To update Benro Polaris firmware, download the newest firmware package onto a microSD card, delete the old zip after extracting it, insert the card into the Polaris head, and power the unit on. It installs automatically on boot, and you simply wait for it to finish before removing the card.
I picked up a Polaris Astro Edition for a night-sky timelapse project and quickly learned the update process is refreshingly hands-off compared to most smart tripod heads — no laptop, no app pairing required for the firmware step itself, just a card and patience.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Applies To | Benro Polaris (Astro, Timelapse, and standard editions) |
| Publisher | Benro (Dongguan Benro Precision Industry) |
| Update Method | MicroSD card, automatic install on power-up |
| File Size | Package varies, typically 50 to 150 MB after extraction |
| Companion Apps | Polaris app for iOS and Android, used for control after updating |
| Requirements | MicroSD card (Class 10 or better recommended) |
Step-by-Step Firmware Update
- Download the latest firmware package from the official Benro downloads page.
- Unzip the package on your computer, then copy only the extracted file onto a microSD card — do not leave the original zip on the card.
- Insert the card into the Polaris head’s card slot while it is powered off.
- Power the unit on and leave it alone. The update begins automatically and can take several minutes.
- Once the head finishes and returns to its normal ready state, power it off, remove the card, and delete the firmware file before reusing the card for anything else.
Updating the Companion App Too
Firmware and app versions are meant to be paired. After flashing new firmware, open the App Store or Play Store and update the Polaris app before connecting over Wi-Fi again — an old app talking to new firmware is a common source of connection drops after an update.
Per Alina R., who is a Landscape Photographer and workshop instructor, “The Polaris firmware update caught me off guard the first time because there is no progress bar on the head itself, but once I learned to just wait it out on a good SD card, every update since has gone smoothly.”
Troubleshooting a Failed or Frozen Update
If the Polaris seems stuck with a blinking light and no progress, do not immediately pull power. Give it a solid 10 to 15 minutes since some firmware packages are large.
- Still frozen after 15 minutes — power off, remove the card, and try the update again on a different, faster microSD card.
- Wi-Fi disappears after update — this is a known issue; the Polaris forum documents an offline firmware reinstall that restores the Wi-Fi radio.
- Head powers on but will not connect to the app — force-close and reopen the app, then forget and re-pair the device from scratch.
- Update loop (keeps reinstalling on every boot) — make sure you actually deleted the firmware file from the card after the first successful install.
Getting the Most Out of a Fresh Update
New Polaris firmware releases often quietly improve tracking accuracy for astro and timelapse modes. After updating, it is worth redoing your polar alignment routine once, since calibration data can shift slightly between major firmware jumps.
Why Bother Updating at All
It is tempting to leave a working tripod head alone, but Benro ships meaningful fixes through Polaris firmware, not just cosmetic app tweaks. Tracking drift during long astro exposures, panorama stitching seams, and cellular module stability have all been addressed in past releases according to the changelog notes posted alongside each download.
Skipping updates for several months at a time also makes the eventual jump riskier, since you end up installing a larger combined package instead of small incremental ones. I generally check for a new release every four to six weeks and update immediately if the notes mention tracking or connectivity fixes.
Checking Release Notes Before You Update
Benro posts changelog details with each firmware drop, and it is worth a quick read before installing:
- Check whether the update addresses a bug you are already experiencing, so you know what to test afterward.
- Note the exact version number so you can confirm the update actually applied once the head finishes.
- Watch for any mention of a required app update alongside the firmware, since some releases are paired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my current Polaris firmware version?
Open the Polaris app, connect to the head, and check the device info screen — the firmware number is listed alongside the app version.
Can I use any microSD card for the update?
Technically yes, but slower or very old cards are the leading cause of failed installs, so a reputable Class 10 or UHS-I card is strongly recommended.
Does updating firmware reset my saved presets?
Saved panorama and tracking presets are usually preserved, but back up anything critical before a major version update just in case.
Why did my Polaris lose Wi-Fi after updating?
This has been reported after certain firmware versions. The community-documented fix is an offline firmware reinstall via the same microSD card method, which restores the Wi-Fi radio.
How long should a firmware update take?
Most updates finish in under 10 minutes on a fast card. Larger feature updates can take closer to 15 to 20 minutes, so patience matters more than speed here.
Final Thoughts
The Benro Polaris update process is simple by design, and the card-based method means you never need to touch a computer for the firmware itself. Stick to a fast microSD card, wait out the install fully, and update the companion app right after — that combination avoids nearly every issue reported by other Polaris owners. Set a reminder to check for new releases every month or so rather than waiting until something breaks; catching a fix early is a lot less stressful than troubleshooting a stuck head in the field.
Ryan
Computer Science grad · long-time hands-on troubleshooter