How to Install OpenWrt on Tenda AC9? Need Guidance

Installing and Using OpenWrt
1

Hi everyone,

I'm new to flashing custom firmware and I'm trying to install OpenWrt on my Tenda AC9 , which I know is supported in the latest OpenWrt releases (24.10.0).

However, I'm a bit confused about the correct procedure. From what I've read, the OpenWrt build for this model gives out a .trx file, but the stock Tenda firmware interface only accepts .bin files for upgrades.

Could someone please guide me through the step-by-step process of installing OpenWrt on the Tenda AC9?

Here are my specific questions:

  1. Should I convert the .trx image into a .bin file? If so, how?
  2. Is there a pre-made .bin image available for Tenda AC9 that I can flash directly?
  3. Do I need to use TFTP recovery mode, or can I safely flash it from the stock web interface?
  4. Any tips on settings/configurations to avoid bricking the device?

I’d really appreciate any help or links to updated guides — most of what I found online seems outdated or doesn’t match the current OpenWrt version.

Thanks in advance!

2

If you plan to use wifi, don't use OpenWrt with this device. See the warning at the top of this page.

I'm unable to locate any actual installation instructions, but it looks like you use the trx file directly via the vendor firmware upgrade feature.

Edit: according to this forum post (from 2017), you need to use the recovery mode.

3

Thanks for follow up, I saw 5ghz won't work or in some case can't flash openwrt. i guess i have to buy a supported / well documented router.

4

Correct.

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Thanks! :slight_smile: