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Flash firmware

Enter the bootloader, pick the right file, drag it to the drive or use QMK Toolbox; notes for QMK, ZMK, RMK and split keyboards.

Last updated 2026-10-15

You only need to flash when changing the default keymap or updating the firmware. Live remapping with VIA, Vial or ZMK Studio does not need it.

Step 1: enter the bootloader

Common methods — pick one that your keyboard's guide supports:

Method	Typical for
Double-tap the reset button	nice!nano and other nRF52840 controllers (common on ZMK, RMK)
Hold BOOT while plugging in, or hold BOOT and press reset	RP2040 controllers
Press reset once	Most ATmega32U4 / STM32 controllers
Hold the top-left key while plugging in (Bootmagic)	QMK keyboards with Bootmagic
A bootloader key in the keymap	QMK `QK_BOOT`, ZMK `&bootloader`

Step 2: flash

Option A: drag to the drive (.uf2)

ZMK, RMK, and QMK on RP2040 all use this — the simplest way:

Enter the bootloader and drop in the .uf2

In bootloader mode a USB drive appears, e.g. NICENANO or RPI-RP2.
Drag the .uf2 file onto it.
When copying finishes, the keyboard restarts by itself and the drive disappears.

Option B: QMK Toolbox (.hex / .bin)

For QMK keyboards on ATmega32U4, STM32 and similar:

Install QMK Toolbox (Windows / macOS).
Click Open and choose the firmware (.hex or .bin).
Put the keyboard in bootloader mode; Toolbox reports the device (yellow text).
Click Flash and wait for it to finish.

Or from the command line: qmk flash -kb <keyboard> -km <keymap>.

Split keyboards

If wireless halves won't connect after flashing, see "Re-pair split halves" in Bluetooth pairing.

Flashed the wrong file?

Don't panic: as long as you can enter the bootloader, you can flash the right firmware again. If you can't, contact the keyboard's maker.

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