#Safepal tutorial. SafePal S1 not detecting upgrade.bin: causes and fixes

SafePal S1 not detecting upgrade.bin? You downloaded the firmware, copied the file to the device and selected “Upgrade,” but the S1 says that it cannot find the firmware file. Or the update simply does not start. In most cases, this does not mean that the device is faulty or that the file is corrupted. The most common cause is so simple that it is easy to overlook: the filename.

Below, we cover every common reason why the S1 may fail to detect upgrade.bin and explain what to do in each case. The steps are based on the official SafePal instructions. At the time of publication, the latest firmware version is V1.0.80, released on June 22, 2026.

SafePal S1 not detecting upgrade.bin: common causes

The file is not named upgrade.bin

This is the most common cause, and SafePal specifically warns about it in its instructions. If you downloaded the firmware more than once, your browser may keep the existing file and save another copy with an added number, such as upgrade.bin(1), upgrade.bin(2), and so on. The device looks specifically for a file named upgrade.bin. It will not recognise a file with any other name, so the firmware will not be detected.

What to do: open your Downloads folder, delete the older copies and rename the new file to upgrade.bin, without brackets or numbers. Then copy it to the device again.

The file was copied to the wrong location

The firmware file must be placed on the S1 virtual disk, not in an arbitrary folder on your computer. After you put the device into upgrade mode and connect it with a cable, a new drive appears on the computer, similar to a standard USB flash drive. The upgrade.bin file must be copied directly to the root of that drive.

You do not need to open or run the file. Simply copy it to the virtual disk and select “Upgrade” on the device. If the file remains on your desktop, in the Downloads folder or anywhere else on the computer, the SafePal S1 will not detect it.

The virtual disk does not appear

If no new drive appears after you connect the S1 to your computer, there is nowhere to copy the firmware file. SafePal lists two common causes in its firmware upgrade guidance.

• The device has not been put into upgrade mode. Your computer recognises the S1 as a drive only after you manually select the option to enter upgrade mode on the device. Connecting the cable alone is not enough.
• There is a problem with the USB connection. Try another cable and another USB port. The cable must support data transfer, not just charging.

SafePal firmware updates are not supported on mobile devices. You need a Windows PC or Mac to complete the process. The firmware cannot be installed from a phone or tablet.

Step-by-step check: from download to firmware update

Instead of troubleshooting each possible cause separately, you can restart the entire process from the beginning and check every step in order.

1. Download the firmware again. Use only the official SafePal firmware upgrade page. Enter your device serial number and download the file to your computer. Two firmware packages are available for the S1. They include different language sets but provide the same features and functionality.
2. Check the filename. It must be exactly upgrade.bin. If your browser added a number in brackets, rename the file.
3. Put the S1 into upgrade mode. Turn on the device, connect it to your computer with a cable and manually select the option to enter upgrade mode. A virtual disk should then appear on your computer.
4. Copy upgrade.bin to the virtual disk. Do not open the file. Simply move it to the root of the drive.
5. Select “Upgrade” on the device. The process usually takes around 1–3 minutes. Do not disconnect the cable until the update is complete.

The official SafePal page includes the serial number field, firmware download and video instructions for both Windows and Mac. We have also covered the full procedure in a separate guide: how to update SafePal firmware on S1, S1 Pro and X1.

How to verify that the downloaded file is genuine

If you suspect that the file is corrupted or has been replaced, SafePal provides a way to verify it using SHA-256. Each firmware version has a unique identifier published on the official website.

1. Use a tool that can calculate SHA-256 hashes.
2. Check the downloaded upgrade.bin file and generate its hash.
3. Compare the result with the identifier published for that firmware version on the SafePal website. If the values match, the file is genuine.

Only download SafePal firmware from safepal.com. SafePal specifically warns users not to install firmware files from other websites. The S1 also has a built-in firmware verification mechanism that checks the authenticity of every uploaded firmware file and prevents unauthorised firmware from being installed. More information is available in the official SafePal Help Center.

When the problem may be a hardware fault

If you have followed every step, confirmed that the filename is correct, tested the cable and USB port and entered upgrade mode, but the device still cannot detect the firmware or the virtual disk never appears, the problem may be hardware-related.

SafePal recommends recording a video of the entire update process and submitting a support request. The video allows the support team to see exactly where the process stops.

If you purchased the device from us, contact Lwallet first. We provide free support to our customers: we will go through the process with you, determine whether the issue is caused by a missed step or a genuine hardware fault and, if it is covered by warranty, explain how to arrange a return or replacement.

Your funds remain safe regardless of the condition of the device. Your wallet can be restored from the seed phrase and is not dependent on that specific SafePal S1. Even if the device needs to be replaced, you can restore the wallet from the seed phrase on a new device.

Where to buy and where to get help

Firmware and hardware issues can be reported through official SafePal support. If the device was purchased from Lwallet, we provide free assistance to our customers.

If you need a new SafePal S1 or another model, you can order directly from the official SafePal store or from Lwallet. We offer local delivery throughout Ukraine, payment in Ukrainian hryvnia, no international customs delays and professional technical support. We sell only genuine devices. The choice is yours.