# Software and GBA menu

When the dongle is in Multiboot and detects a ready GBA, it sends the CanoFlash menu automatically. This section explains each screen and how to navigate them.

## Boot

To boot the CanoFlash menu on the GBA you need to put the console into Nintendo's official Multiboot mode and leave the dongle in Multiboot. If it shows another mode, press the button until CanoFlash Multiboot appears (the cycle is Multiboot → GBA → Online → Multiboot). The exact procedure is described in [**Getting started**](doc:getting-started), section *"How to enter the GBA's Multiboot mode"*.

Once the transfer completes (10–12 seconds), you'll see:

1. The welcome screen (CanoFlash logo)
2. A configuration check screen (Wi-Fi, registration, etc.)
3. The main menu

## General controls

| Button    | Function                                  |
| :-------- | :---------------------------------------- |
| **D-Pad** | Navigate lists and menus                  |
| **A**     | Confirm / Enter                           |
| **B**     | Back / Cancel                             |
| **Select**| Secondary action (on some screens)        |

## Screen map

The **main menu** shows up to five entries, depending on the cartridge and Wi-Fi configuration:

- **Play [title]:** starts the cartridge game; shown when a cartridge is detected.
- **ROM Explorer:** repositories → ROMs → cartridge flashing over Wi-Fi. Shown when a network is configured.
- **Save Manager:** upload and download cloud saves. Shown when a network is configured.
- **Settings:** Wi-Fi, language, information and connection tests.
- **Power Off:** asks for confirmation before turning off the dongle from the GBA.

A configured network does not guarantee a current connection: repositories and cloud saves need working Wi-Fi and Internet access. An already written game can start without Internet if it supports offline play.

## Flashing a ROM over Wi-Fi

1. Open **ROM Explorer** and select a repository.
2. Select the ROM and confirm loading. You need a [compatible cartridge](doc:cartridges).
3. The GBA erases the cartridge and writes the blocks that the dongle downloads over Wi-Fi and sends through the Link cable.
4. Wait for the successful flashing message.
5. Turn the GBA off and on to start the cartridge, or return to the main menu and select **Play [title]**. Starting from the menu depends on the game.

> During flashing, keep the Link cable connected and both devices powered on. If interrupted, repeat the complete write before playing.

## Syncing saves

In **Save Manager**, upload the cartridge save to a cloud slot or download a saved game to write it to the cartridge. Wi-Fi and a dongle linked to your account are required.

Saves are grouped by game. Select the appropriate slot before uploading or downloading.

## Settings

The **Settings** screen contains five options:

### Wi-Fi

Scan for nearby **2.4 GHz** networks. Select yours, enter the password with the on-screen keyboard and confirm. The dongle stores the connection for future starts. Settings shows the connected network and lets you scan again to change networks.

### Language

Select **Language** and press **A** to cycle through Spanish, English, French and German. The dongle stores your selection.

### Information

This submenu groups three screens:

- **Registration:** user name, device name and registration date. Use the dongle's `CFX-XXXXXX` serial number to link it from the web.
- **Cartridge:** flash and save memory identifiers, save hardware type, available CFI data and direct-write result. Useful for compatibility diagnostics.
- **Firmwares:** versions of the dongle firmware and the running Multiboot ROM. **Check for updates** is here.

### Link test (Test de enlace)

A diagnostic test of GBA–dongle communication. **A** repeats the local test; **Select** runs the round-trip test through the server, which requires Wi-Fi and Internet. **B** returns to Settings.

### Two players (Dos jugadores)

A communication test between two GBAs through the server. Requires two setups, each with its own dongle and Wi-Fi connection. **B** exits the test. To develop your own game, see the [SDK guide](/en/docs/sdk/getting-started) and the [lobby example](/en/docs/sdk/examples/lobby).

## Updates

Open **Settings → Information → Firmwares → Check for updates** with Wi-Fi connected. The ROM shows whether a new version is available; accept with **A** or go back with **B**.

A firmware update restarts the dongle. To use a new menu ROM, restart the GBA in Multiboot and leave the dongle in Multiboot to receive it. If both components had updates, check again after updating the menu.

> Keep power and the connection available during the update and follow the on-screen instructions.