Open-source router firmware, custom Android ROMs and multi-boot installers

Before you flash anything

• Identify your exact model and hardware revision; firmware for a similar model can leave a device unusable.
• Back up the original firmware and your data where possible, and note how to restore the stock image.
• Verify the image you downloaded with its published checksum. Our SHA-256 guide shows how.
• Use a stable power supply, and for routers a wired connection, during flashing.

Picking the right project

For a router, ImmortalWrt provides the OpenWrt experience with additional packages and device support. For an Android phone whose updates have stopped, crDroid is a popular choice where an official build exists for your device. PINN makes it easy to experiment with several systems on a Raspberry Pi, and AndroidTV-x86_64 can be tried on a PC from a USB stick created with Ventoy or another USB tool.

After installing

Change default passwords straight away, especially the router’s web interface and Wi-Fi keys, and keep the new system updated, because firmware is part of your network’s security. On routers, export a configuration backup once everything works. On phones, keep a copy of the exact ROM and recovery images you used, so you can reinstall if an update goes wrong.