How to Update EdgeTX and ExpressLRS on the RadioMaster Pocket

To update a RadioMaster Pocket ELRS, back up its SD card, update EdgeTX for the Pocket handset, then update the internal ExpressLRS transmitter module using its exact hardware target. Check each version separately. EdgeTX runs the radio's menus and models; ExpressLRS runs the wireless control link. Updating one does not update the other, and neither operation updates your aircraft's receiver.

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RadioMaster Pocket ELRS Radio Controller

The RadioMaster Pocket ELRS is a compact EdgeTX FPV radio with Hall-effect gimbals, an internal 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS system, up to 16 channels, and a Nano external module bay. Best for: FPV beginners, simulator…

The RadioMaster Pocket ELRS is a compact EdgeTX FPV radio with Hall-effect gimbals, an internal 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS system, up to 16 channels, and a Nano external module bay.

Best for

Compact EdgeTX transmitter for pilots using 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS who value portability, Hall-effect gimbals,…

Product type

Radio Transmitters

Best for

Compact EdgeTX transmitter for pilots using 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS who value portability, Hall-effect gimbals,…

Product type

FPV Radio Transmitter

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1. Identify and back up the radio

This procedure covers the original Pocket with an internal 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS module. The CC2500 edition uses different RF hardware: an ExpressLRS firmware file cannot convert it. If the variant is uncertain, first use the Pocket ELRS versus CC2500 guide and confirm the unit's labeling. External modules need their own target and update instructions.

Have charged, correctly installed batteries, a working SD card, a USB data cable, and a computer available. Keep the radio antenna fitted. Leave the aircraft unpowered during handset updates; remove its propellers before later powered setup checks. The Pocket manual distinguishes the USB data connection from the charging connection. Use the data port for file transfers and firmware work.

• On the Pocket, long-press SYS, then page to VERSION and record the installed EdgeTX version.
• Under SYS → TOOLS → ExpressLRS, record the transmitter firmware version shown at the bottom of the Lua tool. Also record its hardware target and regional domain from the module's information or web interface.
• Write down packet rate, telemetry ratio, power settings, binding method, Receiver ID and Model Match settings for the models you use.
• With the radio on, connect USB and choose USB Storage. Copy the entire SD card to a dated folder on the computer. Confirm the copied model and radio-settings files are present before changing anything.

The ExpressLRS version-check instructions explain where the module reports its version. The EdgeTX VERSION page reports the handset software, so it cannot confirm an ELRS flash.

2. Choose versions before downloading files

As checked on September 8, 2026, the official release records list EdgeTX 2.12.4 and ExpressLRS 4.1.0. These are separate version sequences. Select an official stable build offered for your exact hardware, read its migration notes, and avoid choosing a nightly or release candidate by accident.

Before moving the transmitter to another ExpressLRS major version, check every receiver you intend to use. The receiver version guide requires matching major versions across the link. For example, a 3.x receiver should not be left behind when the transmitter moves to 4.x. Confirm that the new release actually supports each receiver target, including any receiver integrated into a flight controller. Do not apply a generic receiver flash to unidentified hardware.

For a working setup, decide what the update fixes or enables before changing versions. If a receiver cannot migrate, keep that model on a supported compatible release while resolving the limitation. EdgeTX's release number does not need to match ExpressLRS's number.

3. Update EdgeTX and its SD-card files

The following USB method follows the official EdgeTX Buddy update procedure. Open EdgeTX Buddy from that guide.

1. Switch off and connect the data port to enter DFU, the USB firmware-loading mode.
2. In Buddy, select the stable Firmware version and RadioMaster Pocket, then Flash via USB.
3. Select STM32 Bootloader, using Add New Device if necessary. Verify the version, radio and device, then flash.
4. After completion, disconnect, power on, reconnect and choose USB Storage.
5. Open Setup your SD Card. Select its drive, confirm the version and model, choose the sound language and apply changes.
6. Eject, disconnect and restart. Check VERSION, models, sounds and controls. Resolve SD warnings before continuing.

For the alternative SD-card method, download the Pocket's EdgeTX binary to FIRMWARE. Disconnect USB and turn off. The bootloader-access guide specifies holding the horizontal trims inward while powering on. Select Write Firmware, confirm the EdgeTX file and exit after completion. Keep ExpressLRS binaries out of this step.

4. Prepare the internal ExpressLRS module

Use the aircraft model that selects the internal ELRS module. Check MDL → SETUP → Internal RF: the module protocol should be CRSF, with External RF off for this procedure. CRSF is the connection between the handset and its RF module. If needed, check the internal-module type under the radio's hardware settings against the official radio-preparation guide.

Install the current appropriate ExpressLRS Lua tool in SCRIPTS/TOOLS on the SD card. Starting with ExpressLRS 4.0, the project uses elrs.lua without tying its filename to a specific firmware version. Replacing this file updates the menu tool, not the RF module. Confirm the tool loads before attempting a flash.

In ExpressLRS Configurator, choose Official Releases, the intended release, device category RadioMaster 2.4 GHz, and device RadioMaster Pocket Internal 2.4GHz TX. Choose WiFi as the flashing method. Set the regulatory domain appropriate for the location where the radio will be used and retain the intended binding phrase if your setup uses one. Do not change domain to chase a power option.

Choose Build and retain the resulting firmware.bin. These exact target and build selections come from the RadioMaster internal-module instructions. A receiver target, another handset's target, or an EdgeTX binary belongs to a different device.

5. Flash ExpressLRS over Wi-Fi

Keep the Pocket powered throughout the transfer and restart. The transmitter update guide describes the module's web interface.

1. On the radio, open SYS → TOOLS → ExpressLRS → WiFi Connectivity → Enable WiFi.
2. Connect the computer or phone to the ExpressLRS TX hotspot. Use the connection details in the official guide. Stay connected if the device warns that this network has no internet.
3. Open http://10.0.0.1 in the browser. If the module instead joins a previously configured home network, use its address there; the hotspot address applies when directly connected to the module.
4. Verify the module identity. Open Update, or the firmware-upload section on older interfaces. Select the ExpressLRS firmware.bin you just built and start the update.
5. Wait for the success message and the module's restart. Reopen the Lua tool and confirm that its reported transmitter firmware version changed to the intended release.

The Wi-Fi update instructions specifically warn against removing power immediately after upload. Let the Lua interface return from update mode. A browser upload finishing is only one part of the process.

6. Resolve the symptom before flashing again

For an unrecognized handset or incorrect target, follow EdgeTX's update troubleshooting. For a linked receiver that withholds control data, consult Model Matching: a connection can exist while a mismatched model prevents output to the flight controller. Restore the intended configuration instead of disabling the safeguard without understanding it. If the radio is bound but Betaflight still shows no stick movement, use our RadioMaster Pocket receiver-output troubleshooting guide before repeating the update.

7. Verify the updated setup before flying

With propellers removed, confirm the correct model is selected, all stick channels move in the intended directions, throttle reaches the expected endpoints, and switches operate their assigned modes. Check receiver telemetry and the aircraft's response to loss of the control link using its flight-controller instructions. An ELRS bind alone does not prove correct arming or failsafe behavior.

For a move to ExpressLRS 4.x, review the version-specific arming options in the radio-preparation guide. Its switch-based arming option can override the model's channel-five mixes, so do not assume an old mix is still the controlling input. Then complete the applicable ExpressLRS preflight and bench checks before returning the aircraft to service.

Keep a new SD-card backup and a record of the verified EdgeTX, transmitter and receiver versions. The update is complete when the intended versions are installed and the model behaves correctly through the whole control chain.

Last checked: September 8, 2026.