Firmware Updates and Security: How to Keep Your Smart Ring Safe

Summary

• Regularly updating your smart ring’s firmware is the most vital step to protect the sensitive health and financial data it collects.
• Firmware updates contain “patches” that fix hidden security flaws (vulnerabilities) found in the ring’s code.
• Updates strengthen the encryption that protects your data as it moves between your ring, phone, and the cloud.
• The simplest security habit is to enable Automatic Updates in the companion app.
• Beyond updates, fortify your security: use strong passwords, enable 2FA, and skip public Wi-Fi.

Your smart ring is remarkably capable, considering its small size. It tracks your sleep cycles, counts your steps, and monitors your heart rate. Although ultra-convenient, it does collect sensitive data, including your health, habits, and financial information.

Protecting this extremely personal digital life starts with one simple, absolutely critical habit: keeping your firmware up to date. They are your first, best, and simplest line of defense against new security threats.

This guide explains why firmware updates matter, how to install them safely, and what else you can do to keep your smart ring secure.

Why Firmware Updates Are Your First Line of Defense

Patch Security Vulnerabilities

Manufacturers release firmware updates when they discover security weaknesses in the ring’s core code. These weaknesses, called vulnerabilities, can be exploited by hackers.

Each update includes a patch that fixes the issue. Installing the update closes that security gap. Skipping updates leaves known weaknesses open and puts your data at risk.

Enhance Data Encryption

Your data constantly moves between your smart ring, smartphone, and cloud servers. Encryption scrambles this data so it can’t be read without authorization.

Firmware updates often upgrade encryption methods, making intercepted data useless to attackers and keeping your health information private even if they manage to grab the data while it’s in transit.

Improve Device Stability and Performance

Beyond security, updates often include bug fixes and performance enhancements. These improvements ensure your smart ring runs more accurately and efficiently.

A stable device is less likely to crash, sync incorrectly, or mishandle sensitive data. You may also notice smoother performance and better battery life after updating.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Smart Ring’s Firmware

Keeping your firmware up to date is the easiest security step you can take. Here’s precisely how to do it: 

Enable Automatic Updates

The safest option is enabling Automatic Updates in your companion app. When turned on, your ring automatically installs critical security updates as soon as they become available, with no manual effort required.

How to Perform a Manual Update

If you prefer to update manually:

1. Check the Battery

Firmware updates can fail if the ring runs out of power. Ensure your ring has a sufficient charge or place it on charge before you begin.

2. Initiate the Update

Open the companion app on your smartphone.

Go to Settings or your Profile page.

Look for an option like Firmware Update or Device Details.

If a new version is available, tap the button to start the download.

3. Maintain Connection

The update file transfers from your phone to your ring using Bluetooth. Keep your ring very close to your phone, and ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection on your phone for the download portion.

4. Do Not Interrupt

Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. Do not close the app, turn off Bluetooth, or take the ring off until the app confirms the update is 100% complete. Interrupting the process can sometimes cause your ring to stop working correctly.

Troubleshooting a Failed Update

If an update fails:

Restart your phone

Toggle Bluetooth off and on

Reopen the app and try again

Once everything is back up, try the update again.

If the issue continues, visit the manufacturer’s official support site for model-specific guidance or contact their customer service for help.

Essential Security and Privacy Best Practices

Protecting your personal health data requires a few other simple habits to create a fully secure “ecosystem” around your ring.

Secure Your Account

The data collected by your ring is stored in the cloud, linked to your user account. Your first step must be to fortify your accounts. Always use a strong, unique password for your smart ring account and never reuse passwords from other sites.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) immediately. This means that even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your data without a special code sent to your phone.

Review App Permissions

Check what permissions the companion app has on your phone. Allow only what’s necessary.

Limit data sharing with third-party apps and services, like fitness trackers or diet apps, unless it’s required for features you actively use.

Protect Your Network

Avoid syncing your smart ring over public Wi-Fi, like that found in coffee shops or airports. These networks are often unsecured and easily monitored by others.

If using a public network is your only option, consider using a VPN to encrypt your connection and conceal your activity.

Practice Physical and End-of-Life Security

Protect your ring when it’s not on your finger. Always store your ring securely when not in use to prevent theft or unauthorized access.

Before selling, gifting, or discarding your smart ring, perform a factory reset to erase all personal data. This process ensures the next owner cannot access your private health history.

Conclusion

Firmware updates are the most powerful security tool for your smart ring. They close vulnerabilities, strengthen encryption, and keep your data protected.

Security doesn’t require technical expertise, just consistent habits. Enable automatic updates, review your settings, and stay proactive. With these steps, your smart ring remains a safe and reliable health companion.

FAQs

1. What is a smart ring's “firmware update”?

It’s a software update for your ring’s internal system that fixes security flaws and improves performance.

2. Do I have to update my ring if it’s working fine?

Yes. Many updates address hidden security issues you can’t see, but hackers know about. Ignoring them leaves your data exposed.

3. What should I do if the update fails?

Start by restarting both your smartphone and the smart ring app, then try the update again. If it still fails, contact the manufacturer’s official support.

4. What is Two-Factor Authentication?

2FA adds a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone, making unauthorized access much harder.