Li Auto (Lixiang) won't boot after OTA: causes and what to do
After a failed or interrupted OTA update, the Li Auto (Lixiang) head unit won't boot, hangs on the logo or shows a black screen. You can fix it yourself without removing the unit — with the Recovery HU operation in the LIXIANGTOOLS app.
Pay by card, SBP or Telegram Stars — on the website or via @LITools_pay_bot. Questions — @LITools_support_bot.
If it is bricked: Recover a Li Auto (Lixiang) HU — Recovery HU license →
Causes and signs
- after a failed OTA update the HU won't boot or hangs on the logo;
- black head unit screen after interrupted flashing;
- after unsuccessful firmware experiments.
Not sure it's your case? Message @LITools_support_bot before buying — we'll advise.
What to do first
- If flashing is still in progress — don't disconnect power or the cable.
- Look at the screen. If it shows a QR code rather than the logo or a black screen, it's not a brick: a QR screen after replacing, reflashing or resetting the HU is removed by Disable QR Screen, and a QR screen after deep sleep is the region lock.
- If the HU hangs on the logo or the screen is black — stop experimenting with firmware and message @LITools_support_bot with your VIN and a photo of the screen: we'll advise on your case.
- If it is bricked — the head unit is restored with the Recovery HU operation (below).
What Recovery HU does
Recovery HU fully reinstalls the firmware and restores all slot-dependent partitions. No need to look for firmware: the image is downloaded automatically and matched to the car's VIN. Works for all Li Auto models. Price — 50,000 ₽ per operation.
What you need
- a Windows laptop and the LIXIANGTOOLS app;
- the UART adapter — a bricked head unit is not visible over regular USB (10,000 ₽, contact the admin to buy);
- the Qualcomm HS-USB driver — installed with the app; separately — on the Drivers page;
- a stable internet connection: the firmware image is downloaded from the server.
How recovery works
- Buy the Recovery HU license and sign in to LIXIANGTOOLS.
- Connect the adapter to the HU service port and to the laptop.
- Select “Recovery HU” — the app picks the image by VIN and flashes all partitions.
- Don't disconnect power or the cable until it finishes.
Details — in the user manual.
After recovery
Recovery is a full firmware reinstall, so user data and installed apps are not kept. After recovery you may need to disable the QR screen (10,000 ₽) and open ADB again (15,000 ₽). Apps are then reinstalled for free.
Terms
Frequently asked questions
Can I recover the HU without a service center?
Yes, recovery runs in the LIXIANGTOOLS app on your laptop. A bricked unit needs the UART adapter to connect.
Where do I get the firmware?
You don't need to: the app downloads the right image by the car's VIN.
Will my settings and apps be kept?
No. Recovery is a full firmware reinstall; user data and installed apps are not kept.
What if recovery is interrupted?
Don't disconnect the unit and message @LITools_support_bot on Telegram with your VIN and a screenshot — we'll help you continue.
Can I reuse the adapter later?
Yes. The adapter is not tied to a car, works many times and fits all your Li Auto cars.