Correct procedure for flashing Merlin to brand-new router

[DCT]

I just bought a new RT-AC86U, I want to do the flash the correct way. What are the steps that I need to take? I've never done anything like this before so am a bit nervous about trying to. Should I update to the latest factory Firmware first before flashing to Merlin?
Thanks in advance.

 

[ColinTaylor]

Installation

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

I would;
1. Remove any USB devices and disconnect all LAN clients apart from the PC you'll be using.
2. Reboot the router and wait for it to fully complete its boot up process.
3. Log into the router and upload the Merlin firmware (Administration - Firmware Upgrade).
4. Wait for the router to reboot and you can see the log on page. - Don't log in.
5. Press the reset button for 5 seconds and wait for the router to reboot (see section 2.2 in the manual).
6. Log in and set up the router.

 

[DCT]

Installation

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

I would;
1. Remove any USB devices and disconnect all LAN clients apart from the PC you'll be using.
2. Reboot the router and wait for it to fully complete its boot up process.
3. Log into the router and upload the Merlin firmware (Administration - Firmware Upgrade).
4. Wait for the router to reboot and you can see the log on page. - Don't log in.
5. Press the reset button for 5 seconds and wait for the router to reboot (see section 2.2 in the manual).
6. Log in and set up the router.

Thanks, I just wasn't too sure of the right way to go about it, this helps a lot .
Will I have to make a new password after factory reset or can I reuse the same password I used to set it up the first time?

 

[K-2SO]

Will I have to make a new password

You can use any password you want. Use something not very easy to guess. Avoid special characters.

 

[ColinTaylor]

After logging in with admin/admin you can set the same one as before.

 

[K-2SO]

There is no admin/admin in the Setup Wizard, Colin. It just asks you to type the access password.

 

[DCT]

Thanks for the help, going to do it now.

 

[bbunge]

Installation

Third party firmware for Asus routers (newer codebase) - RMerl/asuswrt-merlin.ng

github.com

I would;
1. Remove any USB devices and disconnect all LAN clients apart from the PC you'll be using.
2. Reboot the router and wait for it to fully complete its boot up process.
3. Log into the router and upload the Merlin firmware (Administration - Firmware Upgrade).
4. Wait for the router to reboot and you can see the log on page. - Don't log in.
5. Press the reset button for 5 seconds and wait for the router to reboot (see section 2.2 in the manual).
6. Log in and set up the router.

Step 5 is wrong for the AC86U. Asus recommends: Power off then power on while holding the WPS button. When the power LED goes off, turn off the power then power back on. See: https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1039078

 

[RMerlin]

Step 5 is wrong for the AC86U. Asus recommends: Power off then power on while holding the WPS button. When the power LED goes off, turn off the power then power back on. See: https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1039078

or turn the device on while keeping the WPS button pressed

versus

Power off then power on while holding the WPS button

looks totally identical to me...

 

[bbunge]

versus



looks totally identical to me...

OK, but CT wrote: "5. Press the reset button for 5 seconds and wait for the router to reboot (see section 2.2 in the manual)."

 

[K-2SO]

OK, but CT wrote: "5. Press the reset button for 5 seconds and wait for the router to reboot (see section 2.2 in the manual)."

Reset button does the same thing and you can't go wrong with the procedure.

 

[ColinTaylor]

Step 5 is wrong for the AC86U. Asus recommends: Power off then power on while holding the WPS button. When the power LED goes off, turn off the power then power back on. See: https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1039078

That's a different type of reset. I was suggesting a "normal reset" as described in section 2.2 of the RT-AC86U manual. You are describing a "hard reset" which should not be necessary.

[Wireless Router] When Standard Reset Isn’t Working: Hard Factory Reset - Models list | Official Support | ASUS USA

"To reset your router to the factory default settings, you can Press and Hold the Reset button on your router. However, in some cases, this may not successfully reset the router to the default status. ASUS recommends that you try the Hard Factory Reset before attempting any advanced troubleshooting."

 

[K-2SO]

Despite what Asus says, WPS did not recover my router after jffs got messed up with the latest update. Reset button did.

 

[DCT]

I just successfully flashed Merlin so all is good. I just went by Collin's suggestions. I also saved my previous settings just in case.
Now when there is a new update for Merlin do I do this procedure again?

 

[ColinTaylor]

I just successfully flashed Merlin so all is good. I just went by Collin's suggestions. I also saved my previous settings just in case.
Now when there is a new update for Merlin do I do this procedure again?

No. Just upload the new firmware through the GUI. That's all.

EDIT: Actually it's sometimes advisable to do steps 1 and 2 prior to step 3 just to ensure there is enough free memory to do the update.

 

[K-2SO]

Now when there is a new update for Merlin do I do this procedure again?

Read update changelog before flashing. Reset may be required in some specific cases.

 

[DCT]

Okay Thanks will do.