TFTP Tools

TFTP is the local transfer method many router recovery guides use. After the router enters recovery mode, it may briefly request a specific firmware file from the TFTP Server running on your computer. That makes the static IP, firmware filename, Ethernet connection, and server status important.

If you are preparing OpenWrt, ImmortalWrt, or OEM firmware recovery on a Mac, start with a macOS TFTP Server that can help check the network adapter, shared folder, and transfer readiness before you put the router into recovery mode.

TFTP Server designed for macOS router recovery. It keeps the familiar TFTP recovery workflow, then adds clearer checks for the network adapter, shared folder, firmware file, and local IP address.

Download: Download TFTP Server for macOS

Features:

1. Native macOS app for Mac + Ethernet router TFTP recovery
2. Helps confirm static IP, TFTP folder, and firmware file readiness
3. Auto-detects network adapters to reduce interface mistakes
4. Useful for standard TFTP recovery with OpenWrt, ImmortalWrt, or OEM firmware

Usage Steps:

1. Download and open TFTP Server for macOS
2. Select folder containing firmware
3. Confirm the Mac has a static IP such as `192.168.1.254`
4. Start the TFTP Server, then put the router into recovery mode and watch for the firmware request

Recovery depends on the router model, firmware file, and whether the device successfully enters recovery mode. The app helps prepare and check the Mac-side TFTP Server recovery environment.

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macOS has built-in TFTP service (command line).

Start service:

sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist

Usage:

# Put firmware in /private/tftpboot/

# Download firmware from router
tftp 192.168.1.1
tftp> get firmware.bin
tftp> quit

# Upload firmware to router
tftp 192.168.1.1
tftp> put firmware.bin
tftp> quit

Free, lightweight TFTP server.

Download: https://ttfpd64.com/

Features:

1. Completely free
2. Simple interface
3. Single file, no installation needed
4. Supports IPv6

Usage:

1. Download and run directly
2. Set firmware directory
3. Select correct network interface
4. Click “Server” to start listening

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Suitable for flashing img image files.

Download: https://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/

Use cases:

1. Raspberry Pi images
2. Software router images
3. USB boot disk creation

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Enhanced PuTTY with TFTP support.

Download: https://www.solarwinds.com/free-tools/solar-putty

Features:

1. Tabbed interface
2. Built-in TFTP client
3. Free to use

Command line TFTP server.

Install:

# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install atftp

# CentOS/RHEL
sudo yum install atftp

Usage:

# Start TFTP server
sudo atftpd --daemon --port 69 /tftpboot

# Put firmware in /tftpboot/

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Linux has built-in TFTP client.

# Install
sudo apt install tftp

# Usage
tftp 192.168.1.1
tftp> get firmware.bin
tftp> quit

On a Mac, you can prepare the macOS TFTP recovery environment first, then confirm the router's static IP, firmware filename, and recovery mode timing for your exact model.