In certain cases, a complete reset of the UltiMaker S series printer is necessary to resolve problems. For example, when the printer is failing to boot up correctly, and the display is stuck on the UltiMaker logo.
Always first try rebooting the printer to resolve the problem. Turn off the printer and disconnect the power cable. Leave the cable disconnected for at least 10 seconds before reinserting the cable and turning on the printer again. If the printer is still stuck in the bootup process, a full reset is needed. Follow the instructions on this page to perform a firmware recovery.
Note: This page contains files and instructions for both branches of UltiMaker S series printers: Standard (S3, S5, and S7) and High-Speed (S6 and S8). Make sure you use the correct files and instructions for your printer model. Do not use this file for other printer models. For reset instructions for other UltiMaker printers, please see these pages: Factor 4, UltiMaker 2+ Connect, and UltiMaker 3 series.
Note: For the UltiMaker S5 'R1', or '2018-2020' model, there are potential safety hazards due to the open built-in power supply. If you need to perform a firmware recovery for an UltiMaker S5 'R1', first contact support or your local reseller to be informed about the extra safety precautions. The recovery files on this page are not suitable for the S5 'R1'.
Caution: Always check local regulations. In some countries, such as Australia, only certified staff are allowed to remove the bottom cover for equipment with a built-in power supply. Contact support or your local reseller for further information.
Getting started
Note: Always take ESD precautions when exposing the electronics at the bottom of the printer. Handling the electronics in an unsafe way can cause damage to the machine. Contact support or your local reseller if you do not have access to ESD precautions, such as an ESD bracelet.
To perform a firmware recovery for the UltiMaker S series printer, you need the following:
- Hex screwdriver 2 mm
- Supplies for working ESD safe
- Micro SD card (1 GB minimum, 32 GB maximum) Warning: Will be erased
- Computer with Micro SD card reader
- Recovery image file:
Note: Make sure to use the correct file for your printer model. Do not use the S8 file on an UltiMaker S7, for example, or vice versa.
Tip: Ensure you have sufficient space to work. You will need to place the printer on its side to access the electronics at the bottom. When moving or rotating the printer, make sure to do so safely.
Prepare the SD card
Next, prepare the SD card with the firmware recovery image. You cannot just move the file to the card, but you need a disk imager tool. There are different processes for Windows and Mac:
| Windows | MacOS |
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- Connect your micro SD card to your computer.
- Download and install the Win32 Disk Imager tool:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/ - Open the Win32 disk imager tool.
- In Win32 Disk Imager Tool:
- Select the file ‘um-restore-[version-number].img’.
- Select your SD card drive number.
- Press Write.
- Wait for the process to finish completely.
- Safely remove the Micro SD card from Windows.
Note: To restore the SD card after completing the firmware recovery, follow the steps below:
- Insert the Micro SD card into the computer.
- Right-click it, and select Format.
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- Connect your Micro SD card to your computer.
- Download, unzip, and install the ApplePi-Baker app:
http://www.tweaking4all.com/software/macosx-software/macosx-apple-pi-baker/ - Open the ApplePi-Baker application.
- In ApplePi-Baker:
- Select the SD card in the list of available devices on the right.
- Click Restore Backup and navigate to the ‘um-restore-[version-number].img’ file.
- Wait for this process to finish.
- Safely remove the Micro SD card from MacOS.
Note: To restore the SD card after completing the firmware recovery, follow the steps below:
- Insert the Micro SD card into the computer.
- Open Disk Utility.
- Select the SD card and select the Erase tab.
- Select the desired file format and select Erase…
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Firmware recovery instructions
The recovery process consists of three steps:
- Removing the cover and inserting the SD card
- Recovery process
- Removing the SD card and reassembly
Carefully follow all the provided instructions to ensure that the recovery procedure is performed correctly.
First, select your printer model for the relevant instructions.
Tip: If the accordions do not expand when you click on them, please refresh the page.
UltiMaker S3, S5, and S7
Note: Make sure you have used the correct file for this printer series, see the links above.
Insert the SD card
| Power off | Turn off the printer using the power switch at the back and disconnect the power cable. |
| Remove bottom cover |
Gently place the printer on its left side. Use the 2 mm hex screwdriver to remove the bolts that secure the bottom cover.
Note: If the bottom cover contains a speaker, disconnect this from the mainboard.
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| Insert SD card |
Insert the Micro SD card into the slot at the side of the mainboard, near the green SOM board:
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Recovery process
| Recovery button |
Press the small button marked 'Recovery', which is close to the SD card slot. Keep it pressed during the next steps.
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| Power on |
With the SD card in place and the recovery button pressed, reconnect the power cable and turn on the printer using the power switch at the back.
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| Recovery installation |
The firmware recovery begins automatically. When the display shows that the recovery is in progress, you can release the recovery button. Wait for the installation progress to be completed. The display of the printer will show Installation complete when it is finished.
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Caution: Do not touch the power supply while the power cable is connected and the printer is powered on. Do not power off the printer or remove the power cable until the recovery process is complete.
Remove SD card and reassembly
After the recovery process is complete, the SD card must be removed from the printer again. If the card is not removed, this will trigger the recovery process to start with each reboot. Follow the steps below:
| Power off |
After the installation has finished, turn off the printer again using the power switch at the back and disconnect the power cable.
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| Eject SD card |
Push on the micro SD card to eject it from the slot in the mainboard.
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| Place cover |
Align the bottom cover with the printer and secure it in place with the bolts using the 2 mm hex screwdriver.
Note: If the bottom cover contains a speaker, reconnect it to the mainboard first.
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| Place the printer upright |
Carefully place the printer in its upright position again.
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UltiMaker S6 and S8
Note: Make sure you have used the correct file for this printer series, see the links above.
Insert the SD card
| Power off | Turn off the printer using the power switch at the back and disconnect the power cable. |
| Remove bottom cover |
Gently place the printer on its left side. Use the 2 mm hex screwdriver to remove the bolts that secure the bottom cover.
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| Insert SD card |
Insert the Micro SD card into the slot at the side of the mainboard, near the green SOM board:
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Recovery process
| Power on |
With the SD card in place, reconnect the power cable and turn on the printer using the power switch at the back.
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| Recovery installation |
The firmware recovery begins automatically. Wait for the installation progress to be completed. The display of the printer will show Installation complete when it is finished.
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Caution: Do not touch the power supply while the power cable is connected and the printer is powered on. Do not power off the printer or remove the power cable until the recovery process is complete.
Remove SD card and reassembly
After the recovery process is complete, the SD card must be removed from the printer again. If the card is not removed, this will trigger the recovery process to start with each reboot. Follow the steps below:
| Power off |
After the installation has finished, turn off the printer again using the power switch at the back and disconnect the power cable.
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| Eject SD card |
Push on the micro SD card to eject it from the slot in the mainboard.
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| Place cover |
Align the bottom cover with the printer and secure it in place with the bolts using the 2 mm hex screwdriver.
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| Place the printer upright |
Carefully place the printer in its upright position again.
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Factory settings
The firmware recovery is now complete. You can reconnect the power cable again and turn on the printer using the power switch at the back.
Please note that the firmware recovery has erased all settings, including those set by the factory. All the calibrations will need to be redone. Click the links for instructions:
Note: Build plate leveling only applies to UltiMaker S series printers with the glass build plate (S3, S5, S6 Glass). Printers with the flexible build plate (S6 Flex, S7, S8) do not have a manual leveling procedure.
Downloads
- PDF file: You can download the firmware recovery guide as a PDF, but note that this is specific to the standard S series (S3, S5, S7) and a little outdated.
- Recovery files S3, S5, S7: 9.0.5 img (Latest) or 9.0.3 img (Stable)
- Recovery files S6 and S8: 11.2.4 img (Latest) or 11.1.0 img (Stable)
