RetroCompass
RetroCompass

8BitDo SN30 Pro — Firmware update

Quick answer

Button combo

L1+R1+START(enter update mode)connect USB-C

Steps

  1. 1Download the 8BitDo Firmware Updater (Upgrade Tool) for Windows or macOS from support.8bitdo.com.
  2. 2On the controller, hold L1 + R1 + START until the top LED blinks red (update mode).
  3. 3Connect the controller to the computer with a USB-C cable and click USB Upgrade in the tool.
  4. 4Select the bluetooth_firmware.dat file, run it, then unplug and restart the controller when done.

LED states

  • Blinking—Update mode, ready to flash
  • Activity blink—Firmware writing in progress
Last verified: 2026-06-20Source: support.8bitdo.com

Update the SN30 Pro over USB-C with the 8BitDo Firmware Updater (also called the 8BitDo Upgrade Tool) on Windows or macOS; this model is not updated from a phone. Enter update mode by holding L1 + R1 + START until the top LED blinks red, connect USB-C, choose USB Upgrade, and load the firmware file. If the controller won't power on, hold L + R and then plug in the USB-C cable to force update mode.

FAQ

Can I update on the 8BitDo Ultimate Software?
Newer 8BitDo controllers use 8BitDo Ultimate Software, but the SN30 Pro / SF30 Pro updates with the standalone 8BitDo Firmware Updater (Upgrade Tool) over USB-C.
It won't power on for an update.
Hold L + R first, then plug in the USB-C cable; this forces update mode so the tool can recover the controller.

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