Recovery methods for Push (standalone)

To recover a Push (standalone) that won’t boot, you can either download and install the latest software package via your computer, or use a USB flash drive to install a recovery image.

Note: If Push (standalone) is stuck booting with blinking or flashing pads, please first try the steps listed in Push (standalone) stuck booting with flashing pads. If this does not restore Push, proceed with one of the methods below. 

For either method, you will need a computer connected to the internet to download the correct software package. One of these methods should be effective in most cases, but they may not work in every instance. 

Method 1: recovery via Wi-Fi

This method re-installs Push software without deleting data from Push's internal SSD. Use this method only if Push has been previously connected to Wi-Fi and automatically updated to the latest firmware version. If you have not done this, we recommend method 2, described below.

1. Turn off Push and connect the power supply.
2. On your computer, sign in to Ableton.com to download the latest version of Push Update from the download archive. Select the top-most version in the list. 
   
   
3. Press and hold the User button and press Power to turn on Push. 
4. Select Start Push in Recovery Mode on the boot selection screen.
5. Wait 1 - 2 minutes for Push to boot, while the Push logo is displayed and pads are flashing.
6. In the web browser on your computer, go to http://push.local/update.
7. Press Update, and select the .swu file downloaded earlier. Push will now be updated.

Note: If Method 1 is unsuccessful, please try Method 2, below. 

Method 2: recovery via USB flash drive 

You can use a USB flash drive (thumb drive / USB stick) to re-install Push's software. After installing the software, disconnect the USB drive before using Push. 

Note: This process will delete all data from Push's internal hard drive.

Required hardware: USB-A flash drive with 8 GB capacity. 16 GB or more recommended. This process will remove and replace all content on the USB flash drive.



1. Turn off Push and connect the power supply.

2. On your computer, sign in to Ableton.com to download the latest version of Push Recovery Image from the download archive. Select the top-most version in the list. 
   
   
3. Download the third-party application BalenaEtcher. This software will allow you to write the Push recovery image to the USB flash drive.
4. Insert the USB drive into your computer USB port. 
5. Run BalenaEtcher and press "Flash From File."
6. Select the Push recovery image downloaded earlier, select the target as your USB flash drive, and press "Flash." The USB recovery image file will be written into the USB drive.
7. Once completed, eject the USB drive from your computer and insert it into Push's USB-A port at the back.
8. Press and hold the User button and press Power to turn on Push. 
9. Select Start Push in Recovery Mode on the boot selection screen.
10. A progress bar is displayed on the Push pads for up to 15 minutes. Push will then re-boot with the newly installed software.
11. Remove the USB flash drive after Push starts.

Note: If method 2 is not successful, you can try repeating the steps using a USB hub. Connect the hub to Push's USB-A port, and plug the USB flash drive into the hub.