Roon 1.8 <-> 2.0 Migration FAQ

Roon 1.8 <-> 2.0 Migration FAQ

If you are on this page, it means you are not quite ready to use Roon 2.0, but would like to know what your options are. We answer questions like "How long can I use Roon 1.8", "Will I be able to upgrade to Roon 2.0 later?" and more in this article. 

You must have internet access to run Roon 2.0. If you require offline access for any substantial period of time, you must stay on 1.8 Legacy.

Why stay on Roon 1.8 (Legacy)?

While we generally think you'll have the best experience with Roon by running the latest version, we know that's not always applicable to every situation. We can think of at least two reasons why you might choose to continue using Roon 1.8 instead of updating to Roon 2.0:

1. Unsupported Roon Server devices

Compared to Roon 1.8, the minimum recommended requirements for your Roon Server have changed. Roon 2.0 requires macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later, Windows 10 or later, any version of RoonOS, or any recent Linux release (back to approximately 2014).

If your server or desktop remote(s) do not meet this minimum specification,  they will be unable to run Roon 2.0. If you wish to run Roon 2.0 or later, you will need to update any computers that are below the minimum specification, prior to installing Roon 2.0.

2. Not ready yet to update yet

There might be a myriad of reasons why you don't feel ready to update just now. If you don't want to update to Roon 2.0 yet and are enjoying all the features that Roon 1.8 provides, then you are welcome to stay on 1.8. Please, note that Roon 1.8 won't be supported forever. 

For how long can I use 1.8?

Roon will provide ongoing support for 1.8 installation for some time after the release of 2.0, depending on the Roon 2.0 adoption rates. However, if you are more comfortable using Roon 1.8, you can always continue to run it on your own after the official support period ends.

Can I still move to 2.0 later?

Yes, you can move from a Roon 1.8 build to Roon 2.0 at any time in the future.

Can I downgrade from Roon 2.0 to Roon 1.8 anytime?

While it was possible to do an in-place downgrade to 1.8 for approximately 6 weeks after the release of 2.0 that window has now closed. You may still install 1.8, but you will need to restore a 1.8-compatible backup (created with any 1.8 version or 2.0 build 1141 or earlier) or start over with a new database.

How do I downgrade to 1.8?

While it was possible to do an in-place downgrade to 1.8 for approximately 6 weeks after the release of 2.0 that window has now closed. You may still install 1.8, but you will need to restore a 1.8-compatible backup (created with any 1.8 version or 2.0 build 1141 or earlier) or start over with a new database.

Here are the steps to follow to go back to Roon 1.8 from a Roon 2.0 installation on your Roon Server:
  1. Install Roon 1.8 (Legacy) on your Roon Remote (iOS/Android/other PC)
  2. Completely close out of Roon and stop RoonServer 
  3. Download the installer from the link below
  4. Install on server device and remotes
You will need to install the Roon 1.8 legacy app on a Roon Remote/iOS device first before being able to take the downgrade.  It's important to note that you will be logged out of your Roon account when you downgrade from Roon 2.0 to 1.8.  This is because Roon 2.0 and Roon 1.8 use different account login mechanisms.  You will be able to log back in afterward.

RoonOS 1.8 Legacy (Nucleus / ROCK):

The name below in red is case-sensitive, capitalization matters
1. Download the following file: roon-production1x.bin to a PC (do not modify the name, extension, or content of this file).
2. Navigate to the /Data/Reinstall directory on your Nucleus or ROCK.
3. Copy the roon-production1x.bin file that you downloaded into the Reinstall directory.
4. Visit the RoonOS webUI page and click on the “Reinstall” button.

The instruction file will be deleted after the installation process is completed. Once on a particular track or version you will continue to receive updates from that track without any intervention. This includes future use of the Reinstall function.


How do I move to Roon 2.0 from Roon 1.8?

When you're ready to move to Roon 2.0, make sure to follow these steps:
  1. Completely close out of Roon / RoonServer
  2. Download the appropriate installer for your server from the links below
  3. Install and run
The name below in red is case-sensitive, capitalization matters
1. Download the following file: roon-production.bin to a PC (do not modify the name, extension, or content of this file).
2. Navigate to the /Data/Reinstall directory on your Nucleus or ROCK.
3. Copy the roon-production.bin file that you downloaded into the Reinstall directory.
4. Visit the RoonOS webUI page and click on the “Reinstall” button.

The instruction file will be deleted after the installation process is completed. Once on a particular track or version you will continue to receive updates from that track without any intervention. This includes future use of the Reinstall function.

Roon cannot be used offline. Roon requires an active Internet connection to function. Not only is an Internet connection required to regularly verify the status of your subscription, but certain features (like search, for example) are dependent on it.

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