Image check failed for Asus RT-AX52 25.12.2 (How to upgrade?)

Installing and Using OpenWrt
1

Hi all,

I would like to ask for help with upgrading the ASUS RT-AX52 router. I flashed 25.12.0 to replace the original firmware following the instructions in the TOH page for the device (https://openwrt.org/toh/asus/rt-ax52). Everything went well.

However, when I try to upgrade to 25.12.2 using the squashfs-sysupgrade.bin image from the Downloads page (openwrt-25.12.2-mediatek-filogic-asus_rt-ax52-squashfs-sysupgrade.bin) I get the following error message:

Image check failed:

The device is supported, but the config is incompatible to the new image (1.1 ->1.0). Please upgrade without keeping config (sysupgrade -n). verifying sysupgrade tar file integrity Image check failed.

I can proceed only by forcing the upgrade and I am obviously worried I will get a bricked device.

Am I doing something wrong? Is there a guide on how to upgrade this particular device?

2

Solution is in your own post ^ ?

Double check the sha for the image you're using.

3

OK. Thanks. Wanted to be sure before proceeding. The sha is a match.

Do you happen to know the reason for the failed check? I mean, what brings the incompatibility in the config? Just trying to learn…

4

The sha check, no idea, unless it's a spin-off of the "don't keep config" error message.

5

Old backup/config you imported?

(https://github.com/openwrt/openwrt/issues/18523#issuecomment-2816862564) ??

I would just wipe configs, start new, and create new backups. The filogic asus routers are near impossible to brick.

6

TLDR, but the post is about 24.10...

7

I see. Thank you both for your fast replies and help. I upgraded successfully without keeping the config. Now back to re-configuring my install.

8

AX52 has been supported since 23.x The OP may have very old configs/backups.