To further assist you with detailed instructions, you can also watch the ASUS YouTube video tutorial on using Rescue Mode (Firmware Restoration) via this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8YKnpXxhx0
Introduction
This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to use the Firmware Restoration utility to flash, or restore, the firmware on your ASUS router. This process, also known as using Rescue Mode, is crucial when your router encounters issues updating its firmware through the regular method. Consider this method when you need to essentially “flash” your router’s system, similar to flashing a device like an ASUS Zenfone 5 T00F, albeit using a different tool and process tailored for routers. This utility is compatible with Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, and 11 operating systems.
It’s important to note that Rescue Mode is not the standard procedure for routine firmware updates. Firmware restoration should only be employed as a recovery method in rescue mode scenarios.
For instructions on updating your router’s firmware under normal circumstances, please refer to these support articles:
[Wireless Router] How to update the firmware of your router to the latest version
[ExpertWiFi] How to update the firmware of ExpertWiFi router
When Should You Use Firmware Restoration?
Firmware Restoration is typically necessary in these situations:
- When standard firmware updates fail.
- If your router’s power light is flashing erratically, indicating a problem.
- If your router is malfunctioning due to the installation of third-party firmware, necessitating a firmware flash back to a stable version.
1. Downloading and Installing the Firmware Restoration Utility
Let’s use the RT-AC68U router model and a Windows 10 OS as an example to guide you through the process.
1-1. Navigate to the ASUS official website: https://www.asus.com/ and search for your specific router model.
1-2. On your router’s product page, locate and click on [Support].
1-3. Download the latest firmware version available for your router model. Ensure you unzip the downloaded file, as the Firmware Restoration utility requires the firmware to be in an unzipped format for uploading.
It’s crucial to unzip the firmware file; the Firmware Restoration tool cannot upload zipped files.
1-4. Go to the [Driver & Utility] section and select your computer’s Operating System.
1-5. Find [ASUS Firmware Restoration] in the utility list and click [Download].
1-6. Once the download is complete, open the downloaded ZIP file.
1-7. Run the Rescue application to begin the installation.
1-8. Choose your preferred language and follow the InstallShield Wizard prompts to complete the installation.
1-9. After successful installation, you can access the Firmware Restoration utility via [Start] > [Programs] or [Apps] > [ASUS Utility].
2. Configuring Network Adapter Settings
To establish a direct connection with your router for firmware flashing, you need to adjust your computer’s network adapter settings.
2-1. Connect your computer to your ASUS router using an Ethernet cable.
2-2. Open Windows Settings by clicking [Start] > [Settings].
2-3. Select [Network & Internet].
2-4. Click on [Change adapter options].
2-5. Identify your LAN connection, usually labeled as “Ethernet”.
2-6. Right-click on your LAN connection and select [Properties].
2-7. In the Properties window, select [Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)] and then click [Properties].
2-8. Manually configure the IP address and Subnet mask as follows:
* IP address: **192.168.1.10**
* Subnet Mask: **255.255.255.0**
Click **[OK]** after entering the details.2-9. Confirm the settings by clicking [OK] in the LAN connection Properties window.
3. Setting Up Router Rescue Mode and Flashing Firmware
Using the RT-AC68U model as an example, here’s how to put your router into Rescue Mode and flash the firmware.
3-1. Disconnect the power cord from your ASUS router.
3-2. Press and hold the Reset button on your router. While keeping the Reset button pressed, reconnect the power cord to the DC IN port simultaneously.
Important: Do not release the Reset button until Rescue Mode is activated.
3-3. Your router has entered Rescue Mode when the power indicator light begins to flash slowly.
3-4. Launch the Firmware Restoration utility on your computer by going to [Start] > [ASUS Utility] > [Firmware Restoration].
3-5. Click [Browse] to locate and select the unzipped firmware file you downloaded earlier.
3-6. After selecting the firmware file, click [Open].
3-7. Click [Upload] to start the firmware flashing process.
Note: Ensure your router is in Rescue Mode before initiating the upload. The Firmware Restoration tool will not function if the router is not in Rescue Mode.
3-8. Once you’ve confirmed that your router is in Rescue Mode, click [Upload] and wait for approximately one minute for the firmware flashing to complete.
3-9. A steady power light on your router indicates that the Rescue Mode firmware flashing has been successfully completed. Allow the router to reboot, and then click [Close] on the Firmware Restoration Utility.
Important: After completing the firmware flash in Rescue Mode, remember to revert your computer’s TCP/IPv4 settings back to their original default configuration to regain normal internet connectivity.
(1). Click [Start] > [Settings].
(2). Go to [Network & Internet].
(3). Select [Change adapter options].
(4). Right-click on your LAN connection and choose [Properties].
(5). Select [Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)] and click [Properties].
(6). Choose [Obtain an IP address automatically] and [Obtain DNS server address automatically]. Click [OK] to save the changes.
(7). After completing the firmware update and restoring your adapter settings, you should be able to access your ASUS router’s Web GUI by navigating to http://www.asusrouter.com in your web browser.
How to Uninstall Firmware Restoration Utility?
If you no longer need the Firmware Restoration utility, you can easily uninstall it.
- Click [Start] > [Apps] > [ASUS Utility] > [Firmware Restoration]. Right-click on [Uninstall].
- Select ASUS Wireless Router Firmware Restoration Utility, then right-click and select [Uninstall].
- Choose [Remove all installed features].
- Click [Next] and then [OK] to proceed.
- Click [Finish] to complete the uninstallation process.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What should I do if the Firmware Restoration Utility displays “The wireless router is not in rescue mode”?
1-1. First, double-check that your TCP/IPv4 settings are correctly configured as follows:
* IP Address: 192.168.1.10
* Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
If these settings are correctly applied but the router is still not recognized in Rescue Mode, proceed with the following steps.1-2. Disconnect the power cord from the router.
1-3. Press and hold the Reset button.
1-4. Continue holding the Reset button while plugging the power cord back into the DC IN port.
Note: Do not release the Reset button until you confirm that the router has entered Rescue Mode. Look for the power light to start flashing slowly, which indicates Rescue Mode is active.
2. What if firmware flashing fails even when using the Firmware Restoration Utility?
Repeat the firmware flashing steps using the Firmware Restoration utility. If the process continues to fail, please reach out to ASUS Customer Service Center for further assistance.
3. Why am I unable to access the router settings page after a successful firmware update via Firmware Restoration?
First, ensure that your TCP/IPv4 settings are set to [Obtain an IP address automatically] and [Obtain DNS server address automatically]. If you still cannot access the settings page, try pressing the RESET button on your router once briefly (not holding it down for rescue mode). If this doesn’t resolve the issue, repeat the firmware update process again using the Firmware Restoration utility in Rescue Mode as described earlier.
How to Obtain the Utility and Firmware?
You can download the latest utilities, software, firmware, and user manuals from the ASUS Download Center.
For more detailed information about using the ASUS Download Center, please refer to this link.
