Can't update firmware Raspberrypi 4 booted from SSD

Installation Home Assistant OS
1

I am running HAOS 18.0 and I cannot updated the firmware.

Trying from the ha command:


# ha os boards raspberrypi firmware
blocked_reason: unsupported_boot_device
current_version: "2021-04-29"
latest_version: "2026-01-09"
update_available: true
update_blocked: true
update_pending: false

And directly from the SSH prompted:

# rpi-eeprom-update
*** UPDATE AVAILABLE ***

Run "rpi-eeprom-update -a" to install this update now.

BOOTLOADER: update available
   CURRENT: Thu Apr 29 16:11:25 UTC 2021 (1619712685)
    LATEST: Fri Jan  9 16:12:13 UTC 2026 (1767975133)
   RELEASE: default (/usr/lib/firmware/raspberrypi/bootloader-2711/default)

  VL805_FW: Using bootloader EEPROM
     VL805: up to date
   CURRENT: 000138a1
    LATEST: 000138a1

  FLASHROM: no
   BLOCKED: yes
# rpi-eeprom-update -a
rpi-eeprom-update is only available when booting from an SD card or if flashrom can be used.

How can I update my firmware, without having to play with SD Cards?

2

https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/configuration.html#update-bootloader-version

3

No help, I don't understand what I actually have to do.

Talks about commands etc, but not what to actually do in my situation to update the bootloader.

I am a simple man and need simple steps to follow.

4

If you are a simpel man, just put some sd card in your computer and burn raspios and then put the sd card in the rpi and then update the bootloader.

5

Mate, if you read the OP, I have asked how to do it without SD Cards.

6

Yes if you read about it little more you will see it is not supported.
https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/raspberry-pi.html#recovery-bin

7

You’re being blocked because that eeprom update messes with the Pi’s boot order and will cause it to attempt to boot from the SD card as soon as you do the update.

That’s why you’re getting the below error.

It’s also mentioned in the latest release notes, so unless you know how to fix the boot order after the update, you should skip it.