In this article I will share a step-by-step process How to Update Shimano Di2 12-speed Shifter Lever Firmware through a wired DI2 cable connection. It is a fairly easy process that every home mechanic can do with the proper tools/spare parts and the Shimano E-Tube App. My Canyon Ultimate came with Shimano Cable Tool with product# TL-EW300 and the Shimano E-Tube App was already on my Google Pixel 10 Pro smartphone.
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Step-by-step process: How to Update Shimano Di2 12-speed Shifter Lever Firmware
Before I can describe the step-by-step process of How to update firmware of a Shimano Di2 Shifter Lever, let me list the tools and spare-parts required.
- Shimano Cable Tool with product# TL-EW300
- Shimano Di2 Cable 1600 mm with product# EW-SD300
- Shimano 2-post Junction Connector with product# EW-JC203
- Shimano E-Tube App on a Google Android or Apple iPhone smartphone
Basically I needed to purchase two items. The Shimano Di2 Cable 1600 mm with product# EW-SD300 and the Shimano 2-post Junction Connector with product# EW-JC203. These items are required to setup a wired connection from the Shimano Di2 Shifter Lever to the Shimano Ultegra R8100 front derailleur. After which you can run the firmware upgrade process from the Shimano E-Tube App.
Wired Firmware Upgrade Process Shimano Shifter Lever
The steps can be separated in two blocks. First you need to “add” the Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 shifter to the Di2 system through a wired cable connection between shifter and Di2 cable of the Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 front derailleur. Second you need to upgrade the firmware of the shifter with help of the Shimano E-Tube app on your Google Android or Apple iOS smartphone.
Setting up the wired cable connection
- Roll back the rubber hood of the Shimano Di2 Shifter Lever that you need to upgrade the firmware off
- With help of the tool you connect the Di2 cable to the upper port in the Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 shifter (see picture marked with U)
- With help of the tool pull out the Di2 cable from the front derailleur
- Connect the junction box to the other end of the Di2 cable (the one that is clipped into the port of the R8100 shifter on the other end
- Connect the other end of the junction box EW-JC203 to the Di2 cable that you have just pullen from the front derailleur.
- The Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 shifter is now connected to the Di2 system over a wired connection. You will also notice this wired connection in the Shimano E-Tube App.
Firmware upgrade with Shimano E-Tube App
- Now open the Shimano E-tube App on your Google Pixel 10 Pro smartphone
- Push the button on the Shimano Ultegra R8100 rear derailleur, until it flashes blue
- Connect the Shimano E-Tube App on your smartphone to your Shimano Di2 system
- Navigate to the tab update in the Shimano E-Tube App (see screenshot above)
- You see that there is an update available for the the Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 shifter that is connected “wired” (the little white box in the lower left corner of the shifter)
- Select the checkbox of that Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 shifter and hit the update button at the bottom of the screen
- After 2 acknowledgements the firmware upgrade is executed, with progression shown similar as the normal wireless firmware upgrades. (one of the disclaimers or warnings is shown above)
- When completed, simply disconnect the Shimano E-Tube App from the Shimano Di2 system
Repeat for the other shifter lever
- Repeat the exact same process for the other Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 shifter
- Roll back the rubber hoods on both Shimano Di2 Shifter Levers in riding position
Go out and ride with your upgraded Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2 shifters. When you know the steps it will take you maximum 15 minutes to complete the Di2 Shift lever firmware upgrade process.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The price point for the required tools and spare parts is in total € 52,89 which is a substantial investment, but always cheaper than brining your bike to a shop to do these things (especially when you have multiple Shimano Di2 powered bikes).
- Shimano Cable Tool with product# TL-EW300 – € 4,99
- Shimano Di2 Cable 1600 mm with product# EW-SD300 – € 20,95
- Shimano 2-post Junction Connector with product# EW-JC203 – € 26,95
- Shimano E-Tube App on a Google Android or Apple iPhone smartphone
What do you think of the firmware upgrade process for the Shimano Di2 Shift Levers ? One can question the wired connection that needs to be set-up first, but my assumption is that the Japanese drive train brand has robustness and reliability in mind, by choosing for this option. Let me know what you think in the comment section.
Other Shimano product reviews on this website are:
- Shimano Quick Link SM-CN900-11 review
- Shimano TL-FC41 Tool for Direct Mount Chainring
- Shimano Deore XT PD-M8100 SPD pedals
- Shimano Dual Rain Shoe Covers
- Shimano Brake Pad Spacer Y-8J709000
Quality product reviews on this website can be found in the categories below:
