I put the .bin file on a thumb drive, connected it to the remote and then turned it on. No luck. What am I doing wrong? I followed all the video instructions online. Anything else I can try? What are some other methods?

What model of Phantom do you have?  I always update via WiFi with no issues. Just make sure your phone or tablet's WiFi is on and connect to your quad.  When you initiate the app. it will tell you if a firmware is required for the RC.  tap on update and it should do it via WiFi. Good luck.

What aircraft are you using?