Bricking a Bitaxe can be frustrating, making it unresponsive and unusable. Thankfully, many devices can be recovered. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step to restore your device and get it running again.
What Does “Bricked” Mean?
When a device (like a microcontroller board) becomes “bricked,” it essentially stops functioning at all—often failing to boot or accept new firmware. This can happen due to various software or hardware issues. In many cases, users may accidentally flash the incorrect firmware onto their device. Don’t worry, a so-called “bricked” device can still be recovered.
Steps to Unbrick Your Bitaxe
If your Bitaxe device is bricked, follow these steps to restore it. During the process, your computer may make beeping or connection noises repeatedly, indicating the device is being recognized and unrecognized. This is typical for a bricked device but shows it’s still detectable and can likely be recovered.
1. Load the Bitaxe Webflasher
Open the Bitaxe Webflasher tool on your computer. This is the one of the primary utilities for flashing firmware onto your Bitaxe.
3. Connect Power to the Bitaxe
Provide stable power to the Bitaxe through its recommended power source. Confirm the power connection is secure and within the device’s specifications.
2. Attach the USB-C Cable to the Bitaxe
Connect a reliable USB-C cable to your Bitaxe. Ensure the other end is securely plugged into your computer. Intermittent beeping or connection noises from your computer indicate the device is attempting to connect.
4. Select Connect on the Webflasher
In the Bitaxe Webflasher, click Connect to establish a connection between the flasher and your Bitaxe device. If your device is bricked, you will see the COM port and factory image on the splash page flashing intermittently.
5. Enter Bootloader Mode
To enter bootloader mode:
- Locate the Boot button on the left side of the fan/heatsink.
- Press and hold the Boot button.
- While holding the Boot button, press and release the Reset button located above the boot button.
This step allows the Webflasher to communicate with the device and prepare it for firmware flashing. If this is done successfully, the COM port and factory image will not be flashing intermittently on the webflasher splash page anymore. You can now select the correct factory image and connect to your device. If done incorrectly, you’ll need to repeat this process again.
6. Flash Firmware
You are now ready to flash the correct firmware onto your device. You can follow our comprehensive step by step guide on how to do so here: How to Flash Your Bitaxe.