Verizon Lumia Icon Denim update and 8.1.1 is now live over-the-air

Late last night, Verizon let it slip that the Windows Phone 8.1.1 and Lumia Denim updates are coming for the Nokia Lumia Icon. In a five-page PDF document, Verizon highlights all the major additions and fixes.

Now, that update is live for Lumia Icon users who would like to get the update over-the-air. This method is the preferred way for most users as it does not require wiping the device and doing a fresh install (like the technique we detailed this morning).

To check for the Lumia Denim update, Lumia Icon users should do the following steps:

Settings
Phone Update
Check for updates

The update should download to the device, and a Wi-Fi connection is usually required due to the file size. Your phone is backed up and restored when the update is completed, leaving all your data, photos, game saves, etc. intact.

The Lumia Denim update for the Lumia Icon brings many new features, including Hey Cortana (passive-voice activation), Lumia Camera 5.0, and Folders on the Start screen. Users can find more information about the firmware and OS updates by visiting our topic pages below:

Lumia Denim
Windows Phone 8.1.1 OS

Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.

377 Comments

Where's at&t, tho?
Uh, da don't have da icon Posted via the Windows Phone Central App for Android
True. Any word on the 8X, then?
8X tomorrow
8X on Verizon got 8.1.1 back in November.
2/12 for 8.1 Update 1... so I'm not sure about that November date you're referring to... Oh November 2013 was GDR3
Wait, the Verizon HTC 8X is getting 8.1 tomorrow? Any word on AT&T version?
I know nothing of AT&T, sorry. And the guy that told me the Icon was getting the update in January was wrong so I don't really know for certain about the 8X.
He was correct about the 928/822 though.
Comments like this make me assume the average IQ of WPC commenters is right around 75
I have to say you're right. The comment section on articles is always cancer, and I don't know why.
No, much lower. Think (no pun intended) slug.
You have to complain over and over in articles about how "insert carrier" does not care about your updates or phone... Then you will get a release shortly.
It usually helps to have said device actually available on your network...
This is exactly why carrier transparency no longer exists.
Everybody on this forum needs to skip carriers and go trough prevs for devs and get the new updates always on time.
My Lumia Icon is on Straight Talk and is using the AT&T network and Sim card and has Denim with Hey Cortana, 4K video, etc. etc. Posted via the Windows Central App for Android (Galaxy Note 4)
How were you able to get your phone to update to Denim? Firmware updates are not available through Developer Preview. And did you purchase your phone unlocked from manufacturer? Or did you get it through Verizon and then get it unlocked?
Got it from Verizon, a long story but is factory unlocked, previously got the htc 8x that is factory unlocked too, to activate the htc on Straight Talk ordered the AT&T Sim card, and worked fine and with all updates too, but last November the HTC passed away and just moved the SIM card to the Lumia Icon that was on Verizon, worked fine on Straight Talk, the Sim card was different in size but adjusted the size with scissors, however got all the updates in both devices all the time... Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
My att 830 has denim.
You have the half-baked Denim
Interesting comment, half baked in what way?
No Lumia camera 5.0 I think.
Correct
If I'm wearing denim and my Icon is in my pocket, did I get the update? ;-p
Installing now :D
Not got it :(
You also didn't have it yesterday... But you survived. This too shall pass. Chin up! Waiting does suck though.
Cool
When is the update going to be available for the U.S. ATT 1520!!???
This!
Seconded.
When one complaint falls, another rises... This is why the whole fragmentation and carrier exclusivity is a huge problem. Microsoft needs to somehow adopt the Apple way of updating all devices by bypassing these ridiculous phone carriers.
+925
That will be very difficult as apple has ruined the relationship between carriers and device manufacturers. No carrier will allow updates to bypass them as if stuffs breaks, they the carriers will be the one in the firing line.
This is also correct. I believe carriers should refer to the manufacturers for these issues. Customers need to understand where the issue lies. If I were the carrier I would be pissed if the device I bought millions of, then choose me more money in calls, returns and cancellations and of course angry customers blaming my company for another companies issues online and to friends and costing me money that way also.
Well honestly, that is what the Developers Preivew is for. I've had 8.1 for what...almost a year and its just coming out today for Verizon. I will always do the Insider programs with Microsoft. They at least make it pretty easy to get the new software.
Only problem is without @ least 8.1 ready fw not all phones can take advantage
Is that nit the reason behind allowing unlocked phones. In the U.S.
Even if they are their still customized by the carriers
Or release all on the same date
Please don't tell me your still on WP 8.0?
They'll probably skip this one with our luck.
This^^ They just told me again on Twitter that it's coming soon, they had to do rigorous testing lol.. What a joke!
That's always the most hilarious answer.
You have Cyan you can wait. =)
Think you'll get an answer about that on a Lumia Icon Denim article?
Sure. Why not. We all read the same shit, just share. Who cares, so long as we get answers.
They're dealing with the galaxy s5's lollipop update so they're probably going to get that out before denim. IMO
Just think of it as the Icon just now getting Cyan. Now, does that make you feel better?
Asking the same thing. I feel like windows 10 will be here before Denim does.
^^Yes!?....For the love of what the $&ck ever, when?????!!! >:-|
All we need is W10 today and we'll be set
We couldn't go 5 comments...
You really need to lighten up, man..
Why? It would be a horribly buggy mess if it was released today.
And you know that how?
Because its gonna most likely be an alpha build.
And you somehow think that it'll go from a buggy mess to a usable build in a couple of days? Lol
More like milestone or a really early RC
Cause problems been already reported. For example phone heating up even under simple tasks like placing a call
Oddly, in complexity, a cellular call is anything but simple.
On a simple side cell phones main purpose is to make calls!
So true, but the ability to function as it does is amazing. Moreover, all the apps, internet, calendar, Cortana, GPS, geo-fencing, etc. available on a phone is astounding.
And those problems are reportedly going to be fixed before the TP comes out. Gabe Aul already said that more info is coming "very very soon", which tells me that it'll be here within a couple of days. Unless they've suddenly decided to say "screw quality control", then the major bugs are likely almost fixed. Get it now?
That's exactly why I don't mind waiting for the update... I can wait months until bugs are squashed. Meanwhile I'm gonna enjoy my recently released denim on my Icon
Been loving it on my 930, you iconers are gonna love it!
+930
+930
+930
+929
Seems the -1 difference between the 929 and 930 is double tap to wake. Still glad to have the update for the camera features.
Which one doesn't have it? My 930 does and afaik icon gets it too. I may be wrong about it though.
No double tap on Icon. 928 has it though. My biggest issue with the icon is lack of double-tap and glance. Didn't think it would be a big deal, but coming from my 822 I have really missed it!
This^
I was hoping double tap was gonna be available as it was the only feature i really loved on the 925, don't care about glance. But oh well :(
True. Love my 1520. Especially when my hands are not as clean cause I'm doing something or other
Yeah very useful I almost bought a 930 so glad I got the 1520 instead!
Errrrr, my 930 has double tap to wake...
Waiting on AT&T Lumia 1520 :(
This
Nice,I was going to do the SRT when I got home from work but looks like I will have a nice little OTA waiting for me when I get home.
Awesome for those Icon users. They've had the short end of the stick for to long.
I've never read truer words.
Come on att need it for my 1520
10 for phones please :D
Well that's one set of users we wont hear whining for a while..... :)
Rest assured...they will still find something to complain about.
I think we are good until the rollout of Windows 10
Good job Verizon :D Posted via my 3DS; look its ManBearPig
Nobody believes me I'm super cereal, it half man half bear and half pig
Got an unlocked Lumia 1520 miss the lte but have had denim now for awhile love it
Still no OTA update for my Icon in CO. Is it rolling out systematically by region? Would love to know that schedule.
Yeah nothing yet here in NJ
Just got it here in Portland. Not sure if it's regional or not.
Oregon? I'm in Corvallis and nothing...
Yes, Portland Oregon. Did you get it yet?
Yup. I had do preview off. Worked once I turned it back on. Go figure. Lol.
Still not in NY!
I checked at 10:01 am Pacific and it was available in Bellevue, WA =)
Nothing in Indiana
Nothing in Missouri for me!
Just got it!
Nothing in Des Moines, yet for me.
Nothing for me in East Providence, RI (where I work) right now :(
No, i live in the Dominican Republic and i'm downloading.
So do I.
Conoces a más gente con el L929 aquí??? NO he visto a más nadie, ahora se de ti. Cuanto pesa la actualización???
Mine finally started in Iowa at 1:02pm. I have Preview For Developers turned ON and it's downloading it. Wasn't sure if that would make a difference.
Same here. I disabled DP this morning when they said the SRT was available. Phone couldn't find the update. Turned on DP and it found it.
Nothing in Minneapolis yet...and downloading the 1.8gb update for the Lumia recovery software would probably be frowned upon at work. 100mb, and I would have given it a go :)
UPDATE (Minneapolis, MN): I had Developer Preview disabled (as people were saying it had to be disabled to get the update). I read some comments and decided to try with DP enabled... After tapping "check for update" and 5-10 minutes of "Checking for updates" it finally came through!!!! It downloaded slowly (about 15 minutes on wifi). But I am installing now - glad I didn't do software recovery.
No Michigan yet
I've heard from sources connected with Nokia/MS, that it's released by IMEI number.
Looks like Microsoft needs to update their support page. http://www.microsoft.com/en/mobile/support/software-update/wp8-software-update/availability-in-north-america/
Downloading now.
Downloading now.. Can't wait to do some 4k recording and be able to use the faster loading time for the camera! I've been waiting for this for a while!
Finally, a wait comes to its end.
Bout time!!!!
I dropped sprint like a bad habit this weekend and upgraded my many years old HTC arrive(wp7.5) to a Lumia icon!!! I couldn't be happier right now!!!
The Arrive was a great phone!
Good for you. Arrive reminded me of my old faithful Touch Pro 2. I had the SEA edition with the real full qwerty keyboard (ctrl & shift included).
Am happy for all those Icon users whom finally get this amazing update!
Very kind of you!
+1
Yep, American carriers seem so bloody awful! For such a forward-leaning country there are SO many things that are backwards! Anyway, enjoy the Denim update, I've been loving the camera on my 930!
Yeah sadly Britain it's no better lol.
k
Still nothing for my Icon
!!!!!!!
Installing now!!!!!!!!!!!! So freakin' happy...
It's a miracle!
This is like Christmas. I'm not even joking.
Do we need to uncheck the pfd ??
Yes, I believe so. At least that's what I did - though I still don't see the update, NJ here.
Yes
I did not uncheck the pfd and received the update.
Denim JUST came out for ICON?? I got it for my 930 as soon as I connected it to the internet.
Actually, this means 8.1 *just* came out for the Icon. It has been on 8/Black all this time.
What about India? -_-
OTA Is downloading now for me, woop! Doing 334MB over cell. Anyone see the PDF that listed SoftCard support now?!!! How is that not a big part of this story?! So excited to finally have that! Kinda want to go to McDonalds after installs just to finally use it.
were you running the developer preview?
Yes I was running the developer preview. Update: Denim installed just fine, no issues. I was able to download and install the Softcard app as well. I had to work with Softcard to terminate my account so I can setup a new one though because i had previously activated the account with a TMobile number and you can't login across different providers with same account. (If you get an no cross MVO error, call softcard and terminate the account then wait 30 min and re-setup account on verizon phone.) Still kinda surprised by 4K video and 5.1 dolby sound recording, pretty excited to try this later.
Still nothing for me in RI (where I am working)....Come in, it appears NJ, NC RI and CT have not seen it yet..... Pressing "Check for updates" every 10 seconds...ugh
I'm going to wear a hole in the screen where the "check for updates" button is located.
Yea, me too, 2:41 PM still nothing.... wtf, when do I get to play ?
downloading in CT right now!!
Does anyone know if I can get the denim update OTA if I'm not in Verizon's network? I assumed I could but it says no updates are available.
I just got it through wifi only. My icon isn't even in Verizon.
Have fun you all, us AT&T users will be hear looking crazy lol.
launching the camera....seems faster
Every phone I've ever owned is always the last to get it. HTC Arrive didn't get 7.8 (although not many did) and sprint temporarily abandoned the platform. I don't recall the 928, but I abandon Verizon and the Icon gets denim. I get a 1520.3 and no sign of Denim. Its my fault that AT&T hasn't pushed it yet. If I was still on Verizon, AT&T would have been first.
Oh boy. I feel you!
No, if you were still on VZW you'd have Denim.
Yep I dont get how the 1520.3 hasn't gotten it yet. It's not like it needs carrier testing!
Actually, for CV/regional models they still need carriers to test it, but the carriers can't prevent its release once MS decides it's ready.
AT&T have nothing to do with update schedule on your unlocked international version phone.
Ativ SE?
Denim is for Lumias only...
Ativ SE doesn't even have 8.1 yet.
This does give me hope that the ATIV SE will get 8.1 someday. I long for the day when I don't have to pull the battery because the DPP 8.1 has fallen over.
My Wife is downloading it on her Icon as I write this. It's about damn time. Still no Denim for my AT&T Lumia 1520, though. I can't believe this: VZW has officially rolled out Denim to its entire WP lineup (even though some phones are updated in name only) before AT&T. Never thought I'd see the day...
Congrats Lumia Icon users! Still waiting on CV Lumia 1520.3 :/
Still waiting in Chicago... but glad to know that there is success for some.
How does one find out if using the recovery tool will install denim on their particular phone
I have a Hongkong l1520
Sorry wrong post. I thought this was the recovery tool article for the icon
Instead of typing again "wrong post" , couldn't you have just deleted ur previous comment? -_____-
I honestly thought this day would never come... It truly is a red letter day! Now where's W10 for phones lol
I may want to use 8.1 on Denim for a few days before I start looking forward to W10 Preview!
L1520 - RM 937 What is happening?
Wow Verizon beat AT&T in updating.. Oh well... That sucks.
But we never recieved the CYAN update so...in my eyes AT&T is doing well...
What about the denim updates for Lumia 930 India
What about Asia...
What about using the forums?
Glad she didn't listen to me and go the Software Recovery Tool route. I thought it would be at least another 24 hours before Denim would be available OTA, but her patience paid off. I just wish AT&T would hurry up. I already can't wait to see my Wife's new camera capabilities to see what I'm in store for. I just wish it would happen already. It really does seem like the U.S. is last in the world to get Denim because of our stupid wireless providers...
Thank Christ the rest of the world rejoices as Amer