Asus RT-AX52 support

For Developers
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I figured to write a mini guide on how to do it for people in the future and hopefully to update the guide here. :slight_smile:

How to install OpenWRT for Asus RT-AX 52 with firmware (3.0.0.4.388_34015)

Before starting:

  • Remove WAN internet access.

Section 1: Downgrading the firmware

  • Video background: Video
  1. Download the oldest Asus Router Firmware 3.0.0.4.388_32682 and Download Asus Firmware Restoration Version. Both of these files can be downloaded here: https://www.asus.com/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax52/helpdesk_download?model2Name=RT-AX52
  2. Disable other network adapters by: Clicking Windows Key>Control Panel>Network and Internet>Network and Sharing> On the left side click Change Adapter Settings>Right click then Disable.
  3. On the Ethernet Adapter you'll be using right click>Properties>Click TCP/IPv4>Change to "Use the following IP Address">Input IP Address: 192.168.1.10 and Submask: 255.255. 255.0>Click OK.
  4. Install the Asus Firmware Restoration Tool.
  5. Hold the reset button using a paper clip then plug the DC Plug. DO NOT RELEASE UNTIL THE POWER LIGHT IS SLOWLY FLASHING.
  6. Open Asus Firmware Restoration Tool.
  7. Select old firmware (RT-AX52_3.0.0.4_388_32682-g6115f25.trx)>Click upload>Wait until "Successfully recovered the system. Please wait for the system to reboot.".
  8. Click close and restore the IP address in the Ethernet Adapter to Obtain IP Address automatically.

Flashing OpenWRT on RT-AX52

  • Remove WAN internet access.
  1. Download asus_rt-ax52-initramfs.trx and asus_rt-ax52-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin in OpenWRT. Link: Here
  2. Make sure the LAN cable is still connected to the yellow ports.
  3. Go to the Asus WiFi Config by typing http://192.168.50.1 in your browser.
  4. Set Up the Asus Router (DO NOT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET). Just do the manual set up.
  5. Once you are in the system UI go to Administration>Firmware Upgrade>Upload the .trx file (asus_rt-ax52-initramfs.trx)>Then flash and wait for it to finish.
  6. Go to http://192.168.1.1 then just log in. No need to type anything. You should now see the OpenWRT UI.
  7. Go to System>Back up and Flash Firmware>Under "Flash new firmware image" Click Flash image>Select the file asus_rt-ax52-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin and flash it.
  8. Wait for the router to reboot. Then assign router username and password, enable WiFi and do what you desire. General Overview: YouTube Video
  9. SSH to 192.168.1.1 and set a root password, or browse tohttp://192.168.1.1 (I just did this)

References: