fixes

1. Re‑establish Connection

   • Put the glasses back in pairing mode by pressing the power button for 5 seconds until the LED blinks.
   • Open the SmartEyewear app, select “Re‑pair” and reconnect.

2. Move Closer to Router

   • Place the phone and glasses near the Wi‑Fi router.

3. Reduce Interference

   • Turn off nearby Bluetooth devices, such as other headphones or smartwatches.

4. Restart the Update

   • Cancel the current update, then re‑initiate from the “Check for Updates” screen.

5. Battery Check

   • If the battery falls below 20 % during the update, the process may pause. Charge the glasses again and resume.

If the update still stalls after trying all the above, proceed to the next section.

2. Error Code “FF0001” – Firmware Not Detected

Symptom – The app shows “Error FF0001” and refuses to proceed.

Possible Causes

• Corrupted firmware file downloaded by the app
• Compatibility issue between firmware version and device hardware

Fixes

1. Clear App Cache (Android)

   • Go to Settings → Apps → SmartEyewear → Storage → Clear Cache.
   • Reopen the app and check for updates again.

2. Force Re‑Download

   • Delete the existing firmware file from the phone’s Downloads folder.
   • In the app, tap “Check for Updates” again to trigger a fresh download.

3. Manually Install Firmware (Advanced)

   • Download the firmware package directly from Sony’s support site.
   • Transfer the file to the phone’s internal storage.
   • In the app, use the “Manual Update” option (if available) and point it to the new file.

4. Check Compatibility

   • Verify that the firmware version is meant for SmartEyewear 1.
   • Avoid installing firmware intended for later models (e.g., SmartEyewear 2).

If the error persists, move on to section 3.

3. Device Does Not Connect After Update

Symptom – After reboot, the glasses refuse to pair with the phone or appear as “Unknown Device” in Bluetooth settings.

Possible Causes

• Firmware update corrupted the Bluetooth stack
• The device’s firmware was set to a locked mode

Fixes

1. Bluetooth Reset

   • On the phone, remove the SmartEyewear entry from Bluetooth.
   • On the glasses, press the power button for 10 seconds to force a factory reset of Bluetooth.

2. Re‑Pair

   • Open the SmartEyewear app and tap “Add Device”.
   • Follow the on‑screen prompts to pair again.

3. Check Wi‑Fi Mode

   • Some firmware updates switch the device to “Wi‑Fi only” mode.
   • In the app, navigate to Settings → Connectivity and ensure Bluetooth is enabled.

4. Rollback Firmware (if supported)

   • If the app offers a “Rollback” option, use it to revert to the previous firmware.
   • After rollback, check for a newer, stable release.

4. Firmware Update Fails Over USB

Symptom – You attempted to update via USB cable, but the app reports “USB update failed” or the device does not appear.

Possible Causes

• Incorrect USB driver or port
• Firmware package incompatible with USB method

Fixes

1. Check USB Connection

   • Use the original charging cable.
   • Try a different USB port on the computer.

2. Enable USB Debugging

   • On Android, go to Settings → About Phone → tap “Build number” seven times to enable Developer Options.
   • In Developer Options, enable “USB Debugging”.

3. Use Sony’s Official USB Tool

   • Download the Sony SmartEyewear USB Update Utility from Sony’s website.
   • Follow the wizard to locate the firmware file and update the device.

4. Reboot Device in DFU Mode

   • Some firmware updates require “Device Firmware Update” mode.
   • Hold the power button while plugging the USB cable until the LED blinks rapidly, then follow the utility instructions.

If none of these steps work, proceed to section 5.

5. Device Stuck in Factory Reset Loop

Symptom – The SmartEyewear keeps restarting and does not finish the update.

Possible Causes

• Firmware corruption severe enough to trigger a reset loop
• Power supply interruptions during update

Fixes

1. Hard Reset

   • Disconnect all cables.
   • Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.
   • Release and wait for the device to shut down completely.

2. Recovery Mode

   • While the device is powered off, press the power button until you see a special icon (often a flashing LED).
   • Use the smartphone app to send a “Recovery Mode” command.

3. Flash Firmware via USB

   • Connect the device to a PC.
   • Use the Sony SmartEyewear USB Update Utility to flash the latest firmware directly, bypassing the device’s internal update engine.

4. Seek Professional Service

   • If the device still fails to boot, contact Sony support or visit an authorized service center.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

If the above solutions do not resolve the problem, you may need to employ deeper diagnostics. The following methods are recommended only for experienced users or support technicians.

A. Monitoring Log Output

1. Enable Logcat on Android

   • Install “Android Debug Bridge (ADB)” on your PC.
   • Connect the SmartEyewear via USB.
   • Run adb logcat | grep SmartEyewear to filter relevant logs.

2. Identify Error Codes

   • Look for “SEFW” or “SEU” prefixes indicating SmartEyewear firmware errors.

3. Submit Logs to Sony

   • Compile the log file and attach it to a support ticket.

B. Using a Test Firmware Bundle

1. Download a Known‑Stable Firmware

   • Sony provides “test” firmware images for developers.
   • Verify that the bundle matches the hardware revision of your glasses.

2. Deploy via USB

   • Use the Sony SmartEyewear USB Utility to flash the test firmware.
   • Observe if the update completes successfully.

3. Revert if Needed

   • If the test firmware works, the issue may be with the original update package.

C. Checking for Hardware Issues

1. Battery Health

   • Over time, the lithium polymer battery may degrade.
   • Use the SmartEyewear app’s “Battery Health” diagnostic to check capacity.

2. Physical Damage

   • Inspect the glasses for cracks or water damage.
   • Damaged hardware can interfere with update signals.

3. Connectivity Modules

   • The Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi chips are soldered onto the mainboard.
   • Faulty chips can cause repeated disconnects during firmware transfer.

If you suspect a hardware fault, professional service is advised.

Best Practices for Future Updates

Once your SmartEyewear 1 is back to normal, adopt these habits to keep future updates smooth:

• Schedule Updates – Set a reminder to check for firmware updates every month.
• Keep Battery Full – Always charge the glasses before initiating an update.
• Use a Dedicated Wi‑Fi Network – If possible, create a temporary network dedicated to the update process.
• Avoid Interruptions – Turn off airplane mode and close other applications.
• Backup Settings – The app allows you to export certain settings; do so before a major firmware upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Firmware update issues—whether they manifest as stalled progress, error codes, connectivity hiccups, or even a factory‑reset loop—can be frustrating, but they are largely solvable with a systematic approach. Keep your battery healthy, maintain a clean Bluetooth environment, and ensure a robust Wi‑Fi connection, and you’ll give your SmartEyewear 1 the best chance of a successful update. If problems persist, consult the related guides above or contact Sony support for further assistance.