How to manually upgrade or downgrade your router's firmware (from v4.x to v4.x)

This tutorial will show you how to manually upgrade or downgrade your router's firmware (from v4.x to v4.x). The steps for manually upgrading and downgrading your router's firmware are the same.

About upgrading and downgrading your router's firmware

Upgrade: GL.iNet routers running firmware version 4.x do not offer the auto-update feature.

When a new firmware version is available, you will see the "Upgrade Reminder" prompt after you sign in to the router admin panel. You can click the Upgrade button to install the latest firmware version listed there. If you have a specific firmware version you want to upgrade to, follow the steps below to upgrade your router manually.

Downgrade: You can downgrade your router's firmware to resolve certain issues.

1. (Only for upgrade) Check if your router is running the latest firmware version

1. In a web browser, enter the URL to your router's admin panel (e.g., 192.168.8.1) and sign in.
2. From the left sidebar, select System > Upgrade.

If your router is not running the latest firmware, you will see a section that says "New Firmware." You can click Install to install the latest firmware version listed there. If you have a specific firmware version you want to upgrade to, proceed to the steps below.

2. Download the router's firmware file

1. In the firmware download center's search bar, search and select your router model.
2. In the Stable tab or other tabs, select Download for common upgrade and uboot next to the firmware version you want to download.

3. Upload your router's firmware

The following instructions were written for uploading your firmware through the router admin panel. (To upload your firmware via the GL.iNet mobile app, download the app and set it up.)

1. In a web browser, enter the URL to your router's admin panel (e.g., 192.168.8.1) and sign in.

2. (Optional) If you want to back up your current settings, following these steps:

   Back up your current settings

   a. From the left sidebar, click System > Advanced Settings.

   b. Click the link.

   c. Enter the admin password, then click Log in.

   d. Click System > Backup / Flash Firmware.

   e. Under Backup, click Generate archive. A file containing your current settings will be downloaded to your device.

3. From the left sidebar, click System > Upgrade.

4. Click Local Upgrade and select the file you downloaded earlier.
5. To retain your current settings (e.g., your router admin password), toggle Keep Settings to on.
6. Click Install.

Note: During the upgrade process, do not power off the router. After the upgrade is complete, you will see the router login screen.

If you lost your router settings during the firmware update process, restore your router settings.

If the above method doesn't work, try upgrading the firmware via U-boot.

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