have an AX3000T with Winbond W25N01KV and MediaTek MT7531AE.
The latest version prevents downgrading, and SSH is disabled.
How can I downgrade the firmware?
What's the difference between OpenWRT and ImmortalWRT?
My friend says ImmortalWRT is better.
Any installation issues or bad blocks?
Also, does the Xiaomi Router Repair Tool not work?
Will Winbond cause u-boot problems?
read ax3000t Wiki: https://openwrt.org/inbox/toh/xiaomi/ax3000t#downgrading_stock_firmware
Ask your friend for details then.
None if you follow the Wiki.
feel free to check, it's your device.
it works perfectly. Canonical TFTP method works great too, though.
What do you mean by the u-boot problem? The OpenWrt u-boot bootloader can be installed on the AX3000T with Winbond NAND, but you should use the "bl31-uboot.fip FIP" and "preloader.bin BL2" files from the Snapshot. Read details in the Wiki: https://openwrt.org/inbox/toh/xiaomi/ax3000t#change_to_openwrt_u-boot
"Is NAND important when flashing u-Boot (OpenWrt)?
Warning! AN8855, Winbond, and Foresee are compatible with the OpenWrt U-Boot loader BL2 and FIP only in Snapshot builds. Meanwhile, ubootmod sysupgrade is fully compatible with AN8855, Winbond, and Foresee starting from version 24.10.0. You can use the Snapshot U-Boot loader together with the 24.10.0 ubootmod version. What exactly does this mean?
does snapshot brick it?
no, actually the opposite.
The "bl31-uboot.fip FIP" and "preloader.bin BL2" files in the Snapshot include drivers for Winbond NAND, while the same files in stable 24.10.0 do not. So, after installing OpenWrt on the stock Xiaomi bootloader, you can proceed (optionally) with switching the bootloader to the OpenWrt u-boot by following steps in the Wiki:
- download "bl31-uboot.fip FIP" and "preloader.bin BL2" files from Snapshot: here
- download other files from 24.10.0: here
added:
If you decide to change the bootloader on your AX3000T, I hope you have valid reasons and fully understand the risks involved. Ensure that you switch from the stock bootloader to OpenWrt u-boot only after installing OpenWrt (not directly from the stock firmware to OpenWrt u-boot).
Please be aware that the Xiaomi Router Repair tool will NO longer work if a custom OpenWrt U-Boot bootloader is installed.
I understand, I will first install OpenWRT and then install U-Boot. I am thinking of using this tool: https://github.com/openwrt-xiaomi/xmir-patcher.
How can I detect bad blocks without forgetting?
I do not know how to check it via SSH access.
The method for detection remapped
or bad blocks
via UART is described here.
But come on, you have Winbond, ppl with Foresee NAND are at higher risk than you. I'd skip this check since the chance to have bad blocks is less than 1%. Up to you.
But if you feel you need to be in 100% safe mode, use SNAPSHOT for all files during the OpenWrt installation (fix for handling bad blocks is included there).
Can I downgrade the version using the Xiaomi Router Repair Tool, or if I have to enter TFTP mode, what commands should I use? Can I directly install OpenWRT without entering TFTP mode, and does it have a bootloader? Also, if I back up the device in TFTP mode, how can I install the .bin file on it?
yes. Xiaomi Router Repair Tool uses the TFTP method under the hood. Make sure the firewall and antivirus are disabled. Simple instructions with screenshots from another Xiaomi router can be found here. Stock firmware can be downloaded from Wiki.
See details in the Wiki.
First, if your stock firmware does not have the possibility of obtaining SSH access as stated in the Wiki, you need to downgrade stock fw to an exploitable version to gain SSH access. Only after that can you proceed with the OpenWrt installation when you have SSH access. TFTP is only needed to obtain the required firmware version (or for recovering a bricked router).
Stock firmware can only be installed on the stock Xiaomi bootloader. The Xiaomi bootloader does not change during the standard OpenWrt installation.
Which one should I install, 1.0.49 (INT) or 1.0.76 (INT)? I'm not sure if both work, but most videos show using the 1.0.49 version.
the RD23 (International version) with firmware versions 1.0.90 or 1.0.91 requires downgrading to an exploitable version.
@Fly2 , Looking at all these questions, I would suggest that you NOT change the stock Xiaomi bootloader to the OpenWrt U-Boot bootloader. You can do it later if you really need to, but by keeping the stock bootloader, you will always be able to easily recover your router after a brick.
just friendly advice
It does not really matter because you have a MediaTek MT7531AE switch. Both versions contain drivers for it. Go with 1.0.49 if you prefer that naming.
Thanks, I’ll take your advice into consideration!
I'll use 1.0.49 then.