Updating Headshot 45 firmware in Nissan Kicks: instructions with nuances

Multimedia system Head Unit 45 (informally called by drivers Kicks Headshot 45) is the “brains” of the entertainment system in the second generation Nissan Kicks. The operation of navigation and connecting smartphones via Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as well as correct display of rear view cameras. However, many owners encounter screen freezes, connection errors or reduced functionality - most often this is solved by updating the firmware.

In this article you will find current update methods (including hidden service menus), let's deal with typical errors like ERROR 0x80070002 or NO USB DEVICE, and we’ll also show you how to bring the system back to life if, after an unsuccessful update, the screen stops responding. All instructions are tested on models Nissan Kicks 2020–2026 with head units based on Android 9/10.

What is Head Unit 45 and why it needs to be updated

Term Head Unit 45 denotes a multimedia unit with a screen diagonal of 8 inches (rounded - 45 cm diagonally in the metric system), installed on Nissan Kicks for the markets of Europe, Asia and Latin America. This is not just a radio, but a full-fledged computer based on Qualcomm Snapdragon with its own operating system, which requires periodic updates.

The main reasons for updating the firmware:

• 🔄 Bug fixes: Eliminate connection freezes CarPlay, interface lags or spontaneous reboots.
• 📱 Support for new smartphones: for example, firmware older than 2022 is not recognized iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23.
• 🚗 New features: Add a voice assistant NissanConnect, improved navigation or wireless support Android Auto.
• 🔒 Closing vulnerabilities: Old versions are vulnerable to hacker attacks via Bluetooth or USB.

Critical information: Head Unit 45 firmware is not compatible with Head Unit 35 (7-inch screen) or Head Unit 60 (9-inch screen on premium models). Installing inappropriate software will lead to bricking of the device.

Official and unofficial sources of firmware

There are three legal ways to get the latest firmware for Head Unit 45:

1. Nissan official website (owners.nissanusa.com) - firmware has been tested by the manufacturer, but is updated rarely (once every 6–12 months).
2. Dealer centers — they will update the warranty free of charge, but they may refuse if the car is older than 3 years.
3. Service menus - hidden options to force update via USB (more details in the next section).

Unofficial sources (forums NissanClub, Drive2 or XDA Developers) offer custom firmware with advanced functionality, but their use is fraught with:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty on multimedia.
• ⚠️ Risk of turning the device into a “brick” (does not turn on, does not respond to buttons).
• ⚠️ Possible problems with integration with the car’s CAN bus (for example, the buttons on the steering wheel will not work).

Step-by-step instructions: updating via USB

The most reliable way to update Head Unit 45 — use the official firmware from the Nissan website and a USB drive of the format FAT32. You will need:

• 🔌 USB flash drive capacity up to 32 GB (no longer supported).
• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS for unpacking the archive.
• ⏳ 30–40 minutes of free time (the process should not be interrupted!).

Algorithm of actions:

1. Download the archive with the firmware from the official website (for example, the file Nissan_Kicks_HU45_v2.1.0.zip).
2. Unpack the archive no subfolders — all files must be in the root of the flash drive. The structure should look like this:

   USB:\
   │── update.pkg
   │── version.txt
   │── checksum.md5

3. Insert the flash drive into the USB port of the multimedia system (usually located under the glove compartment or in the center console).
4. Go to Settings → System → Software Update → Update from USB.
5. Confirm the start of the process. The screen will go dark, and after 2-3 minutes a progress bar will appear.

Format the flash drive in FAT32|Download the firmware from the official website|Check the integrity of the files (hash sum)|Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in the car|Charge the car battery (voltage not lower than 12.4V)-->

Important! If after 10 minutes the message appears on the screen Please wait..., but progress does not move - do not remove the flash drive. This may indicate that the system is checking the integrity of the files. Interrupting the process at this stage will result in a failure.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even when following the instructions, users encounter errors. Here are the most common of them and how to eliminate them:

Error code	Reason	Solution
ERROR 0x80070002	Damaged firmware file or incorrect folder structure on the flash drive.	Reformat the flash drive, download the firmware again and check the hash amount.
NO USB DEVICE	The flash drive is not recognized (incompatible format or port).	Use the port USB 2.0 (usually black) and a flash drive no more than 32 GB.
UPDATE FAILED	Insufficient battery charge or power interruption.	Connect the charger to the car or start the engine.
WRONG VERSION	The firmware is not suitable for your model Head Unit 45.	Check the current software version in Settings → About the system.

If after an unsuccessful update the screen won't turn on or stuck on the logo Nissan, try resetting the system:

1. Press and hold the button POWER (turn on/off multimedia) for 10 seconds.
2. If it doesn’t help, disconnect the car battery for 5 minutes (it will reset the settings Head Unit to factory settings).

What to do if multimedia does not respond to buttons?

If after the reset the buttons on the screen do not work and the display shows a black screen, this may indicate damage to the firmware at the bootloader level. In this case, flashing via the service port is required OBD-II using specialized equipment (for example, Launch X431 or Autel MaxiCOM). It is impossible to do this on your own - contact the service.

Hidden service menus: how to access

B Head Unit 45 There are hidden menus for diagnostics and forced updates. To get into them:

1. Turn off the ignition, but leave the multimedia on.
2. Press and hold NAV (navigation button) + MENU simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. Enter code 1234 (default) or 3276 (for new software versions).

In the service menu you will find:

• 📊 Software version information (Software Version) - needed for selecting firmware.
• 🔧 Equipment test (Hardware Test) - check the display, speakers, microphone.
• 🔄 Forced update (Force Update) - if the standard method did not work.
• 🔒 Reset to factory settings (Factory Reset) - deletes all user data.

⚠️ Attention: Do not change the settings in the section CAN Settings or Bluetooth Config, if you do not understand their meaning. Incorrect settings can lead to loss of communication with the vehicle's on-board network.

Update via OTA (over the air)

From 2022 Nissan implements the function Over-The-Air (OTA) updates for Head Unit 45. This allows you to install patches without using a USB flash drive, but there are some nuances:

• ✅ Pros:
  • 🔄 Automatically check for updates when connected to Wi-Fi.
  • 📱 New version notification on the media screen.
• ❌ Cons:
  • 🐢 Slow loading speed (depending on internet connection).
  • 🔌 Requires stable power supply - if the battery runs out during the update, the system will fail.

To enable OTA updates:

1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network (the password is entered in Settings → Network).
2. Go to Settings → System → Software update → Auto update.
3. Activate the option Allow Wi-Fi updates.

⚠️ Attention: If your Nissan Kicks equipped with module NissanConnect, OTA updates may come automatically even if the feature is disabled. To avoid unexpected updates, disable automatic Wi-Fi connection in settings.

What to do if the update was unsuccessful

If after a multimedia update won't turn on, stuck on the logo or gives an error BOOTLOADER ERROR, follow this algorithm:

1. Hard reset:
   • Disconnect the car battery for 10 minutes.
   • Plug it back in and try turning on media.
2. Flashing in service mode:
   • Download recovery-firmware (usually has in the title recovery or emergency).
   • Place it on a flash drive and insert it into a USB port.
   • Clamp POWER + NAV for 15 seconds - the system should enter recovery mode.
3. Contacting service:
   • If the first two methods did not help, you will need to flash the firmware via OBD-II or block replacement Head Unit.

The cost of restoration in the service varies from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles, depending on the complexity of the breakdown. In some cases, reinstalling the firmware using Nissan Consult-III Plus (diagnostic scanner for dealers).

Critical Information: If the media beeps repeatedly (beeping every 5 seconds) after a failed media update, this indicates that the bootloader is corrupted. In this case, independent intervention is impossible - the memory chip must be replaced.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Head Unit 45

Is it possible to roll back the firmware to a previous version?

Officially Nissan does not provide the possibility of downgrading. However, on the forums there are custom firmwares with downgraded software versions. Risks: loss of functionality (for example, it will stop working Android Auto) or unstable operation of the system. We recommend updating only to new versions.

Why did the sound disappear after the update?

This is a common problem when resetting settings. Check:

• Media volume level (possibly reset to 0).
• Equalizer settings in Settings → Sound.
• Connecting speakers (sometimes the amplifier needs to be rebooted - turn off the ignition for 1 minute).

If the sound does not appear, update the firmware again or reset the settings to factory settings.

How can I find out the current firmware version?

Go to Settings → About system → Software information. Look for the lines:

• Software Version — firmware version (for example, 2.1.0.4567).
• Build Number - Android build (for example, HU45-20230515).

This data is needed to select the correct firmware.

Can I install Android Auto wirelessly?

Yes, but only on firmware versions 2.2.0 and above. To do this:

1. Update Head Unit 45 to the latest version.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your media.
3. Connect your smartphone via Android Auto via cable once for synchronization.
4. After that, disconnect the cable - the connection should remain wireless.

On iPhone wireless CarPlay not supported.

Where can I find the firmware for Head Unit 45 if it is not on the Nissan website?

If the official source does not offer an update for your model, try:

• Contact the dealer with the car's VIN - they can request the firmware from Nissan.
• Search the forums using the exact model name (for example, Nissan Kicks HU45 2023 Android 10).
• Use universal firmware from Renault (some models Dacia/Renault use similar Head Unit).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware from other regions (for example, for Nissan Kicks in the USA) may not be suitable due to differences in supported languages and navigation maps.