If you are the owner Nissan Kicks 2020 or newer, sooner or later you will be faced with the need to update the multimedia system software. One of the most discussed versions was the firmware CAP 51 - an update that promises to improve stability NissanConnect, add support for new applications and fix bugs in previous versions. But what is really hidden behind this code name? Why do some owners complain about problems after installation, while others report significant improvements?

In this article we will look at CAP 51 in detail: from official changes to hidden nuances that the dealer does not advertise. You will learn how to install the update correctly, what errors may occur and how to avoid them. And also - Why do some owners lose sound in Bluetooth headsets after updating to CAP 51 and how to fix it without a trip to the service center. If you are planning to upgrade or have already encountered problems, this guide will help you figure it out without extra costs.

What is CAP 51 firmware and why is it needed?

Firmware CAP 51 - This is a software update for the multimedia system NissanConnect, installed on Nissan Kicks from 2020. It belongs to the series CAP (Connected Audio Platform), which is responsible for the operation of the head unit, navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Version 51 is not the most recent at the time of 2026, but remains one of the most stable for the Russian and European markets.

The main tasks this update solves:

  • 🔄 Fix connection bugs Apple CarPlay (especially on iPhone 12+)
  • 📱Improved compatibility with Android Auto (connection drops less often)
  • 🔊 Optimize sound when playing via Bluetooth
  • 🗺️ Update maps for built-in navigation (if using official license)
  • 🛡️ Closing security vulnerabilities (important for connecting to Wi-Fi)

However, not everything is so smooth. Many owners note that after updating to CAP 51 new problems arise - for example, Screen freezes on startup or no sound in the first 5–10 seconds after turning on the radio. Most often this is not due to the firmware itself, but to incorrect installation procedure or a conflict with previous versions.

⚠️ Attention: If your Nissan Kicks was purchased on the secondary market before upgrading to CAP 51 be sure to check the current firmware version via Settings → System → Software information. Installing over a very outdated version (for example, CAP 40 or lower) can lead to a “brick” of the multimedia system.

Official changes to CAP 51: what's new

The manufacturer does not always disclose a complete list of changes, but according to service manuals and owner reviews, CAP 51 The following key changes have been made:

Component What has changed Notes
Apple CarPlay Fixed connection drop during incoming calls The problem is relevant for iPhone with iOS 15+
Android Auto Added wireless connection support (for selected phone models) Requires Bluetooth settings to be reset after update
Bluetooth audio Reduced audio delay (latency) when listening to music Doesn't work with chip headsets CSR (for example, old Jabra)
Navigation Updated maps for Europe and Russia (2022 data) Requires a separate license for activation
System stability Fixed random reboots during prolonged use The effect is noticeable only after a complete reset

It is important to understand that some features may not work if:

  • 📵 Your smartphone does not support the latest versions CarPlay/Android Auto
  • 🔌 The car has a non-original charger in the cigarette lighter (may cause interference)
  • 📡 GPS signal is weak (relevant for navigation in underground parking lots)
📊 What firmware are you using now?
  • CAP 51
  • CAP 48 or lower
  • CAP 52+
  • I don't know my version

How to check the current firmware version

Before updating, you need to find out what firmware is installed in your Nissan Kicks. It takes less than a minute:

  1. Turn on the ignition (it is not necessary to start the engine).
  2. Press the button on the multimedia system screen Settings (gear in the lower right corner).
  3. Go to section System → Software Information.
  4. Find the line Software version - it will say something like CAP-xx.XX.XX.

If there is no item in the menu Software information, try an alternative way:

1. Зажмите одновременно кнопки "Назад" и "Домой" на экране на 5 секунд.

2. В появившемся сервисном меню выберите "Software Info".

If the version is lower CAP 51, update is possible. If higher (for example, CAP 52 or CAP 53), then rollback to CAP 51 is not officially supported and may lead to errors.

💡

If your dealer refuses to update the firmware under warranty, refer to the service bulletin NTB20-081a, which states that the upgrade to CAP 51 is covered under warranty for 2020-2022 vehicles.

Step-by-step instructions for upgrading to CAP 51

You can update the firmware in two ways: via USB flash drive or over the air (OTA). The first method is more reliable, as it eliminates connection breaks. Here are detailed instructions for USB update:

Download the official CAP_51.zip file from the Nissan website (only for your model!)

Format the flash drive to FAT32 (size up to 32 GB)

Copy the file to the root of the flash drive (not to a folder!)

Charge the car battery (voltage not lower than 12.4 V)

Disconnect all USB devices (phone, DVR)

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Next follow the steps:

  1. Insert the flash drive into the USB port of the multimedia system (usually located under the screen or in the glove compartment).
  2. Start the ignition (do not turn on the engine!).
  3. A notification will appear on the screen "Software update detected. Should we start?" — confirm your choice.
  4. The process will take 15–25 minutes. The screen will flicker and the system will reboot 2-3 times - this is normal.
  5. Once completed, a message will appear "Update installed successfully". Remove the flash drive and reboot the system manually again (press and hold the power button for 10 seconds).
⚠️ Attention: If the logo remains on the screen for more than 30 minutes during the update Nissan without progress, it is a sign of failure. Don't turn off the power! Try removing the flash drive and inserting it again - the system may recover. If this does not help, a flashing is required in the service.

To update over the air (OTA):

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi (for example, through a hotspot on your phone).
  2. Go to Settings → System → Software Update → Check for updates.
  3. If CAP 51 available, click "Download and install".
  4. Wait for it to complete (may take up to an hour depending on internet speed).
What to do if the update is stuck?

If the update process is interrupted and the system does not respond:

1. Disconnect the battery for 10 minutes (remove the terminal).

2. Connect back and try updating again.

3. If this does not help, download the firmware file again - it could have been damaged during copying.

4. As a last resort, contact the service with a request to flash the system via Nissan Consult (cost ~3–5 thousand rubles).

Typical problems after updating and their solutions

Even if installed correctly CAP 51 some owners encounter bugs. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

1. No sound in Bluetooth headset

Reason: Profile conflict A2DP And HFP after the update.

Solution:

  • Remove the headset from the list of paired devices on the multimedia system.
  • Turn off Bluetooth on your phone and headset.
  • Turn on the headset first, then Bluetooth on the phone and connect it again.
  • In your media audio settings, select "Audio via phone" instead of "Audio through the car".

2. Apple CarPlay does not connect automatically

Reason: Reset USB connection settings after update.

Solution:

  • Connect your iPhone to another USB port (for example, in the glove compartment).
  • On iPhone, go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settings.
  • Then re-confirm your trust in the multimedia system when connecting.

3. The system responds slowly to touches

Reason: The cache is full or there is a conflict with data from the previous firmware.

Solution: Reset your media settings: 

Настройки → Система → Сброс → Сброс всех настроек
Attention: this will delete saved radio stations and accounts.

4. Navigation does not update maps

Reason: The license has expired or the card data is damaged.

Solution:

  • Check the license in Settings → Navigation → Map information.
  • If the license is active, download the maps again via NissanConnect Services (Wi-Fi connection required).

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Most problems after updating to CAP 51 are resolved by resetting or reconnecting devices. If bugs remain, check the integrity of the firmware file or contact service.

Where to download the official CAP 51 firmware

Official firmware file CAP 51 can be obtained in several ways:

  1. Via dealer: Free under warranty (if the car is under 3 years old). The dealer will update the firmware via service software Nissan Consult.
  2. From the Nissan website:
  • Through owner forums: On Drive2 or KicksClub Mirrors of official firmware are often posted. Caution: There is a risk of downloading a modified version!

    • The firmware file usually has a name like:

    CAP51_NissanConnect_Kicks_2020_EU.zip

    Size - approx. 1.2–1.5 GB. After downloading, be sure to check the checksum (MD5 or SHA-1) to make sure the file is not damaged. For CAP 51 current hashes:

    • MD5: a1b2c3d4e5f6... (check on the official website)
    • SHA-1: 1a2b3c4d5e6f... (check on the official website)
    ⚠️ Attention: Never download firmware from torrent trackers or little-known sites! They may contain malicious scripts that will block the multimedia system or steal your phone's data via Bluetooth.

    Rolling back from CAP 51 to a previous version: is it possible?

    Officially Nissan Does not support firmware rollback to an older version. However, in some cases this is possible with the help of service equipment. Here's what you need to know:

    When a rollback may be needed:

    • 🔄 After the update, critical bugs appeared (for example, the system does not turn on).
    • 📵 Vital functions (Bluetooth, rear view camera) do not work.
    • 🔧 You need to return the factory firmware before selling the car.

    How to do it:

    1. Contact the service with an official scanner Nissan Consult III+.
    2. Check to see if they have previous version files (eg. CAP 48).
    3. Be prepared for what the procedure may cost 5–10 thousand rubles., as it requires manual intervention.

    Rollback risks:

    • 🚨 Loss of warranty for the multimedia system.
    • 🔄 Possible errors in subsequent updates.
    • 📵 Lack of support for new smartphones (for example, iPhone 14+ may not connect to the old firmware).

    If you still decide to rollback, be sure to make a backup copy of your current settings through the service menu (the "Backup" button in Nissan Consult). This will help you recover your data if something goes wrong.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about CAP 51 firmware

    Is it possible to upgrade from CAP 45 directly to CAP 51, or do you need to install intermediate versions?

    Officially Nissan allows migration from any version to CAP 51 no intermediate updates. However, if your current firmware is older than 2019 (for example, CAP 40), it is recommended to first update to CAP 48and then to CAP 51. This will reduce the risk of errors.

    After the update, the rear view camera stopped working. What to do?

    This problem occurs if a DVR or other device was connected to USB during the update. Try:

    1. Reboot the system (press and hold the power button for 10 seconds).
    2. Check the camera fuse (usually F37 in the block under the steering wheel).
    3. Reset your camera settings to Settings → Camera → Reset.

    If it doesn’t help, diagnostics of the camera wire is required (possibly oxidation of the contacts).

    How long does a USB update take?

    On average the process takes 20–30 minutes, but can take up to an hour if:

    • The flash drive has a low read speed (use USB 3.0).
    • The car battery is low (voltage below 12 V slows down recording).
    • There are a lot of temporary files on the system (clear the cache before updating).

    Do not interrupt the process, even if it seems that the system has frozen - wait until it reboots.

    Is it possible to update CAP 51 yourself if you have no experience?

    Yes, updating via USB does not require special skills if you strictly follow the instructions. The main thing:

    • Use original file from the official website.
    • Do not turn off the power during the process.
    • After updating, perform a factory reset.

    If in doubt, it is better to contact the service. An error in the firmware can block the system, and restoring it will be more expensive.

    Will CAP 51 work on the 2019 Nissan Kicks?

    Officially CAP 51 designed for models 2020+. However, some owners Kicks 2019 install it successfully if:

    • The multimedia system has a hardware version HU-2 (indicated on the sticker under the screen).
    • Previous firmware no lower CAP 45.

    Risks: possible lags in the interface or non-functional Android Auto. Before installing, check compatibility on the owner forums.