A major firmware release was deployed on August 4, 2025 in the afternoon ET. Release notes are here: https://usetrmnl.com/blog/no-more-flicker
After upgrading, some TRMNL owners have reported the following issues. This guide helps resolve each one.
Device makes a high-pitched noise will refreshing
This is a known issue and we may be able to tune it out a bit. Send us a live chat reporting "1.6.2 noise issue" and we'll send you an update after we take a deeper look.
Screen is faded, too bright, or washed out
If your device is functional but the display quality has degraded, we likely need to tune our new render strategy to fit your screen's internal temperature.
Resolution: visit your device settings page, disable OTA updates, and enable Maximize Compatibility:
Next visit the web flasher and follow instructions to flash FW1.6.5. This works similarly to our previous 1.5.12 stable release. You may not see any changes on your screen during the update.
After the firmware update is complete, turn off your device for 15 seconds, then back on. If you still have issues, send us a live chat in the bottom right corner.
Device is non-responsive
If your device appears to have begun (or finished) an automatic firmware update, but the screen stops changing, it may have become overheated or statically charged.
Resolution A: turn off your device for 10-15 minutes, then turn it back on. Yes really, this has made everything good again for some users. There may be a static charge that needs to dissipate. It won't hurt to wait longer either.
Resolution B: if you have a USB-C cable with data transfer capabilities (not just charging - the TRMNL cable works here), visit your device settings and disable OTA Updates. Next, visit https://usetrmnl.com/flash and follow the steps to roll back to FW 1.5.12.
Resolution C: (this method is no longer recommended and is left here to avoid confusion)
Resolution D: visit your device settings page, disable OTA updates, and enable Maximize Compatibility:
Next visit the web flasher and follow instructions to flash FW1.6.5. This works similarly to our previous 1.5.12 stable release. You may not see any changes on your screen during the update.
After the firmware update is complete, turn off your device for 15 seconds, then back on. If you still have issues, send us a live chat in the bottom right corner.