I want to update the control unit firmware, but the Carrera app is no longer available.
What is a firmware update and why do I need the Carrera Race App for it?
Your Carrera Digital Control Unit is essentially a small computer that comes with its own operating system—the firmware. Over time, Carrera has repeatedly developed new versions of the firmware to add new features or fix bugs. If you want to use SmartRace, you need at least firmware version 5336 to ensure that all features work as expected.
The firmware is not published by Carrera, but is part of updates to the Carrera Race App. The Race App contains an installation routine that can be used to transfer the firmware to the control unit. Therefore, the app is essential for this purpose.
Why is the Carrera Race app no longer available?
According to its own statements, Carrera has discontinued development of the Carrera Race app for Carrera Digital. This means that the app is no longer available for download for current Android versions in the Google Play Store, as it is no longer compatible. If you use Android and want or need to update the firmware on your Carrera Digital Control Unit, you can no longer download the app directly from the Play Store.
You have the following options
- Use an iOS device (iPhone or iPad) to install the Carrera Race app. The app is still available in the Apple App Store (as of February 2026). If you don’t have an iOS device yourself, you may be able to ask someone you know to lend you one or come over.
- Use an older Android device. Perhaps you still have an Android device with an older version of Android for which the Carrera Race app is still available. You can then download it and perform the firmware update.
- Download the app from an unofficial source. If you search the internet for “Carrera Race App APK Download,” you will find so-called APK archives. APKs are the installation files for Android apps, similar to .EXE files for Windows. Once you have downloaded the APK file, you can transfer it to your Android device and then launch the app there. But be careful and, if necessary, ask a friend who is familiar with this to help you.
