QNAP NAS Error Code 31: How to Fix It

Medium 30-60 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
31
Brand
QNAP
Product Type
nas
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-60 minutes
QNAP Error Code 31 indicates that a firmware update on your NAS device has failed to complete successfully. This can happen due to a corrupted firmware file, an interrupted network connection during the update, insufficient storage space, or an incompatible firmware version. While this error can be alarming, it is usually recoverable without data loss by following the correct troubleshooting steps.
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How to Fix Error Code 31

  1. Do Not Power Off the NAS Immediately

    Cutting power during or immediately after a failed firmware update can corrupt the bootloader and may render the NAS unbootable. Only power off after activity LEDs have settled.

  2. Attempt a Clean Reboot

  3. Check Available Storage Space

  4. Download the Correct Firmware File Manually

    Using firmware meant for a different QNAP model can permanently damage the device. Double-check your exact model number before downloading.

  5. Perform a Manual Firmware Update via QTS

    Ensure your computer and NAS remain on a stable wired network connection during manual firmware upload. Do not use Wi-Fi for this step if possible, as dropped connections can repeat the error.

  6. Use QNAP Qfinder Pro for Firmware Recovery

  7. Perform a System Recovery Using the Reset Button

    A system reset will restore factory network and account settings. This does NOT erase your stored data, but you will need to reconfigure network settings and admin credentials after the reset.

  8. Verify and Retry the Firmware Update

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When to Call a Professional

Contact QNAP technical support or a qualified NAS technician if: the NAS fails to boot at all after multiple recovery attempts; Qfinder Pro cannot detect the device on the network; the reset button does not trigger any response; or the unit emits continuous beeping or shows all-red LED status after attempting recovery. These symptoms may indicate a more serious bootloader corruption or hardware failure requiring professional firmware flashing tools or hardware replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will QNAP Error Code 31 delete my data?
No, Error Code 31 relates only to the firmware update process and does not erase the data stored on your NAS hard drives. Your files, shared folders, and drive configurations are stored separately from the system firmware. However, it is always best practice to maintain an up-to-date backup of your data before performing any firmware update.
Why does my QNAP NAS keep failing firmware updates?
Repeated firmware update failures on a QNAP NAS are most commonly caused by an unstable network connection during the download, insufficient free space on the system volume, using an incorrect firmware file for your specific model, or temporary system resource issues. Ensure you are using a wired connection, have at least 500 MB free on the system partition, and always download firmware directly from QNAP's official website for your exact model.
Can I use QNAP Qfinder Pro to fix Error Code 31?
Yes. QNAP Qfinder Pro is one of the most effective tools for recovering from a failed firmware update. It can detect your NAS on the local network even when the QTS web interface is inaccessible, and it allows you to push a manually downloaded firmware file directly to the device. Download it free from the QNAP website and connect via a wired Ethernet connection for the best results.
Is it safe to reset my QNAP NAS to fix a firmware error?
A standard system reset (holding the reset button for about 10 seconds) is generally safe and will not erase your stored data on the hard drives. It restores default system settings, network configuration, and admin credentials. However, you should note your current network settings before resetting so you can reconfigure them afterward. A full factory reset (which does erase data) is a different, more drastic option and should only be used as a last resort.
How long does a QNAP firmware update take?
A typical QNAP firmware update takes between 10 and 20 minutes from start to finish, including upload time, installation, and reboot. The exact duration depends on your NAS model, the size of the firmware file, and your network speed. During a manual update, avoid closing your browser or interrupting the network connection. If the update appears stuck for more than 30 minutes with no LED activity change, a connectivity issue may have occurred.

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