How to Install DD-WRT on Router in 2024 (Update Firmware)
The following guide demonstrates how you can install the DD-WRT Firmware on your Router. Firmware can be likened to the operating system that your router operates on.
You can consider DD-WRT as firmware that provides extra functionality that your original firmware typically doesn’t offer.
One of the key features offered by the DD-WRT firmware is the ability to run a Wireguard VPN for protecting all devices on your home network.
In this scenario, we will be installing the DD-WRT firmware on the well-known Netgear R7000 Router.
We are utilizing a Windows PC in this demonstration, but this process is compatible with any device that has a web browser.
TROYPOINT TIP: Before making any modifications like this to a router, we recommend establishing a direct connection to the router via an ethernet cable.
This makes the process much simpler since we won’t need to worry about reconnecting to the wireless network on the router every time it reboots.
In this instance, I have directly connected my computer’s ethernet port to one of the LAN ports (local area network) on the back of the router.
Next, the WAN port (wide area network) is connected to my cable modem, which provides the Internet connection.
If your connecting device does not have an Ethernet port, you can perform this wirelessly. However, using a hard-wired connection is recommended for simplicity.
This tutorial contains both a video and a screenshot guide.
TROYPOINT TIP: We recommend watching the video first to ensure you don’t overlook any steps during the process.
Follow the step-by-step screenshot guide below for installing the DD-WRT firmware on a router.
1. The first thing you want to do is download two files from the DD-WRT website. Click Router Database.
2. In the search box type in the name of your router and choose whichever model you are using.
Important Note: It’s worth mentioning that not all routers will work with this process. If the router is not in the DD-WRT database it will not work.
In this example, we are searching for the “Netgear R7000” router and selected the first option. This is one of the most popular routers available for running DD-WRT.
3. Now you need to download two different files to your Windows PC. First, click the link for the .chk file.
4. Click the download icon in the bottom left-hand corner and make sure it is available within your Downloads folder.
5. Next, click the link for the .bin file.
6. You should then notice the two download icons on the bottom left-hand corner of your screen.
7. Next, open a new tab in your browser to open the adminPage of your router. For my router, the address is routerlogin.net.
8. Then enter your Username and Password and click Sign in. You should’ve set your username and password when you first set up your router.
9. If you can’t locate your username and password, you can typically find this information on the bottom of your router.
In my case, it shows me how to directly access the router’s admin page for setup.
10. After logging in you will be directed to the admin home screen for your router.
11. Click the Advanced tab.
12. Click the Administration tab on the left and then choose Router Update.
13. Once on this page click Browse to locate those files we installed in the previous steps.
Disclaimer: Please note that TROYPOINT will not be held responsible if you do something wrong and brick your router. We will not be held liable for any damage that you do.
14. Next in the Downloads folder select the .chk file.
15. Then click Upload.
16. Click OK.
17. When this warning message appears click Yes.
18. Wait a few minutes for this update process to finish.
19. After a few minutes you may notice your screen stays the same. We now need to ensure we are connected to the network.
20. If you are not using a hardwire connection like we are in this tutorial, there are a few extra steps for those using wireless connections.
Click the network icon on the bottom right of your screen and click the dd-wrt option to connect to it.
21. For the dd-wrt wi-fi password you can typically find this on the bottom of your router. You can then change this password later on.
22. Once you are connected to the router, click the address bar and enter “192.168.1.1” and hit enter.
23. You are now on the DD-WRT admin page.
24. Then you must change your router username and password and click Change Password.
25. We are now logged into the DD-WRT control panel. Remember, we still need to flash that other .bin file.
26. Click the Administration tab.
27. Enter your new username and password from Step 24 and click Sign In.
Like any router configuration, the first thing I would suggest is clicking the Wireless tab. Then click the Wireless Security tab where you can set up the passwords for the Wi-Fi on your router. That’s it! You have successfully installed DD-WRT firmware on your router.
For more tech and streaming tutorials, be sure to sign up for the TROYPOINT Advisor with updates weekly. This Advisor provides all the best cord-cutting tips to get the most out of your favorite streaming devices and more. Free TROYPOINT Advisor.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is DD-WRT? DD-WRT is firmware that provides additional features that your original firmware usually doesn’t offer. What are the Benefits of Installing DD-WRT on Router? Installing DD-WRT firmware on a router will allow for added benefits like the use of a VPN to protect all devices on your home network. What is the Best VPN for this Firmware? After testing several providers, we found the best VPN for DD-WRT on a router is StrongVPN. Is DD-WRT Safe? While installing DD-WRT firmware on your router is oftentimes safe, please note that doing this process incorrectly can brick your router. TROYPOINT will not be held liable for any damage that you do.
