Hello,
I attempted to upgrade my Xiaomi AX3200 from OpenWrt 23.05 to 24.10.2 using a custom factory image and manual flashing with dd commands. I tested the partition offset as described in Issue #1: the hexdump of /dev/mtd8 starts with the expected value (0000000 0dd0 edfe), and fw_printenv shows the relevant boot flags, indicating the partition layout is correct. However, the router fails to boot properly, getting stuck at U-Boot with kernel hash verification errors and undefined partition variables. I am seeking guidance to recover and correctly flash the device.
Migration Conditions
- Current version: OpenWrt 23.05.0 (r23497)
- Target version: OpenWrt 24.10.2 (latest stable)
- Known issues: Potential brick on AX3200 due to bootloader offset
- Backup of config mandatory before upgrade
- Custom image built with selected packages and WiFi setup script
1. Installed Packages
- Sorted installed packages list & Removed unnecessary packages (libpj* SIP-related)
- Configuration backup generated
3. Flashing Process Attempted
- Transferred factory.bin via SCP to /tmp
- Used dd to write kernel and ubi partitions manually
- Device failed to boot: no WiFi, no network activity
4. UART Debugging
- Connected via PuTTY (115200 baud, COM4)
- Access to U-Boot menu available
- Tested boot options (firmware 0, 1, Xiaoqiang)
- Kernel hash verification failed (bad data hash)
- Environment variables mtdids and mtdparts undefined
- Indicative of incorrect flash layout or offset mismatch
5. Current Status
- Router stuck in U-Boot prompt
- No active firmware booting properly
- Requires recovery via UART flashing (e.g., XMODEM) or correct flashing procedure
