Table of Contents
Prerequisites
Before starting router unbricking, adequate preparation is required. This page covers necessary tools and settings. Many TFTP recovery failures come from the computer-side setup: static IP, TFTP Server, firmware filename, or recovery mode timing.
Hardware Preparation
Computer Requirements
- Laptop recommended (easier to connect to serial port)
- Operating system: Windows/macOS/Linux
- Free Ethernet port: At least one RJ45 port
- Optional: USB-to-TTL module (for serial connection)
Network Equipment
- Cat5e or Cat6 ethernet cable (2 recommended)
- Ensure good cable quality
- Short cables recommended (reduce interference)
Tools Checklist
| Tool | Purpose | Required/Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet cable | Connect computer to router | Required |
| USB-to-TTL module | Serial unbrick | Optional (recommended) |
| Screwdriver | Disassemble router | Optional |
| Soldering iron | Solder pins | Optional (advanced users) |
Software Preparation
TFTP Server
The TFTP server is an essential tool for router unbricking.
| Operating System | Recommended Software | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | TFTPD64 / Win32DiskImager | tftpd64.com |
| macOS | Router Recovery TFTP Server / built-in tftp command | Download Router Recovery for Mac |
| Linux | tftpd-hpa | apt install tftpd-hpa |
If you are not comfortable with terminal commands, use a graphical macOS TFTP Server first to check the wired adapter IP, TFTP folder, firmware file, and firewall state before entering router recovery mode.
Serial Terminal Software
| Operating System | Recommended Software | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | SecureCRT / PuTTY | Free/Paid |
| macOS | CoolTerm / Serial | Free |
| Linux | minicom / screen | Free |
Firmware File
- Download the correct firmware file in advance
- Confirm the firmware is suitable for your router model
- Keep the OEM firmware as a backup
- Verify firmware file integrity (MD5/SHA256)
Computer Network Settings
Common IP Configuration
| Brand | Router IP | Computer IP | Subnet Mask |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.1.1 | 192.168.1.100 | 255.255.255.0 |
| Xiaomi | 192.168.31.1 | 192.168.31.100 | 255.255.255.0 |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | 192.168.1.100 | 255.255.255.0 |
| Huawei | 192.168.3.1 | 192.168.3.100 | 255.255.255.0 |
| Netgear | 192.168.1.1 | 192.168.1.100 | 255.255.255.0 |
Setup Steps
- Open network connection settings
- Select the wired network adapter
- Set IPv4 to Manual
- Enter IP address and subnet mask
- No need to set gateway or DNS
Firewall Settings
Windows Firewall
- Temporarily disable firewall (or add a rule)
- Allow TFTP program through firewall
- Control Panel β Windows Defender Firewall β Allow an app
macOS Firewall
- System Preferences β Security & Privacy β Firewall
- Temporarily allow TFTP connections
Pre-testing
Before starting the actual unbrick, it is recommended to:
- Test network connectivity between computer and router
- Confirm TFTP server is accessible
- Test serial connection (if applicable)
- Confirm firmware file can be read normally
Mac users can check the recovery setup before doing the timing-sensitive power-off, hold Reset, and power-on steps.
Detailed Tutorials
- Serial Debug Setup - Detailed serial connection and software configuration
- TFTP Server Configuration - TFTP server setup on all platforms
- Tools Checklist - Complete unbricking tools summary