How to Install Firmware on Your QIDI X-Plus : A Step-by-Step Guide Keeping your QIDI X-Plus 3
running smoothly means keeping its brain—the firmware—up to date. Newer firmware versions often fix common bugs, like the "System Starts Abnormally" error, and add features like QIDI-Link or better Z-offset math that prevents nozzle crashes
Below is the definitive guide to performing both online and offline firmware updates for your QIDI X-Plus 3 Important: Before You Start NEVER update via Fluidd/Mainline Klipper:
QIDI uses a custom "dirty" fork of Klipper. Using the generic "Update" button in Fluidd can brick your printer. Only use files from the Official GitHub Recalibrate Everything: After any update, you
perform a full calibration, including auto-bed leveling, Z-offset, and input shaping. Method 1: Online Update (Recommended)
If your printer is connected to Wi-Fi, this is the easiest method. On the touchscreen, open the Check for Updates
If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it. The printer will restart automatically once finished. Method 2: Offline Update (USB Drive)
Use this method if your printer isn't on a network or if the online update fails. 1. Prepare the USB Drive Use a high-quality USB stick (preferably formatted to Download the latest firmware package (often a file) from the QIDI Tech support page
Extract the file on your computer. You should see a folder named
folder to the root directory of your USB drive. Do not put it inside another folder. 2. Start the Installation Qidi x-plus 3 firmware upgrade guide qidi xplus firmware install
The Qidi X-Plus series (specifically the X-Plus 3) is known for its high-speed performance and Klipper integration. However, the firmware installation process is a critical maintenance task that requires precision to avoid "bricking" the mainboard. ⚡ Executive Summary
The firmware update process for the Qidi X-Plus 3 is functional but manual. Unlike machines with one-click OTA (Over-The-Air) updates, Qidi often requires a USB-based flash. While the stability of the latest Klipper builds is excellent, the documentation can be slightly fragmented for beginners. 🛠️ The Installation Process
Installing firmware on this machine generally follows these steps:
Download: You must source the correct .bin or .img file from the official Qidi GitHub or website.
Preparation: Use a high-quality USB drive (FAT32 formatted, 8GB–32GB is best). Execution: Turn off the printer. Insert the drive into the front USB port. Power on and wait for the update bar.
EMMC Flash: For major version jumps, you may need to flash the EMMC module directly using a USB adapter and BalenaEtcher. ✅ Pros: Why It’s Worth It
Improved Input Shaping: Newer firmware versions significantly reduce ghosting at high speeds.
Fluidd/Mainsail Updates: Keeps the web interface snappy and compatible with the latest browser features.
Bug Fixes: Resolves known "Z-offset" drift issues found in early factory versions. How to Install Firmware on Your QIDI X-Plus
Open Source Roots: Because it's Klipper-based, experienced users can customize the printer.cfg after the install. ⚠️ Cons & Risks
Fragile Process: If power is cut during the update, the printer may become unresponsive.
Manual Calibration: Updates often reset your Bed Mesh and Z-Offset. You must re-calibrate everything immediately after.
USB Sensitivity: The X-Plus can be "picky" about which USB drives it recognizes for boot-loading. 💡 Pro Tips for Success
Backup First: Always copy your printer.cfg and variables.stb files to your computer before starting.
Check Your Version: Qidi has different mainboards (V1 vs V2). Flashing the wrong firmware will cause a black screen.
Stay Wired: If possible, perform the post-update configuration via an Ethernet connection for better stability.
Which exact model do you have? (Original X-Plus, X-Plus 2, or X-Plus 3?)
Are you doing a standard update or are you trying to recover a bricked machine? Where to Find Firmware Files Qidi Tech is
Do you have the USB-to-EMMC adapter that came in the toolkit?
Upgrading the firmware on your QIDI X-Plus (including the X-Plus 3 and Plus 4) ensures you have the latest features, such as improved bed leveling and new material drying functions. Preparation: What You Need drive formatted to Firmware Files : Download the latest package from the official QIDI Tech Software & Firmware page Unzipping Tool : You will need to extract the file before moving it to your drive. Method 1: Offline USB Update (Recommended)
This is the most reliable method for all versions, especially if your WiFi is unstable. Download & Extract : Extract the firmware folder (often named ) to your computer. Transfer to USB : Move the entire folder directly to the root directory of your USB drive. Note for original X-Plus : Ensure the specific files (e.g., ) are on the root, not inside a folder. Insert & Initiate For X-Plus 3 : Turn the printer on and plug in the USB. Navigate to the "Suitcase" icon "About" icon . You should see "Updating" in the lower-left corner. For Plus 4 : Plug in the USB, go to Offline update , and confirm. : The process can take 15–30 minutes. Do not turn off the printer while it is writing the update. Method 2: Online Update (X-Plus 3 & Plus 4) Connect to WiFi : Ensure your printer has a stable internet connection. Check for Updates : On the touchscreen, go to (or the "Set" menu) and tap Check for updates Download & Install Online update
and confirm. The printer will download and restart automatically once finished. Critical Post-Update Steps After any firmware installation, you recalibrate your printer to ensure accuracy:
Qidi Tech is active in the 3D printing community. You can find the most recent official files here:
Disclaimer: Modifying firmware carries a small risk. Always ensure the printer is plugged into a stable power source during the update process to prevent bricking the mainboard.
QIDI Tech is active on Facebook and GitHub.
QIDI_Tech profile on GitHub.QIDI_X-Plus or X-Plus2..zip or .bin file.After a successful qidi xplus firmware install, the printer resets to factory defaults. Your old EEPROM settings are gone. You must reconfigure:
Navigate to the official QIDI Tech support page (www.qiditech.com/Support).
.zip file. Do not rename the file. Inside, you will typically find two files:
QIDI_Update_screen.bin (For the touch screen)QIDI_Update_MKS.bin (For the mainboard)If you need custom features (e.g., BLTouch, linear advance):
config/examples/QIDI/QIDI X-Plus/Configuration.h:
BOARD_MKS_GEN_L or BOARD_RAMPS_14_EFF – check yours).firmware.bin.