The short answer
If your iCarsoft is a Wi-Fi tablet (CR Max, CR Max P, CR Ultra…), connect it to a Wi-Fi network, open the update menu and tap update. If it is a handheld tool (CR Pro, CR Pro+ or a single-brand model), it is updated from a Windows computer using the iCarsoft tool for your model. Across almost the whole range, updates are free and there is no subscription.
The tool leaves the factory with the software installed, so you can use it straight out of the box. Updating does two things: it adds newer cars and fixes specific issues on models it already covered. If it works fine on your car, there is no need to do it every week.
Which method your model uses
| Model | How it updates | Free updates |
|---|---|---|
| CR Max, CR Max BT and CR Max P | Wi-Fi, from the tablet itself | For life, no subscription |
| CR Ultra, CR Ultra P and MT PRO (motorcycles) | Wi-Fi, from the tablet itself | 3 years. After that, optional renewal |
| HD V4.0 (trucks) | Wi-Fi | For life |
| CR Pro and CR Pro+ | Windows PC and memory card or USB | For life, no subscription |
| V2.0 and V1.0 single-brand tools | Windows PC and USB cable or card | For life on most models |
When the 3 free years are up, the tool doesn't lock up. It keeps working with the last software it has installed. You simply stop receiving new releases.
Updating a tablet over Wi-Fi
- Charge the tablet or leave it plugged in. A full update can take quite a while.
- Connect it to your Wi-Fi from the settings. A home network is better than mobile data: some makes take up a fair bit of space.
- Register the tool the first time, from the user or registration menu. It will ask for an email address and to create an account. Without registering, it won't download updates.
- Go into Upgrade. You will see the list of makes with a new version.
- Tap "Update all" or just the makes you use. If you only work on European cars, there is no need to download the Asian or American ones.
- Don't switch off or lock the screen until it has finished.
Updating a handheld tool from a PC
- Find the serial number. It is on the box and on the back of the tool.
- Download the update tool for your model from the updates section of the iCarsoft website. There is one per model: download exactly the right one.
- Install it on a Windows computer. It won't run on a Mac unless you have Windows installed on it.
- Connect the tool to the PC with the USB cable or put its memory card into the reader, depending on the model.
- Enter the serial number and registration code if asked. You will find the code on the tool itself, in the help or device information menu.
- Choose your language and makes and let it download. When it finishes, eject safely and switch the tool on in the car.
Is the tool showing the wrong language? On handheld tools the language is chosen when you update. Run the update again and tick English if your model has it. A few brand-specific tools, such as the KR V2.0, OP II and OP V1.0, don't.
Update errors and how to get past them
- "This is not an iCarsoft product". Almost always means you have downloaded the update tool for a different model. Delete it and download the one that matches your serial number.
- Error writing to the card. Format the card, restore the system with the update tool and update again. Back up any reports you want to keep before formatting.
- It stalls halfway. Check your internet connection and the USB cable. Try another port on the computer, ideally one at the back.
- It asks for a password. That is the tool's registration code, not your account password.
How often should you update?
If you are a driver using it on your own car, once or twice a year is enough, or whenever you change car. If you run a garage, update every month or whenever a very new car comes in that it doesn't recognise. Updates usually bring new models and fixes for specific cars, so if something doesn't work on a particular model, updating is the first thing to try.
Torn between a Wi-Fi tablet and a handheld tool? We compare them in CR Pro+ vs CR Max P.
