# Stuck in update loop **URL:** \ **Category:** CyanLabs Update Support\ **Tags:** eu, nav, pre-my20, oem, SYNC3, APIM\ **Created:** [11 August 2026 19:07 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524 "2026-08-11T19:07:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [11 August 2026 19:07 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/1 "2026-08-11T19:07:18Z")
Hi all, hoping you can help us. Currently on my third hour of 1 hour long loops where after completing a full update going to latest sync software and map updates it flashes up. Remove USB which I did within fraction a second but the unit had already immediately powered down, but when it booted up it was back onto the emmc formatting page and said insert USB. **I don’t know how to get out of this update cycle without bricking it.** I chose to update to the latest release that was available which is one above the version I’ve stated, but I don’t remember what the numbers are and I’m not at the computer to get the specific numbers. There was only one more modern version available though 2019 Ford, pre-MY20, OEM SYNC 3 with navigation. Using Syn3 Updater. Reformat starts and spends ~50 minutes repartitioning eMMC and installing SYNC/maps/voice/DAB. It reboots, then does another ~5-minute “Updating system software” stage. It appears to request a key cycle but reboots itself. It then boots and asks for the USB again. A further installation phase runs. It eventually says “Installation complete — You may now remove your USB device.” USB is removed immediately, but the unit subsequently returns to the eMMC repartitioning / insert USB stage and starts the process again. This has now happened three times. GPS also briefly failed to acquire a position during the process. * * * **SYNC Region:** EU **Navigation Variant:** Nav **Manufacturer Year:** Pre MY20 **Install Type:** OEM **Old SYNC Version:** 3.4.23188 **New SYNC Version:** 3.4.26057 **Do you have a error message, if so what is it?** No error message as such. It just stuck in an update loop **Update Method:** CyanLabs Syn3 Updater **Syn3 Updater Version:** And the latest one. I’m not at the computer. I’m stuck in the car **Syn3 Updater Documentation Read:** yes **Syn3 Updater Log File** ```no-highlight As above I'm stuck in the car. I can't break the cycle so I need help at the moment ``` ---
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [11 August 2026 20:22 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/2 "2026-08-11T20:22:01Z")
Update. I’ve used the recovery disk to get it back to the ultra basic version 3.3 without an app, but at least it’s functioning. We’ll try again but upgrading it to the software that it was previously with maps update. When I can bear the thought of sitting in the car for another hour again… I don’t follow whyt he webpage guide seems to imply its finished after greenscreen reboot - but console asked me to insert usb to continue install after that reboot (else features are disabled) ---
**Author:** ![wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/wiz043/32/14863_2.png) [@wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/wiz043)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 02:52 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/3 "2026-08-12T02:52:05Z")
It could take an hour or longer with map updates but you don’t have to sit in the car for that length of time. Hopefully you are in a driveway or garage and can just leave it to update with the engine running and the 30 minute idle shut down disabled. When the message appears eventually to remove the USB stick try leaving it in to see if it reboots again and in any case try a master reset later. ---
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 06:42 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/4 "2026-08-12T06:42:46Z")
I’m theory yes but unfortunately I was trying to catch it at the point that it said remove USB because the first three iterations once it done the three reboots per cycle the final one that says " remove USB" rebooted anyway and went back to the flashing emmc screen. So I’m trying to look out when I can safely pull it out. Is it at this final step when the top bar says installation complete but before the pop-up comes up or is that risky? But in case no matter what too, it seems to go back to the entire start of the install process again. After that original post I’ve set up a recovery disk and got it back to the base 3.3, done master reset, and will try again reinstalling to the one before the latest release and see if that works any better / hopefully doesn’t stop this entire cycle again. ---
**Author:** ![wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/wiz043/32/14863_2.png) [@wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/wiz043)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 07:16 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/5 "2026-08-12T07:16:02Z")
Normally you get a message a short time after the upload in the car starts to remove the USB which of course you don’t, allowing the system to reboot and continue the update. After some time you should get the ‘installation complete’ message as you suggest and to remove the USB and of course after that it is wise to do a factory reset. I’m sorry, but if that is not working for you I am at a loss to know why. ---
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 07:39 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/6 "2026-08-12T07:39:39Z")
so are there two points to remove the usb: first time with the green screen that says remove and then ignore the second one when it says about key cycle but then remove on the third one which is the final installation complete pop-up. Interesting what you’re saying about not to remove it, which I think is probably the second one about the key cycle rather than the first green one or the final pop-up.. ---
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 07:51 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/7 "2026-08-12T07:51:06Z")
I’m not seeing an option to upload a screenshot here, but for reference, now this time after the green screen I took it out and ignored the subsequent pop-up that said insert USB to continue installation… so is that the right behavior now or have I missed something out by not putting it back into continue the installation that seemed to happen on the other occasions? Thanks ---
**Author:** ![wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/wiz043/32/14863_2.png) [@wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/wiz043)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 08:06 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/8 "2026-08-12T08:06:56Z")
That’s strange…I have done many sync3 updates through Cyanlabs and have always found just 2 messages regarding removing the USB. The first one I ignore and the system reboots and the second message to remove it later at the finish of the installation and then I remove it and do a master reset before shutting the engine. I currently have the latest version. No idea why you are getting a different result…sorry. ---
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 08:16 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/9 "2026-08-12T08:16:28Z")
Is your first one the green screen? I left it for 5 to 10 seconds max with USB still in and it didn’t reboot so took that as awaiting removal to continue, then after removal it still took a little while to trigger restart, it then popped up with _"Installation in progress_ _Some features will continue to be disabled until this process is complete._ _Please keep the update USB in the system and the engine running so that it can complete_", at the moment I haven’t reinserted it so wondering what state the system is now in if anyone can interpret would be much appreciated (and thanks for your thoughts so far) ---
**Author:** ![wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/wiz043/32/14863_2.png) [@wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/wiz043)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 09:54 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/10 "2026-08-12T09:54:09Z")
I can’t remember the screen colour as I updated some time back but suggest that you leave the USB in after the first message regardless as it may have rebooted eventually anyway and carried on with the installation. You may have to start again… ---
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 12:37 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/11 "2026-08-12T12:37:14Z")
Ok so update: Checked back in on the car, (having ignored the keep usb inserted popup after the greenscreen) and it seems ok? Oddly its gone to 26057 when I’m sure I picked 23188 this time… but maps are now F13 and sync system appears to be fully functioning. So I guess the conclusion from all this is remove when prompted at greenscreen, and don’t put it back in when the car pop up implies you should…!(?). Leaving this here for now in case anyone else encounters this or has a contrasting view! ---
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [12 August 2026 19:32 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/12 "2026-08-12T19:32:15Z")
Ok I definitely picked 23188 from the sync app disk builder - I’ve checked the log (attached) which refs Sync 3.4.23188 EU. So how does the car now reckon its on 3.4.26057? And which is it really on? @CyanLabs please help - not sure if a side effect of the previous install attempts despite master reset? And any insight you can give about the “keep usb inserted” popup after the first reboot from greenscreen and the impact of me not doing that this time would be much appreciated! [log-2026-08-11-21-40-43.txt](https://community.cyanlabs.net/uploads/short-url/9xrf7ygLXuOlUvwLwlfbhWhWOLJ.txt) (12.2 KB) ![Screenshot 2026-08-12 203044](https://community.cyanlabs.net/uploads/default/original/3X/5/c/5cf0f745f1c18004bd21bd5c69dd29169dffb1e5.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/wiz043/32/14863_2.png) [@wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/wiz043)\ **Post date:** [13 August 2026 22:46 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/13 "2026-08-13T22:46:54Z")
Reading your log I would suggest it is because you showed your current version (previous configuration) as 3.3.19052 instead of what your screen actually shows (3.4.26057) and confused the system so it did not go back to your desired 3.4.23188. Apparently your system eventually accepted your original attempt at updating to 3.4.26057 perhaps due to factory resets, several engine restarts or whatever so why not run with it as you now have the latest update along with maps F13 and all seems to be working ok? I have had 3.4.26057 in my 2017 model installed through Cyanlabs since it was released and it works fine. Who knows why you had these issues updating as technology can do wonderful and weird things and often it is trial and error regarding removal of the thumb drive to achieve success but the norm is to remove it after the second and final message at the end of installation. 😜 ---
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [14 August 2026 06:35 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/14 "2026-08-14T06:35:40Z")
It was actually on 3.3.19052 as per the config though when I did that last attempt (as shown in the attached, if replying as email and adding attachments works) aa this was after I did the base level emergency recovery.) . Like basically looking at the downgrade installation steps that the app presents after building the USB drive, I seem to encounter them in a different order. So I got steps six and seven leading to the green screen reboot before then getting steps 1 through 5 which are the installing update screens whilst still in the sync interface and keycycle messages.. all very odd! ![](https://community.cyanlabs.net/uploads/default/original/3X/1/7/177e5cf967f5c43ec4cbe72047aa2cc002d114ae.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/wiz043/32/14863_2.png) [@wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/wiz043)\ **Post date:** [14 August 2026 15:39 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/15 "2026-08-14T15:39:02Z")
So what version do you have now and is it all working ok? ---
**Author:** ![NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/nemesis84/32/20659_2.png) [@NEMESIS84](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/NEMESIS84)\ **Post date:** [14 August 2026 20:08 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/16 "2026-08-14T20:08:11Z")
3.4.26057, but that’s the next part that doesn’t make sense. It has been through the emergency recovery from eccm flash screen to 3.3, followed by the then specific new usb made to go from 3.3. to 3.423188 - so how the car reckons it is now 26057 is beyond me and why I tagged @CyanLabs in the hope they may understand how this behaviour is possible when the usb didn’t contain that release etc. Cheers ---
**Author:** ![wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/user_avatar/community.cyanlabs.net/wiz043/32/14863_2.png) [@wiz043](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/wiz043)\ **Post date:** [14 August 2026 22:51 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/17 "2026-08-14T22:51:45Z")
Regardless of whether it makes sense or not your original post indicates you were trying to update from 3.4.23188 to the latest 3.4.26057 as I read it and that is what it has eventually done regardless of all your attempts to downgrade or alter the version etc. If it shows 3.4.26057 on the screen now then that is what you have even though there is ‘reasoning’ that it should not be there now after your attempts at changing it as apparently this was your original intention as I mentioned earlier. Who knows why software behaves this way? If it functions ok don’t worry about it. If you wish to go back to 3.4.23188 or any other late version for some reason just show 3.4.26057 as your previous configuration and then show your desired prior version as your target version on the updater but you are no doubt aware of this. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://community.cyanlabs.net/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/s/bcef8e/32.png) [@system](https://community.cyanlabs.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [13 September 2026 22:52 UTC](https://community.cyanlabs.net/t/stuck-in-update-loop/27524/18 "2026-09-13T22:52:43Z")
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