Template:Networking device manual device recovery bootloader
The bootloader menu is a special router state used as a recovery tool in case the router becomes inaccessible even after a factory reset. It can be used to upgrade the router's firmware or bootloader version.
In order to place the router into the bootloader menu state, follow these steps:
- Unplug all cables from the router.
- Plug in one Ethernet cable for your computer into any LAN port.
- Press and hold the reset button.
- While holding the reset button, plug the power cable into the router. Continue holding the button for another 4 seconds.
- Release the reset button.
If you followed all the steps correctly, all panel LEDs should light up. This means that the device is in the bootloader menu state. If that is not the case, repeat the steps again.
Regardless of what the router's IP address was before, the IP address of the router when it's in the bootloader menu state is always 192.168.1.1. So in order to reach the router, you'll have to set up a static IP address that's in the 192.168.1.0/24 network (for instance, 192.168.1.2) on your computer. Instructions are provided in the links below:
When set your computer's IP, you should be able to reach the router's HTTP server. The address depends on what you wish to upgrade:
- Bootloader upgrade URL: 192.168.1.1/uboot.html
- Firmware upgrade URL: 192.168.1.1/index.html
Type in the relevant address into the URL field of your web browser, upload the image file and click the Update button. Firmware/bootloader image files can be downloaded from [[{{{name}}}_Firmware_Downloads|here]].
If everything was done correctly, the update should begin. At this point you can close the browser window. The update will take about 120 seconds.
Additional note: don't forget to restore your computer's IP address settings.
