Legacy hardware like the TX-NR646 struggled to keep pace. Users began reporting failures with the native Spotify Connect implementation and issues with the network stability of the TuneIn app. The 2021 firmware served as a crucial bridge, rewriting the network stack to ensure these services remained operational. Without this update, the "Smart" features of the receiver would have essentially died, rendering the network port useful only for firmware and control apps, not for media consumption.
If your display reads , your receiver is fully up to date and no further action is required. Preparation and Safety Precautions Firmware Update TX-NR646 & TX-NR747 (12-01-2020) - Onkyo
: Corrects a bug that prevented track metadata, song titles, and artist info from displaying properly during SiriusXM playback.
Once the screen reads , press the power button on the main unit to put the receiver into standby. Method 2: Updating via USB (Recommended for Safety) txnr646 firmware update 2021
If updating over the network, use a wired Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi to eliminate signal drops.
Installing this firmware ensures optimal performance for your home theater system, resolving critical system vulnerabilities and stabilizing built-in streaming tools. Below is a complete breakdown of what the firmware achieves, along with a step-by-step walkthrough to update your hardware safely. Why This Update Matters
Plug the flash drive into the USB port on the rear panel of the TX-NR646. Legacy hardware like the TX-NR646 struggled to keep pace
Given the high risk of failure and the removal of the official file, the safest course of action for most users is to have the update performed by an authorized service center.
: Format a clean USB flash drive to FAT16 or FAT32 .
Updated internal handshakes for Spotify Connect, AirPlay, and built-in TuneIn radio. Without this update, the "Smart" features of the
: Fixes a software glitch that prevented song information and track metadata from displaying properly during SiriusXM radio playback.
By 2021, the TX-NR646 was already several years old. Many users assumed that Onkyo had stopped supporting the model. However, the company released a crucial maintenance update in (often colloquially referred to as the “2021 update” due to its widespread rollout timing).