Update Required
Oura Smart Ring
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
Oura shows 'Update required' when a mandatory firmware update is available — usually because new features depend on it or a security fix is being rolled out.
The app blocks key features (sync, new metrics) until the update completes.
Place the ring on the charger, keep the phone awake, and let the update run.
Most required updates take 10-30 minutes including the install on the ring.
Affected Models
- Oura Ring Generation 3 Heritage
- Oura Ring Generation 3 Horizon
- Oura Ring Generation 4
Common Causes
- Mandatory firmware roll-out from Oura
- Security patch requiring all rings to update
- New features in the app that need newer ring firmware
- Recovery from an earlier failed update
- Account-wide update push by Oura support
How to Fix It
-
Plan a 30-minute window.
Required updates are not quick like an app update.
The transfer to the ring is slow because Bluetooth Low Energy is bandwidth-limited.
Pick a time when the phone can stay near the charger uninterrupted. -
Place ring on charger.
Set the ring on the charging dock.
Confirm the green LED indicates charging.
The ring will not accept updates while running on battery. -
Open Oura app and tap Update.
The app prominently shows the update prompt.
Tap to start.
A progress bar appears.
Do not navigate away from the app or let the phone sleep. -
Disable phone sleep.
Settings → Display → Auto-Lock → Never (or longest available).
Sleeping the phone interrupts the update.
You can revert this setting once the update is complete. -
Stay within 6 feet.
Keep the phone within Bluetooth range of the charger throughout.
Walking around the house with the phone breaks the connection and triggers an Update Failed. -
Wait for confirmation.
When the update completes, the app shows 'Update successful'.
The ring may briefly disconnect and reconnect during the install.
Do not remove the ring from the charger until the success message appears. -
Verify by syncing.
Tap the manual sync button in the app once the update finishes.
Sync should succeed normally.
Failed sync immediately after update sometimes resolves with one app force-quit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the update mandatory and not optional?
Oura usually marks updates as required when they include a security fix, a battery-life improvement, or a feature that depends on a firmware change to work safely.
Optional updates can be deferred — required ones cannot, because the app cannot trust data from older firmware after a certain point.