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How to Install Software Update Packages (SUPs) on the ARRI Alexa Mini

It seems like every few months ARRI releases a new firmware version for their current cameras. Exciting new features abound, but keeping up can be a hassle. Updating your Alexa Mini is not as simple as it seems.

1 - Format your USB Drive

Plug the drive into the camera via the USB port directly below the CFAST slot. Then navigate to Menu>Media>Prepare USB medium and select Confirm. This should give you a message declaring the process a success when it finishes. 

2 - Download the SUP from the ARRI Website

You can download the latest firmware from ARRI in what they call a “Software Update Package” (SUP). It includes the actual update file, the update license key, and a text file with useful notes on the update. Note that this can only be downloaded from ARRI’s website, and even then only by providing the serial number of your camera to prove that you have a valid claim to the software. 

Once you have downloaded the SUP, plug in the flash drive you just formatted and copy the update file to ARRI/A-MINI/SUP, and copy the update license key to ARRI/A-MINI/LICENSES - both on the flash drive. The camera only knows to look in these specific folders for the update materials, so make sure that’s where they end up.

3 - Insert and Install

Plug your fully-loaded USB drive into the same port you used earlier, while also removing the CFAST card if it is present. This may seem trivial, but the Alexa Mini will refuse to update if there is a card inserted. Switch on the camera, and navigate to MENU > System > Camera update. Here, scroll to the software update file you want to install, select it, and press confirm. The update may take a few minutes, but when it is complete the camera will reboot and display a blue success screen.