Menu

How can I update Polar OH1?

You can update the firmware of your OH1 yourself to keep it up to date. You'll be notified via Flow when a new version is available. Firmware updates are performed to improve the functionality of your OH1. They can include improvements to existing features, completely new features or bug fixes. We recommend that you update the firmware of your OH1 every time a new version is available.

You won't lose any data due to the firmware update. Before the update begins, the data from your OH1 is synced to the Flow web service.

With mobile device or tablet

You can update the firmware with your mobile device if you're using the Polar Flow mobile app to sync your training data. The app will let you know if there's an update available and will guide you through it. We recommend that you plug the OH1 into a power source before starting the update to ensure flawless update operation.

The wireless firmware update may take up to 20 minutes, depending on your connection.

Make sure location is enabled for Polar Flow app in the phone's application settings. On Android 6 and newer devices, location permission is needed to scan for Bluetooth devices.

If you have several Flow app compatible Polar devices in use, make sure you have chosen OH1 as the active device in the Android Flow app. This way Flow app knows to connect to your sensor. In the Flow app, go to Devices and choose OH1, and then return to the main menu.

To update the OH1 firmware via Polar Flow app:

  1. Open the Polar Flow app on your mobile device.
  2. Turn OH1 on by pressing the button.
  3. The app will notify you of an available update.
  4. Tap Update and follow the update progress on the screen. Keep the phone and OH1 close to each other the whole update process.
  5. Tap OK after the update is completed.

If you don’t want to update right there when the pop-up first appears, you can tap Later and do it later by synchronizing the OH1 again with the Flow app. The pop-up will come up once a day until you update the sensor.

If you’re having trouble updating the firmware, here are some tips that can help you solve the problem:

  1. Try the update again. Sometimes the first update is unsuccessful but another try might do the trick. Tap Try again on the “Update failed” message in the Flow app to try to update the firmware again. You could try again a few times. If you’re still not able to update the firmware after several attempts, try the other steps below for help.
  2. Restart the OH1 sensor,  if you see “Battery status low” lights blinking (link to https://support.polar.com/e_manuals/OH1/Polar_OH1_user_manual_English/Content/Button-Functions.htm), plug the sensor to the charging dock and try the update again once the sensor is fully charged.
  3. If you’re seeing an update is available, but are stuck after starting the update, it might be that the problem is in the Bluetooth connection between the OH1 and your phone. You can try to fix the Bluetooth connection between the sensor and your phone by doing the following:
    a.    Switch Bluetooth off and back on from your mobile device.
    b.    Restart your mobile device.
    c.    Unpair and pair your heart rate sensor and mobile device again.
           1) On your mobile device remove your OH1 heart rate sensor from the list of paired Bluetooth devices: 
                - iOS: Settings > Bluetooth > tap “i” next to Polar OH1 > Forget This Device.
                - Android: Settings > Bluetooth > tap the cogwheel image next to your Polar OH1, and FORGET.
           2) Follow these instructions here (link to https://support.polar.com/e_manuals/OH1/Polar_OH1_user_manual_English/Content/Pairing.htm) to pair the OH1 with Polar Flow app again.
  4. Factory reset the OH1 sensor and try again:
    1. Factory reset https://support.polar.com/en/how-do-i-reset-my-polar-oh1
    2. Unpair the OH1 sensor again from your mobile device’s Bluetooth settings
    3. Pair OH1 again with the Flow app
    4. Accept the firmware update again when offered
  5. Try updating the firmware on a computer via FlowSync as instructed below.

 

With computer

Whenever a new firmware version is available, FlowSync will notify you when you connect the OH1 to your computer. The firmware updates are downloaded via FlowSync.

To update the firmware:

  1. Place the sensor into the USB adapter with the lens facing up so that the contacts on the sensor and the USB adapter meet.
  2. Plug the USB adapter into your computer USB port.
  3. FlowSync starts syncing your data.
  4. After syncing, you are asked to update the firmware.
  5. Choose Yes. New firmware is installed (this may take up to 10 minutes). Please wait until the firmware update has been finalized before you detach the OH1 from your computer.

If you’re having trouble updating the firmware, here are some tips that can help you solve the problem:

  1. Check that OH1 or OH1 USB adapter connectors are dry and clean
    • If your OH1 doesn’t charge properly, or if it doesn’t connect to FlowSync, it could be because the charging contacts on the sensor or USB adapter not clean enough.
    • Rinse the OH1 sensor after each training session with lukewarm tap water. The sensor is water resistant and you can rinse it under running water without damaging the electronic components.
    • Before charging, make sure there’s no moisture, hair, dust or dirt on the sensor or USB adapter connectors. Gently wipe off any dirt and blow off the dust. Do not use any sharp tools for cleaning to avoid scratching.
  2. Check that OH1 is correctly placed in the USB adapter, and that the adapter is correctly placed in the USB port
    • Make sure the OH1 sensor is placed correctly in the USB adapter. The sensor should be in the USB adapter with the lens facing up so that the contacts on the sensor and the USB adapter meet.
    • Make sure the USB adapter is placed into the USB port correctly. The lens of the OH1 sensor is facing up when the adapter is placed correctly.
  3. Restart FlowSync
    • Close FlowSync by right-clicking/secondary clicking the icon on your computer taskbar/menubar. Choose Close. Then restart FlowSync from your computer desktop icon/Applications folder.
  4. Restart your computer
    • Keep the OH1 plugged into the computer.
  5. Enable Javascript and cookies in your browser
    • Javascript and cookies need to be enabled for connection to work. Usually they are enabled by default. See your browser's help for further instructions.
  6. Check that Polar OH1 is shown in your computer's Human Interface Devices
    • Windows: Go to (Start) > Control Panel > (System) > Device Manager > Human Interface Devices. Plug your Polar OH1 into your computer. Does the list update? Your Polar OH1 should be shown as HID-compliant device / HID-compliant vendor-defined device.
    • Mac OS X: Click Apple menu > About This Mac > More Info > System Report > Hardware > USB. Plug your Polar OH1 into your computer. Does the list update? Your Polar OH1 should be shown on the list.
    • If your OH1 is not shown on the list and/or the synchronization does not start, please reset the device.
  7. If these tips didn’t help, see additional help from TROUBLESHOOTING POLAR FLOWSYNC or contact your local customer care with a detailed problem description.

Contact Us
Contact Us
Request repair
Request repair

Change region

If your country is not listed on this page, please find your local contact details, retailers and stores and service points on our global site.