ForceDecks stuck in bootloader mode

If your ForceDecks system is not detected by the app, one common issue is that one or both of your plates has entered bootloader mode.

Bootloader mode: A low‑level startup state that allows a device to load or update before normal operation begins.

If this is the case and a plate has started up in bootloader mode, you will notice the Battery LED displaying a multicolored 'rainbow' instead of the usual battery status indicator.

To return your plate to normal functionality, you can attempt the following troubleshooting solutions.

Reboot your plate

1. Turn off the plate by holding down the power button until all lights turn off.
2. Turn it back on with a single, short press to the power button.
   Do not hold down the power button or press it multiple times in a row.

This should cause the plate to restart in the standard operating mode, with the lights on the panel returning to normal.

Update plate firmware

If the issue persists, you may need to connect your plate to a computer to update the firmware.

You will need:

• A USB cable
• A Windows laptop or computer with ForceDecks Windows software installed

Ensure both plates are turned off and completely disconnected from one another and all devices before beginning.

1. Connect one of your ForceDecks plates to your computer using the provided USB cable.
2. Turn on the plate by pressing the power button.
3. Log in to your ForceDecks Windows application and navigate to Options > Settings > Platform.
4. Check that the Selected Platform Type dropdown is set to 'ForceDecks FDMax/FDMini/FDLite'. Then press the ForceDecks button directly to the right of the field. This will open the ForceDecks Configuration window.
5. Ensure 'Prefer USB device connection' is selected from the Connection types dropdown.
6. Press Ctrl + F5 together on your keyboard to search for the plate in bootloader mode.
   You should see the message:
   Detecting devices in recovery/bootloader mode, please wait up to 10 seconds...
7. When your device appears in the list, click the icon next to it and press the update button.

8. Click Confirm on any dialog that appears and let the update process complete.
9. Repeat all steps with your other force plate if applicable.