TP-Link WR940N V6 OpenWrt TFTP Flash Tutorial

Flashing OpenWrt via TFTP

Detailed guide for flashing OpenWrt firmware onto TP-Link TL-WR940N V6 via TFTP. Beginner-friendly with stable, reliable results.

TP-Link TL-WR940N V6 Front View

TP-Link TL-WR940N V6 Front (V4 and V6 have identical exterior)

TP-Link TL-WR940N V6 Angle View

TP-Link TL-WR940N V6 Angle View

Flash Process Overview

Follow these steps to recover your router

1

Network Setup

Configure computer IP

Details →
2

TFTP Server

Set up TFTP software

Details →
3

Enter Recovery Mode

Hold Reset + power on

Details →
4

Wait for Completion

Firmware auto-flashes

Details →

📋 Compatible Models

  • TP-Link TL-WR940N V4 / V6
  • Hardware versions: V4 (multiple LEDs), V6 (WAN LED only)
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Atheros TP9343
  • RAM/Flash: 32MB RAM / 4MB Flash

🎯 Model Highlights

  • ✅ Native TFTP support, no case opening required
  • ✅ 4MB Flash supports lightweight OpenWrt 19.07
  • ✅ 32MB RAM is sufficient for basic use
  • ✅ Affordable (used ~$7-12)

Step 1: Computer Network Setup

TP-Link router TFTP IP is 192.168.0.66. Set your computer to the same subnet.

Windows

Step Action
1 Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings
2 Right-click "Ethernet" → Properties → Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
3 Select "Use the following IP address"
IP Address: 192.168.0.100 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway: (leave blank) DNS Server: (leave blank)

Mac

Step Action
1 System Settings → Network → Ethernet → Details
2 IPv4 Configuration: Manual
3 IP Address: 192.168.0.100, Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Step 2: Configure TFTP Server

Windows - Tftpd64

Step Action
1 Download Tftpd64 and run it
2 Server interface: Select 192.168.0.100
3 Current Directory: Select folder containing the firmware
4 Rename firmware to wr940nv6.bin for simplicity

Mac - Built-in tftp Command

# Start TFTP service sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist # Copy firmware to tftpboot directory sudo cp ~/Downloads/openwrt-xxx.bin /private/tftpboot/wr940nv6.bin

Mac - TFTP Server App

Step Action
1 Download TFTP Server for macOS
2 Set computer IP to 192.168.0.100
3 Click Start to launch the server
4 Place firmware in TFTP root directory

💡 Firmware Download

  • Recommended: OpenWrt 19.07 (stable) + LuCI interface
  • File: openwrt-ath79-tiny-tplink_tl-wr940n-v6-squashfs-factory.bin
  • Download: ashus.net
  • Alternative: Official download

Step 3: Enter TFTP Recovery Mode

1

Connect Ethernet Cable

Connect computer → router LAN port (any LAN port works)

2

Disconnect Power

Keep router powered off (unplug the power adapter)

3

Hold Reset

Use a toothpick or needle to press and hold the Reset hole on the back of the router

4

Plug in Power

While still holding Reset, plug in the power adapter

5

Wait 7-10 Seconds

Continue holding Reset for 7-10 seconds, watch the LEDs

6

Release Reset

When the power LED blinks rapidly, firmware download is in progress — you can release Reset ✅

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Process takes ~1-2 minutes. Do NOT disconnect power!
  • V6 version has only the WAN LED indicator
  • If LED does not blink, check if computer IP is 192.168.0.100
Phase Duration LED Behavior
Firmware Download 10-20 seconds Rapid blinking
Writing to Flash ~40 seconds Occasional blinking
Auto Reboot After completion LED turns off then back on

Step 4: Flash Complete

Accessing OpenWrt

Item Value
Management Address http://192.168.1.1
Username root
Password Empty (no password needed for first login)
OpenWrt LuCI Admin Interface
OpenWrt LuCI Admin Interface (accessible after successful flash)

Reset Computer IP

Change computer network back to automatic IP (DHCP), or manually set:

IP Address: 192.168.1.100 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.1.1

Basic Setup Recommendations

Item Path Description
Set root password System → Administration Set a password to protect the device
Configure WAN Network → Interfaces Select WAN port internet type (DHCP/PPPoE/Static IP)
Set up Wi-Fi Network → Wireless Edit → Set ESSID and password

FAQ

Problem Solution
LED not blinking rapidly Check if computer IP is 192.168.0.100; check cable; disable firewall
TFTP timeout/failed Rename firmware to wr940nv6.bin; try a different TFTP app
Router won't boot after flash Retry TFTP flash; verify firmware integrity (~3-4MB)
Can't access 192.168.1.1 Clear browser cache; check if computer IP is in 192.168.1.x range
Stock firmware says "Invalid firmware" Must use TFTP method — stock Web has signature verification

Version Reference

Version LED Indicator TFTP Support Notes
V4 Multiple LEDs (LAN1-4, WAN, WLAN, SYSTEM) ✅ Supported Nearly identical hardware to V6
V6 WAN LED only ✅ Supported Target model of this tutorial
V6.1 WAN LED only ✅ Supported May require connecting through a switch for TFTP

⚠️ Technical Disclaimer

This tutorial is for learning and reference only. Flashing firmware carries risks and may cause brick or void warranty. Before proceeding:

Last updated: April 2026