Smart Thermostats, as well as all smart devices, require software updates from time to time. Software that runs on these smart devices is often called firmware. The firmware on most smart devices is usually updated automatically, but occasionally a device may need to be manually updated.
How do you Update Ecobee Firmware? Ecobee thermostats and devices are updated automatically, within 1 to 2 weeks after a new version of Firmware is released. If the device fails to update, there is no manual way to install the update. Ecobee support must be contacted to fix the problem and they can push an update to your specific device.
In this article, I dive into how you can check which firmware version you are running on your smart thermostat, how you can check the latest firmware version, and what to do when they are out of sync.
Ecobee Updates
The update process for Ecobee is not very well documented publicly. The only information they provided is the current firmware version for each smart thermostat and, now, their other smart devices. There is no version history or release notes that you can refer to.
From a public viewpoint, updates are randomly rolled out over a period of a few weeks. If I had to guess, I would say it is by design. That way everyone doesn’t update at the same time and end up crashing the Ecobee servers.
Updates out in batches in order to test them with a small group first, and to help distribute the load so everyone isn’t downloading the update at the same time. I don’t know why Ecobee doesn’t allow users to manually pull an update after it has been released for some time. They have not released any statements regarding this.
Does Ecobee Automatically Update?
Does Ecobee Automatically Update? All Ecobee thermostats and devices are programmed and designed to updated automatically. Updates are rolled out over 1 to 2 weeks after a new version of Firmware Is released. Ecobee must be connected to the internet using Wi-Fi for the update to download. Ecobee Support can manually push an update when needed.
It is not uncommon for an Ecobee update to fail. In fact, I had it happen to me. The only reason I found out is because I went to add a sensor, and the Ecobee must be updated to the latest firmware in order to pair the sensor with the thermostat. That got me thinking about how I check the firmware versions, and how do I update my Ecobee if I don’t have the latest firmware.
How to Check Firmware on Ecobee Smart Thermostat
There are three ways to check which version of firmware your smart thermostat is running, but first it’s important to know what the version number is for the latest release.
What Is the Latest Firmware Version for Ecobee?
Ecobee may not publicly release their version history, but they do have a dedicated webpage for looking up the latest version for your smart thermostat. The latest Ecobee version and release date can be found on the Ecobee Support webpage, located here.
Knowing the latest Ecobee firmware version is the first step, now you have to compare it to what is actually installed on your smart thermostat, or other Ecobee device. I have the Ecobee 3 lite, so these steps are for that particular thermostat. However, the steps should be nearly identical for other Ecobee devices.
How to Check Ecobee firmware using the Smart Thermostat Screen
- Enter Temperature adjustment screen
This is done automatically just by walking up to the Ecobee - Click the menu icon (In the lower left corner)
This brings up the menu for this thermostat, where you can view and adjust all of the settings. - Click “About” (The last item in the list)
- Firmware Version is now displayed!
Here are images of that process:
How to Check Ecobee Firmware from the Ecobee App
I have a Samsung phone, so these will be specific for android. If you have an Apple, the steps should be very similar.
- Open the Ecobee app on your smartphone or tablet
Click the icon for the app. A splash screen showing Ecobee will be displayed while the app loads. A list of your devices, along with relevant information, will be displayed. - Click on the name of the thermostat you want to check
Information about the temperature readings and settings will be displayed. This is the screen where you can adjust your temperature setting if you wanted. - Click the menu icon (In the lower left corner)
This brings up the menu for this thermostat, where you can view and adjust all of the settings. - Click “About” (The last item in the list)
- Firmware Version is now displayed!
Here are images of that process:
How to Check Ecobee Firmware from the Ecobee website
- Go to Ecobee.com and sign in to your account
A tile type list of your devices, along with relevant information, will be displayed. - Click on the name of the thermostat you want to check
Information about the temperature readings and settings will be displayed. There is another tile type menu where other quick changes can be made, and you can view weather and schedule information. - Click “About” (The bottom-right tile)
- Firmware Version is now displayed!
Here are images of that process:
Contact Ecobee For a Firmware Update: Call, Chat, or E-Mail
The Ecobee support website, which can be found here, had all the information you need for contacting support. Call, Chat, and E-mail are all options. They even list Twitter as a contact method, which is becoming more and more common these days.
Contacting support is the most time-consuming part of the process. Once you have provided the necessary information to the support employee, they are able to push out an update in a matter of minutes.
In talking to other Ecobee owners, they have mentioned that calls have taken them around 20 minutes before they are able to talk to someone. E-mail may have a 24-hour turnaround time, and you may have to answer follow questions which could make the process take days.
The best option I’ve found for talking to Ecobee Support is through the chat option. If there is any wait, you can spend your time doing other things that need to get done, instead of waiting on hold while on the phone listening to music you don’t want to listen to.
In my experience, I contacted Ecobee Support using the chat option. I stated the version number that my Ecobee thermostat was at, and said I needed an update. The chat representative confirmed my device information and said that my device should be updated shorty. The chat ended with the normal chat ending questions, “Can I help you with anything else?” and the usual satisfaction questions.
Within a few minutes, I saw my Ecobee power cycle. The screen went black, and rebooted. Once it had finished powering back up, I went over and checked the version number. It had been updated to the latest version, and I was able to then pair my room sensor.
Ecobee: Forcing a Firmware Update?
Is there a way to force a firmware update for your Ecobee? Currently, there is no way to update Ecobee devices yourself. You must contact Ecobee support, and they will push an update to your device. Updates often complete in 10-15 minutes, but may take up to 24 hours to be pushed.
In short, the only way to “force” an update is to contact support. Other than that, updates happen when they happen, and are randomly pushed out.