FlashForge new firmware and connectivity model January 2026

[SunX99]

I'm seeing buzz around reddit about FlashForge pushing new firmware updates in conjunction with new apps. Starting a thread here to discuss and see if that impacts zmod at all.
So far I'm seeing this:
-FF released a major firmware jump for AD5[x] models. AD5X 3.0; AD5M 5.0
-Orca-FlashForge was pushed up to release 1.7
-Flash Studio appears to be a newer mobile app offering. Updated 2026-01-18 to v1.1.2
-Flash Maker, the original mobile app, updated 2026-01-15 to version 2.2.2

I'll include some screensnaps from the Flash Studio app as it has the release notes mentioning the change. It sounds like some people are able to get the new firmware offered to their printer but then aren't aware of upgrading their slicer, apps, or both and can't connect back to their printer now. Some have downgraded back to the last firmware to resume connectivity.
As of 16:00 CDT I don't see the updated firmware, or Ocra-FF available on the website.

[SunX99]

[SunX99]

This new Flash Studio connects to various maker pages and pulls in models. I see Bambu's MakerWorld, and Creality's Cloud, and Anycubic's Maker Online. I'm not sure what you're actually supposed to do with them as it just opened the original website in the app, but you can 'add it to print list'.

[SunX99]

Ah- just needed 2 more minutes to play with it. Seems to allow downloading of the model to your slicer to then kick to the printer.

[SunX99]

Don't know how I feel about having a setting for 'incognito printing'.
Is this hinting at the controversial 'you better not be printing off weapons or we're telling on you' message that came out a few months ago?
Seems feasible if you print via this method they would see and track everything you are printing.

[ghzserg]

FF printers are still sending telemetry and camera data to the developers' servers.
We'll be able to say anything about the new firmware once we receive it.
Theoretically, it won't affect operation without a screen.

[AnthonyG83]

If you download the Flash Studio app it contains links to the desktop version and also the new firmware. Here is a link for the new firmware.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QagT8CLKa99sOYK8MkeLt1quAOlZyLnx

[cmiles68]

Anthony, can you go a little more in depth regarding your comment "desktop version and also the new firmware. " Your link isn't working. Was the printer firmware a separate file in the download? Or when you installed that version of Flash Studio it triggered a printer firmware update from Flash Studio?

[AnthonyG83]

The desktop app, Flash Studio, is a separate download from the firmware. It seems you need to update to both Flash Studio and the firmware for your device. The update to Flash Studio doesn't prompt you to update the firmware.

Sorry about the links. See if these work. These are directly from Flash Forge.
Flash Studio 1.7.1: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1x2NgqZoyj-7B5O1Vf5jOdBHLNMQhOiRQ?usp=share_link
This is link to the page with firmware for the different devices: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QagT8CLKa99sOYK8MkeLt1quAOlZyLnx?usp=sharing

[cmiles68]

That was quick! Thank you, so where did you find the firmware files for the AD5X? I find the standard original firmware

But not anything new...do you have some insider track? :)

[cmiles68]

I did download those files for my AD5X from you links. Have you experienced any issues with the new versions, and is this reversable by just re-flashing the original firmware?

Sorry for so many questions, but I have been burned in the past from installing cutting edge versions that are glitchy, but it's apparently in my DNA to always look for the latest iterations of software/firmware for my devices :)

[SunX99]

Finally found a link to the new FlashForge Studio software v1.7.0. PC & Mac versions available.

link: https://reurl.cc/QVkW20

[cmiles68]

Installed the new Flashforge Studio, get the firmware prompt in the desktop app, but the printer doesn't connect to the new app and is still on 1.21 with "the software is up to date" message when checking.

[SunX99]

Yes, unfortunately that seems to be the expectation.
Flashforge is somehow only sending the firmware updates to certain printers. I'm guessing they are using the account and email address to offer this update only to certain serial numbers. Seems like a lot of work when they could be opening offering it for early adopters. I have not gotten my hands on the firmware releases yet.

But yes, the new FlashForge Studio wants to only connect to printers that have been updated to the beta-release versions of software, and the public does not have a way to force or choose that firmware yet.

[cmiles68]

Have an update to share if anyone else is wanting a little more info on the update process to Flash Studio with the AD5X.

Once you download and install Flash Studio it overwrites your Orca Flash Maker and imports all your print setting. Your printer, if still on firmware 1.2.1 or whatever version your printer shows that starts with 1.., will not connect to the new Slicer version. When you go to the Device tab in Flash Studio, you should see a banner across the top. (see pic) Click on that, and you will be redirected to a Welcome page at Flashforge describing new features.

On that page you will find links to the updated printer firmware for your Flashforge printer.

Download the appropriate file and drop the unextracted file onto an empty USB drive, power off the printer, insert USB drive into printer and power back on. Follow the on-screen instructions that tells you when to remove the drive and reboot.

The printer will then flash the MCU, takes about a minute or so, and reboot.

You should now see your printer in Flash Studio under the device page (if your printer is connected to your network properly).

[SamGrantham]

I just got 5.0.4 automatically pushed to my ADM5 Pro. Orca Flashforge 1.6.2 wants me to update to FlashStudio 1.7.3