CAN'T complete update of helix LT firmware, connection with HX Edit doesn't work

[eschworld]

Hi folks, first time on the forum, typical disclaimer (probably my question i answered already but I can't think of other search prompts or any other way to find a solution or any other ways to try to solve the related issues.

 

I think what I need to do is (a) update drivers, (b) update helix lt firmware, (c) update hx edit, and  finally, (c) connect HX edit to Helix LT to update firmware.  Here's what I've been attempting:

 

1.  I downloaded and installed HX Edit (not sure which version, the latest one I think).

2.  I downloaded and (think) I installed properly but maybe not.

3.  I downloaded helix lt firmware (latest version) to my computer.

4.  I opened HX edit on my PC windows 11.  Opened fine.

5.  I turned on Helix LT.  Booted fine.  Global settings show firmware version 2.710 at the top right of the screen).

6.  I connected LT to computer via USB.  (PC beeped indicating I plugged in a USB).

7.  HX edit says "no device connected" at the top of the window and also at the bottom in red.

8.  I found no usable menu items in HX Edit to manually connect or anything like that.

9.  I tried two different USB-A ports on my computer.  I know both of them work as I've used them with other devices.

10. Tried closing and reopening opening HX Edit, rebooting Helix LT, plugging in the USB, PC again beeped indicating when I plugged in a USB) but HX Edit still can't communicate with Helix LT. 

 

HX Edit says "no device connected" on the window header and at the bottom of the screen in red.  It doesnt recognize helix LT and there's no help in the dropdown windows within HX edit.

 

Note - in global settings, Helix LT shows firmware 2.710.

I hope I've given enough information for someone to help me out.

 

Thanks everyone!

David

[datacommando]

On 1/24/2026 at 11:51 PM, eschworld said:

Note - in global settings, Helix LT shows firmware 2.710.

I hope I've given enough information for someone to help me out.

Hi, David,

 

Firstly - Don’t Panic - this stuff is usually fixable and mostly painless.

 

Below is a link that has been the “Get Out of Jail Free” card for many users who encountered update issues. Read, study and inwardly digest all the information in the link, and proceed step by step, and remember this was put together around four years ago, so you need to note any reference to version numbers will need to be the very latest ones. Oh, yeah, a couple of things that cannot be stressed enough - never use a USB hub, and also, HX Edit cannot connect to a Helix device that is in a failed update state. If that’s the case you should use the information on how to perform a “local” install, using Line 6 Central, or the older dedicated Line 6 Updater app.

 

Furthermore there was a huge update to the Helix Core at version 2.80 of the firmware, which seemed to take a great deal of time to perform the update. Theoretically, you can update from v.2.7 straight to v.3.80.0, but as this involves the Core update it may seem to take longer than expected. From the Release notes for v3.70
 

My Helix/HX is at version X.XX. Can I go straight to 3.70?

Yes, but note that if you're starting from 2.80 or lower, the update may appear to happen three times and will take notably longer than 30 minutes. This is normal.

 

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

[eschworld]

Thanks very much.  Not using a USB HUB so I'll try what you suggested.

On 1/25/2026 at 5:40 AM, datacommando said:

use the information on how to perform a “local” install, using Line 6 Central, or the older dedicated Line 6 Updater app.

So to restate or clarify, assuming I can find local install on Line 6 central and get that to work (or use the other L6 updater app), helix LT will no longer be in a "failed" update state and then:

 

(a) HX Edit will be able to communicate with Helix LT, then

(b) downlolad and install the latest firmware (vs. 2.710 on the device currently) and it will work but likely take "longer than expected"?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong?

 

Thanks again for helping :-)

David

 

 

[datacommando]

On 1/25/2026 at 3:17 PM, eschworld said:

Correct me if I'm wrong?

O.K. Here we go, one more time.

 

Go to the “DOWNLOADS” section of the menu bar at the top of this page.

 

Please select, download and install HX Edit v3.82 and the Line6 Updater v1.28 that match your computer Operating System. Make a note of where you saved the downloaded files, you will need them later.

Then proceed using these steps 

 

1. Disconnect the USB cable connecting your Helix LT to your computer.

2. Boot the Helix LT into "Update Mode" by switching off the device. Then power on the HX LT while pressing and holding down footswitch FS6+FS12 (the last two upper/lower on the right hand side, to the left of the expression pedal).

3. Reconnect your Helix LT to the computer, preferably trying a different port than before. 
NOTE: The front USB ports on some PCs can act like a hub, therefore it may be advisable to connect via a rear port which is probably connected directly to the Mother Board.

4. Launch Line 6 Updater. It is essential to make sure HX Edit is not opened/running. 
Don't try to use HX Edit for updating when it previously failed to connect.

5. If the unit connects, attempt to reinstall the firmware.

6. If the unit does not connect, close Line 6 Updater, connect to a different USB port on the computer, preferably with a different USB cable as well, and relaunch Line 6 Updater.

7. If the unit then connects, reinstall the firmware.

8. If the unit does still not connect, please try a different computer

 

It might be a good idea to have a look at this:-

 

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

Edited Sunday at 04:03 PM by datacommando
Added video

[eschworld]

I didn't try yet but certainly sounds like it will work, I'll prob. try it tomorrow.

Thank you for your help, much appreciated.

D