Recovery Mode

💡 This page applies to the reMarkable Paper Pro only.

Recovery mode explained

Recovery mode is part of the boot sequence of the reMarkable Paper Pro.

The first stage of the boot process after power-on is the initial program loader, IPL, running ROM code in the NXP SoC. It will check some hardware input signals to determine whether it should enter recovery mode.

Another reason why it may enter the recovery mode would be if software signature checks of the software we provide for subsequent parts of the boot process fail.

In recovery mode the NXP IPL will allow communication over USB according to the serial download protocol, SDP. Relevant reference manual for further reading can be found here.

Enter recovery mode

1. Start by making sure the reMarkable Paper Pro is powered on
2. Connect the reMarkable Paper Pro’s USB port to a source that can charge it
3. Press the power button for 25-30 seconds
4. Release the power button for a second or two
5. Do a single press for a second or two
6. Release the button again

You should now be in the IPL where it waits for communication via SDP.

If you have the reMarkable Paper Pro connected to a PC you may verify this by inspecting its USB vendor and product IDs. While in recovery mode, these will be 1fc9:0134.

Pressing the power button seven to ten seconds will turn the device off and exit recovery mode. You can then turn it on again with a short button press.

Why is recovery mode needed

Recovery mode is needed to leave developer mode.

Recovery mode is also required in order to be able to recover a device which fails to start, be it due to bugs or modifications through the use of developer mode, without depending on the state of the software already present on the device.

Recovery tool

To use recovery mode to recover your device or leave developer mode you will need to use our desktop application. Please refer to our support page Software recovery for reMarkable Paper Pro for details.