Merge pull request #548 from arduino/HC-1710_Error-checking-for-updates

If Arduino App Lab shows an "Error checking for updates" message [HC-1710]

Author: seaxwi

content/Software Support/Arduino App Lab/If-Arduino-App-Lab-shows-an-Error-checking-for-updates-message.md

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+---
+title: If Arduino App Lab shows an "Error checking for updates" message
+---
+
+When Arduino App Lab is checking for software updates, you may encounter an "Error checking for updates" message. Learn how to resolve the issue.
+
+---
+
+## Before you begin
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> If you also see a **"Your board software is out of date"** warning, you may need to flash a new Linux image. See [If your Arduino UNO Q board software is out of date](https://support.arduino.cc/hc/en-us/articles/23170731875740-If-your-Arduino-UNO-Q-board-software-is-out-of-date).
+
+Follow these instructions if your board is detected in Arduino App Lab, but there is a problem connecting to the board.
+
+If your board does not appear in Arduino App Lab, see [If your Arduino UNO Q is not detected by Arduino App Lab](https://support.arduino.cc/hc/en-us/articles/23170726082332-If-your-Arduino-UNO-Q-is-not-detected-by-Arduino-App-Lab) instead.
+
+## 1. Retry at least two times <!-- No longer relevant? -->
+
+In some cases, especially after flashing a new Linux image, the update process can fail.
+
+Try the following at least two times:
+
+1. Disconnect the board.
+1. Close Arduino App Lab.
+1. Open Arduino App Lab.
+1. Wait for the board to be detected (this can take up to 60 seconds).
+1. Click the board to connect.
+
+## 2. Check board power
+
+Insufficient power from the USB port, cable, or a connected hub can cause the board to reboot unexpectedly during an update.
+
+To ensure the board has a stable power supply, follow these guidelines:
+
+* **Use the recommended cable and port**
+  The most reliable option is a **USB-C to USB-C** cable connected directly to your computer. If you use a **USB-C to USB-A** cable, connect it to a high-power port (e.g., USB 3.0) and avoid older USB 2.0 ports.
+
+* **Avoid unpowered hubs**
+  If you are connecting the board via a USB hub, ensure it has its own dedicated power supply. An unpowered hub may not provide enough power, especially if other devices are connected.
+
+* **Rule out faulty hardware**
+  If the problem persists, try using a different USB cable and another USB port on your computer to check if the issue is with a faulty cable or port.
+
+## 3. Check your network configuration
+
+An unstable internet connection can cause the update to fail.
+
+First, ensure your Wi-Fi network is stable and that the board is in a location where it can get a good signal.
+
+If the network is stable, the issue may be with the board's stored network credentials. You can resolve this by re-configuring the network settings using one of the following methods:
+
+* **Update configuration in SBC mode**
+  Boot the UNO Q in SBC mode to access and update the network configuration directly.
+
+* **Update configuration via ADB**
+  Remove the existing Wi-Fi configuration using an ADB shell and the `nmcli` command-line tool.
+
+  1. [Open an ADB shell](https://docs.arduino.cc/tutorials/uno-q/adb/) to your board.
+  2. List all network connections:
+
+     ```sh
+     nmcli con
+     ```
+
+  3. Find the name (SSID) of the Wi-Fi network you want to remove.
+  4. Remove the configuration. Replace `YOUR_WIFI_NAME` with the name from the previous step:
+
+     ```sh
+     nmcli con remove YOUR_WIFI_NAME
+     ```
+
+ After removing the old configuration, you will be prompted to set up Wi-Fi again in the App Lab.
+
+## 4. Flash the latest Linux image
+
+> [!WARNING]
+> All data saved on the board will be lost.
+
+If App Lab is still not able to update your Arduino UNO Q, you may want to consider **flashing the latest Linux image**. This is a reliable way to resolve any issues with the software configuration on your board.
+
+## If you still need help
+
+If you still need help, [contact us](https://www.arduino.cc/en/contact-us/).