Modern dive computers get firmware updates just like phones. Updates can fix bugs, improve battery life, add dive modes, improve transmitter pairing, or refine the interface. Skipping them means missing fixes. Updating at the wrong moment, like the night before a liveaboard with no Wi-Fi, can leave you troubleshooting on a boat. Here's why updates matter and how to do them brand by brand.
Why firmware updates matter
- Bug fixes: manufacturers fix issues discovered in the field, sometimes including ones that affect dive data or alerts.
- New features: new dive modes, gases, or display options often arrive through updates.
- Compatibility: transmitter support, app connectivity, and logbook syncing can depend on current firmware. See our air integration guide.
- Battery and performance: updates can improve power management.
The golden rules of timing
- Update at home, well before a trip. Give yourself time to test the computer and fix any issues while you still have internet and support access.
- Never update between repetitive dives. Some updates may reset or affect tissue loading and desaturation data. Update when your computer shows no remaining desaturation, typically after a full surface interval.
- Charge fully first. A battery dying mid-update is the most common way updates go wrong.
- Back up or sync your logbook. Upload your dives to the brand's app or desktop software before updating.
- Read the release notes. They tell you what changed, including any settings that may reset to defaults.
- Check your settings afterward. Confirm gas mixes, conservatism, alarms, units, and water type are still what you expect.
Brand-by-brand update methods
Manufacturers change apps and procedures over time, so treat these as an orientation and follow the current instructions in each brand's app or support site.
Shearwater
Shearwater computers update through the Shearwater Cloud app on phone or desktop, connected over Bluetooth. The app checks for new firmware when you connect and walks you through the install. Keep the computer close to your phone and don't let either go to sleep during the transfer.
Garmin Descent
Garmin Descent watches update through the Garmin Connect or Garmin Dive apps on your phone, or via Garmin Express on a computer over USB. Wi-Fi-capable models may update automatically when connected. Updates can take time to download and install, so start them when you don't need the watch.
Suunto
Suunto's current watches, including the Ocean, update through the Suunto app on your phone. Older Suunto dive computers may use desktop software. Check Suunto's support site for your model.
Apple Watch Ultra with Oceanic+
There are two things to update:
- watchOS, through the Watch app on your iPhone.
- The Oceanic+ app, through the App Store.
Both matter, because the dive app depends on the watch's operating system. Update well before a trip and open Oceanic+ afterward to confirm your subscription and settings. More in our Apple Watch Ultra dive guide.
Mares
Mares computers generally update through the brand's app or desktop software, depending on the model and whether it has Bluetooth. Check the Mares support pages for your specific computer.
Scubapro
Scubapro computers update through Scubapro's LogTRAK software or app, via Bluetooth, infrared, or USB depending on the model.
| Brand | Typical update path | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Shearwater | Shearwater Cloud (mobile or desktop) | Bluetooth |
| Garmin Descent | Garmin Connect / Garmin Dive app or Garmin Express | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB |
| Suunto (current models) | Suunto app | Bluetooth |
| Apple Watch Ultra | Watch app (watchOS) + App Store (Oceanic+) | iPhone |
| Mares | Mares app or desktop software | Varies by model |
| Scubapro | LogTRAK | Bluetooth, IR, or USB |
Troubleshooting a failed update
- Update stalls: keep devices close, disable phone battery saver, and try again. Restarting both devices often helps.
- Computer won't connect: check that Bluetooth is on, the app has permissions, and the computer is in its connection or upload mode.
- Computer won't start after an update: connect it to power and follow the manufacturer's recovery steps. Contact support before trying anything unofficial.
- Transmitter stopped pairing: re-pair after updates, and check if the transmitter also needs updating or a battery change.
Pre-trip firmware checklist
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| Two weeks before | Check for firmware and app updates; install at home |
| Right after updating | Verify gas, conservatism, alarms, units, water type |
| One week before | Do a test connection and logbook sync |
| Before packing | Charge fully; pack cable and charger; check transmitter battery |
| On the trip | Don't update mid-trip unless the manufacturer flags a critical issue |
What about computers with no updates?
Some older or basic computers can't be updated by the user at all. That's fine; they simply keep working as designed. If your computer is old enough that the manufacturer no longer supports it, weigh whether its battery, display, and features still meet your needs, and keep up with any service or recall notices from the manufacturer.
Should you install updates the day they release?
Most divers don't need to. Unless the release notes describe a fix for a problem you're experiencing, or the manufacturer flags it as important, waiting a week or two lets any early issues surface in dive forums first. What matters is getting updated before your next trip, not on day one.
Two small purchases that prevent trip headaches
Spare Charging Cable for Your Dive Computer
$Best for: Anyone with a rechargeable dive computer or dive watch
Proprietary charging cables are the easiest thing to forget or break on a trip, and they're hard to find at remote dive destinations. Keep a spare in your dive bag. Search for your specific model's cable, such as Garmin, Suunto, or Shearwater.
Why it makes the list
- Cheap insurance against a dead computer
- Lets you update and sync on the road
- Small and light
Watch out for
- Must match your exact model
- Buy from reputable sellers to avoid poor-quality clones
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Rugged Power Bank
$$Best for: Liveaboard and remote-trip divers who need to charge between dives
A water-resistant, rugged power bank lets you top up a dive computer or watch on boats where outlets are scarce.
Why it makes the list
- Charges between dives
- Useful for phones and cameras too
- Rugged versions survive boat decks
Watch out for
- Check airline rules for battery capacity
- Keep it dry and out of the sun
Frequently asked questions
How often should I update my dive computer firmware?
Check for updates every few months and before any dive trip. Install them at home with time to test, not just before a dive.
Can I update my dive computer between dives?
It's best not to during a dive series. Some updates may affect tissue loading data. Update when the computer shows no remaining desaturation time.
Will a firmware update delete my dive log?
It usually shouldn't, but sync or back up your log to the brand's app or software before updating, just in case.
How do I update Oceanic+ on Apple Watch Ultra?
Update watchOS through the Watch app on your iPhone and update Oceanic+ through the App Store, then confirm your settings and subscription.
What should I check after a dive computer update?
Gas mixes, conservatism settings, alarms, units, and freshwater or saltwater settings, since some updates restore defaults.