Parrot MKi9100 Firmware Update – How to do it …
First a warning. If you have version 3 firmware in the MKi9100 DO NOT update it
You can check the version number by going into Settings / Advanced Settings / Information on the MKi9100. The updates are only valid for version 1 and version 2 firmware.
All updates on the MKi9100 are done with a USB memory stick, which needs to be formatted to FAT32 and is preferably blank.
If for some reason you do not have the accessory cables (USB, iPod 30 pin and Aux cable) then you cannot update the firmware.
Benefits of the Update
The really early versions of MKi9100 firmware were quite buggy and the boot up time was very long. Also, updates were made as new phones were launched.
The newer versions have compatibility / bug fixes and have a much shorter boot sequence ( turn on time).
Update preparation
Insert the memory stick into your PC and format it to FAT32 – this will remove all files so make sure you have nothing on the memory stick that you want to keep or at least copy it first.
Add a folder to the root directory of the memory stick: ParrotUp
This folder MUST be named exactly as written above with upper case “P ” and “U”
Copy the Parrot Mki9100 update file into the ParrotUp folder and rename to “MKi9100.plf”
On the MKi9100 go into Settings / Advanced / Restore Factory Settings and confirm the reset with the Green key on the remote. The MKi9100 will erase memory and re-boot. After re-boot set the required language by pressing the centre button on the Parrot remote. The unit will then re-start once more.
Update Procedure
Before doing this are you really sure that you want to apply the update ?
If you have a version 3 control box you MUST NOT update the MKi9100.
Some early versions of the MKi9100 will require an interim update to V1.96 to be performed first, so you will need this file and also V2.11 or V2.20. If your software version is V1.95 or less you MUST update to V1.96 first. From version 2.00 software the MKi series support “multipoint” – this allows the connection of 2 phones at the same time and is enabled in the Bluetooth settings.
Do not bother with version 2.00 firmware as it had bad echo problems on handsfree – these should be updated to V2.11 or V2.20.
Important: During the update process it is possible to render the Mki9100 non-functional. You must be careful how the update is performed. If the process is incorrectly interrupted the control box can end up in a mode where it will not turn on and will need to be replaced. The information on this page is provided “as is” and is provided as a guide only. Some early Mki9100’s have been known to be rendered inoperative even when following the correct procedure.
Method
Start the vehicle to ensure that the Parrot cannot be turned off during the update process.
Simply take the USB stick where you have put the update file ( MKi9100. plf ) and insert it into the Parrot USB port. It may take a minute or so to be recognised.
On the MKi9100 go into Settings / Advanced / Firmware Update and press centre button to confirm. Within a minute you should see “update in progress” on the MKi9100 screen. After a minute or two the screen will go blank and this is when the unit is being re-programmed. DO NOT INTERRUPT THE PROCESS – you will destroy the control box by not letting the update finish correctly. After another couple of minutes the MKi9100 will re-boot and turn back on – this shows the update has been done correctly. Set the required language and pair your phone.
Issues and Failures
After you enter the update process it is vital that it is not interrupted – you MUST wait for the unit to re-boot itself after the screen goes blank. If the unit does not re-boot after a minimum of 5 minutes, something has gone wrong. Unfortunately, your choices at this stage are rather limited.
Would recommend that you leave it to try to complete the update for a further 10 mins. After this period you can only try the following:
Recover the MKi9100 by removing the screen for 30 seconds and then plugging it back on. If the MKi9100 does not re-start it will probably be dead and will need the control box replaced.
The other alternative is to disconnect power from the control box for about 30 seconds and see if it will turn on. If this fails the control box will need to be replaced.
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Comments (24)
I have Parrot MKi9100 kit. all the sudden, it is no longer usable. its stuck in a loop where it starts, displays the following message : “Unika: update in progress”, then, “Unika : 0%” and finally “goodbye” and shuts down.
The loop last 5 seconds. Anyone experienced this please? is there any possible solution? Thank you in advance.
Try resetting the Unika by using a small screwdriver through the casing and press and hold the reset button for 5 secs then release.
If that doesn;t work disconnect the Unika and run the MKi9100 without it then update firmware on the MKi9100. Plug Unika back in and see if will successfully re-flash it
hi. and where can I find UNIKA?
Hello Ladislav,
You can find it from the manufacturer: paser.it
Please be aware there are 2 versions and you need to make sure you purchase the correct one for your vehicle.
Is there a way to update the display version firmware? To 3.1 so I can use Unika.
More detail is I am trying to add a Unika to my Mki9100. But I got a message on the display that display is not compatible. In settings I see parrot version 2.20, and display version 3.0. I understand for Unika requires parrot version 1.11 and display version 3.1. Is there any way to update the display version?
Hello Lear,
From memory you are correct that you need display version 3.1 for the Unika to work. This display version is set by hardware in the screen and cannot be updated. When we were installing MKi9100’s + Unika and the version was wrong Parrot would send us an updated screen and we would return the old one.
You are going to need a replacement screen with the correct version in it.
I’ve made a mistake and I’ve installed a 2.20 firmware on a v3. Now it’s bricked. how can I force reset or install a v3 (or later) firmware?
Thanks!
Sorry, you can’t.
Your control box is unfortunately “bricked”.
bonjour et merci pour la mis a jour mai je ne trouve pas le lien pour le telecharger
Bonjour,
on peut les trouver ici;
https://www.justcarkits.co.uk/product/parrot-mki9100-update-v1-96-english/
https://www.justcarkits.co.uk/product/parrot-mki9100-update-v2-11-english/
https://www.justcarkits.co.uk/product/parrot-mki9100-update-v2-20-zone-1/
Seulement disponible en anglais
Cordialement
Philip
Hello. I’ve just bought a brand new old stock Parrot MKi9100 kit. It’s got version 3.00 on the blue control box. Is there a system update for this box?
Thank you.
John.
Hello John,
There is no update for version 3.
Leave it as is and do not try to downgrade it.
Regards,
Philip
Hello,
My MKi9100 keeps losing connection to my iPhone 13 pro, while performing calls. It has the latest fmw,
It is mainly related to the usage of the phone. It can get stuck sometimes and the only solution is to remove and reattach the screen
Streaming works fine, with no glitches.
Can you help me? Thanks in advance.
try disabling phone book sync on the iPhone and see if this helps or not.
Hello. I have a problem. I have a samsung galaxy s21 ultra and i can*t put music on it. Just plug in and the contacts work,but the music doesn*t work. I have a mki9100 parrot
Morning Vraciuro,
Sorry for late reply.
The USB connection is not compatible with playing music from an Android phone. For this you must use Bluetooth streaming.
You can play MP3 files from a USB memory stick plugged into the Parrot USB connector.
If Bluetooth streaming does not work check this on the MKi9100: Settings\Audio\Mute on Streaming\Enabled
Regards,
Philip
Hey! I’ve got a problem with my parrot MKi9100 and my new phone (OnePlus 10 Pro 5G). The phone connects to the device correctly, but it doesn’t appear in the paired devices list and when I play a song with Spotify or any other app there is no sound coming out from the car speakers, even though the display shows that my phone is connected. I have no problems with my previous phone (OnePlus 7), the only connectivity difference between it and my current phone is that 10 PRO doesn’t support Bluetooth EDR like OP 7. Do you have any tips for me? Thank you so much
Would recommend that you delete all the currently paired phones in the MKi9100.
As it does not appear to pair correctly first check that the MKi9100 is shutting down correctly – shows “Good Bye” on screen when shut down.
If this is correct, try the special pairing modes on the MKi9100.
the screen on my MK[9200 shows my phone is connected but cant make or receive calls
Hello Shirley,
Please see this link: Pair Parrot remote control
Hi ! Can I have LINK for update 3.0 for Mki9100 ?! I can’t find any…
You won’t find a link for the V3.00 update.
There are no updates for version 3 control boxes.
Version 3 cannot be applied to V2 control boxes as it will break them.
Also, version 2 update must NEVER be applied to a V3 control box as it will destroy it.
hallo, i have parrot Mki9100, the problem is no sound to out, event i play music usb or bluetooth, how to Fix the problem
If the handsfree works fine and you get audio then have a look at the following setting on the MKi9100:
Settings / Audio / “Mute on Streaming” and enable this option