Over-the-Air Update

Overview

Over-the-Air (OTA) Update is a method for delivering firmware updates to remote devices using a network connection. Although the name implies a wireless connection, updates received over a wired connection (such as Ethernet) are still commonly referred to as OTA updates. This approach requires server infrastructure to host the firmware binary and implement a method of signaling when an update is available. Security is a concern with OTA updates; firmware binaries should be cryptographically signed and verified before upgrading.

The Device Firmware Upgrade section discusses upgrading Zephyr firmware using MCUboot. The same method can be used as part of OTA. The binary is first downloaded into an unoccupied code partition, usually named slot1_partition, then upgraded using the MCUboot process.

nRF Cloud from Nordic Semiconductor

nRF Cloud is Nordic Semiconductor’s cloud platform, providing device management, observability, and location services.

nRF Cloud provides OTA infrastructure and orchestration tools for managing firmware updates across a device fleet, including cohort-based deployments and staged rollouts. It also tracks the update process end-to-end through audit logs, OTA analytics, and configurable alerts.

nRF Cloud OTA support is integrated into the nRF Connect SDK and the nRF Connect Device Manager mobile app (available for iOS and Android). Once onboarded, devices check in with nRF Cloud periodically and can download and install available updates.

To get started, create an account at nrfcloud.com.

The nRF91 Series

Nordic cellular devices can perform OTA updates out-of-the-box via CoAP or HTTPS using the nRF Connect SDK and the Memfault Firmware SDK.

For setup instructions, see the Quickstart Documentation for nRF91 Series.

The nRF52, nRF53, and nRF54 Series

Nordic Bluetooth LE devices can perform OTA updates out-of-the-box using the Simple Management Protocol (SMP), Memfault MCUmgr Command Group, and the Memfault Diagnostics Service (MDS). Paired with the nRF Connect Device Manager mobile app, it checks for updates and fetches payloads on behalf of the device.

For setup instructions, see Quickstart Documentation for nRF52, nRF53, and nRF54 Series.