This following tutorial is designed to assist you in restoring Asus router firmware. It offers both a screenshot guide and a comprehensive video tutorial.
We will be using an Asus GT-AX11000 for demonstration purposes in this guide. However, the steps outlined here are applicable to many other Asus router models as well.
We’ll demonstrate restoring the original Asus firmware on a router that is currently running Asuswrt-Merlin.
Asus-Merlin Firmware (Asuswrt-Merlin) is a third-party firmware. It empowers users to configure and utilize various VPN features, thereby enhancing their online privacy.
Important Note: Before proceeding with restoring Asus router firmware, it’s worth noting that there’s usually no need to do so if you’re already using Asuswrt-Merlin.
This is because flashing Asus-Merlin onto your router retains existing features while adding new ones. You’re essentially expanding the capabilities, not replacing them.
Furthermore, the innovative features introduced in Asus-Merlin are often integrated into the original Asus firmware updates later on. So, you’ll likely get them eventually without switching back.
If, however, you find yourself needing to revert to the original firmware, you can easily follow the straightforward instructions provided below. We recommend watching our video guide, as it offers valuable insights not covered in the screenshot guide.
The process is quite similar if you happen to be using a different firmware, such as DD-WRT. Essentially, you’ll need to locate the firmware upload tool within your router’s admin dashboard. The method for accessing and using this tool might vary slightly depending on the firmware.
How to Restore Asus Router Firmware
Video Tutorial
Important Links:
How to Install Asus-Merlin Firmware
Screenshot Guide
The screenshots below will guide you through restoring Asus firmware on a router. Let’s get started with restoring your router’s firmware.
1. First, you’ll need to log into your router’s admin panel. This is a necessary first step.
2. To do this, open up a browser on your computer. Then, type in “router.asus.com” into the address bar.
3. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to type in your router’s IP Address. There’s an easy way to find this if you don’t know it.
Simply click the search box and type in “cmd.” Then, in the command prompt screen that pops up, type in “ipconfig”. It’s that straightforward
4. Look for your Default Gateway address. In the example shown, it’s 192.168.50.1. Yours might be different.
5. Type that Default Gateway address into your browser’s address bar. This should take you to the sign-in screen for your router.
6. Log in using the username and password you created. You would’ve set these up when you first got your router going.
7. You might see a message that says “Powered by Asuswrt-Merlin.” Or, if you’re using a different firmware, its name will be displayed in that same spot. Now, it’s time to download the original firmware for your router.
8. I did a quick Google search for my router’s exact model number. That led me right to the official Asus website, where I could find the firmware.
9. Look for the Firmware box and click Download. It’s usually pretty easy to find.
10. You’ll see the file appear in the bottom left corner of your screen. Click on it to open it. The firmware typically comes as a zip file, ready for you to use and restore your router.
11. Locate the zip file. Right-click it and choose Extract All.
12. Proceed by clicking Extract.
13. A new folder will appear, containing the firmware. You can click into this folder.
14. The file shown in the screenshot below is the firmware we’ll be flashing onto your router. Let’s close these windows now and head back to the router admin page.
15. Scroll down the page until you see Administration. Click on it.
16. Now, locate the Firmware Upgrade tab and click on it.
17. Find Manual firmware update. Click Upload, which is right next to it.
18. You’ll be taken back to your Downloads folder. Double-click the folder containing your firmware file to open it.
19. Click on the firmware file to select it. Then, click Open.
20. Now, we need to wait a few minutes while the firmware is flashed onto the router.
Important Note: It’s crucial that you DO NOT turn off the router during this process. Doing so could damage it, potentially rendering it unusable.
21. The original firmware has been successfully restored on your Asus router. To proceed, enter your username and password, then click Sign In.
Note: The default username and password are typically “admin.” However, because we’re switching from a modified firmware version, you might be able toUse the same username and password that you established with Asus-Merlin.
22. Now, you’ll notice that it has successfully logged into the original firmware.
23. After resetting the firmware, one of the initial steps we typically take is to click on the Administration option. It’s a common starting point.
24. Next, proceed to choose Firmware Upgrade.
25. Following that, go ahead and click Check Update. It’s a good idea to do this even if you believe you have the latest update. There’s a chance it hasn’t been officially released on their website yet.
There you have it! You’ve successfully reverted your router’s firmware back to the original Asus firmware. Enjoy the experience!