How firmware and software updates work
2026-04-08Last updated
To enable the latest features and keep your devices secure, the firmware and software applications for appliances and video units should be kept up to date.
Automatic updates
Security Center SaaS provides automatic firmware and software updates for the following
appliances and video units:
| Device type | Downtime during update | Manual update support |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances | ||
| Axis Powered by Genetec | The first firmware update of the appliance takes 15 - 20 minutes. Subsequent updates take 7 - 10 minutes. During this time, access readers don’t function, and doors don’t open. | ✔ |
| Synergis™ Cloud Link | Firmware updates take 30 - 60 seconds. During this time, access readers and
doors remain functional but are offline in Security Center SaaS. As a result:
|
✔ |
| Genetec Cloudlink™ 110, 210, and 310 | Edge OS updates require the appliance to restart. Following an update, the
applications on the appliance restart. Full functionality is restored within 5
minutes. During this time, devices that are connected to the appliance are
offline. Application updates take approximately 90 seconds. During this time, the Genetec Cloudlink remains online, but events from connected devices associated with the application are not recorded. |
|
| Video units | ||
| Axis direct-to-cloud cameras | Downtime varies by manufacturer. | |
Automatic updates occur during maintenance windows specific to the device or appliance. For more information, see Maintenance windows for automatic firmware and software updates.
Manual updates
The following devices must be updated manually:
| Device type | Downtime during update | |
|---|---|---|
| Video units | ||
| Video units connected to a Genetec Cloudlink™ | Cameras can be offline for up to 5 minutes during the update process. | |
Considerations for appliances
- Appliance updates are staggered
- To ensure system stability. Security Center SaaS staggers firmware updates across appliances. All updates are completed within the designated maintenance window.
- Updating the firmware of Axis Powered by Genetec appliances
- Security Center SaaS administrators are notified by email when new firmware is available. If administrators don't perform the update manually, an automatic update occurs on the date specified in the notification email.
- Updating the firmware of Synergis Cloud Link appliances
- Security Center SaaS administrators are notified by email when new firmware is
available. For subsequent updates, click the device in the
Configuration task, then navigate to the
Settings page to verify the firmware status. If you don’t
manually upgrade your appliances, an automatic update occurs two weeks after the
firmware becomes available.If your firmware version is earlier than 11.6, Security Center SaaS prompts you to update to version 11.6 before updating to the latest version.Note:After you update to version 11.6, it takes up to 15 minutes before you can perform a manual update to the latest version.
Considerations for video units
- Axis direct-to-cloud cameras
- Automatic updates occur when new firmware or Axis Camera Application Platform (ACAP) versions are available. Cameras restart during the update process, which synchronizes the camera and provides access to new features. Manual updates of firmware and ACAP are not supported.
- Video units connected to Genetec Cloudlink™ appliances
- Following a firmware update, you must manually synchronize the camera to access new features in Security Center SaaS. For more information, see Keeping camera features up-to-date.