Debrick Mi Router 4A Basic

debrick-mi-router-4a-basic.md

Install (and Debrick) Mi Router 4A Basic with OpenWRT

Make sure your router is Mi Router 4A Basic 100Mbps NOT Gigabit version

1. Downgrade first with this firmware v2.18.28.
2. Setup TFTP Server and DHCP Server, see below for macOS
3. Rename firmware above to test.bin and place it inside TFTP directory
4. Change IP Address ethernet to Static, and fill IP address with the first IP in the DHCP range
5. Then after setup complete, you can hold reset button while plug in the adapter. LED will show static Orange, then when the LED change to flashing Orange, you can release the reset button
6. Now it's time to put LAN cable from laptop that already started with DHCP Server and TFTP server to LAN 1 (NOT WAN)
7. Router will pull the firmware from TFTP server, and when LED flashing blue, you can reboot the router (just pull the adapter)
8. After router booted, you can setup again like usual, but the language is chinese, so it will helpful if you have auto translate on your browser
9. Now upgrade to firmware v2.18.58 from the router web page, wait till it reboot
10. the last step is you can install openWRT with the step from OpenWRTInvasion here

Notes:

• macOS TFTP Server
• macOS DHCP Server

if you're Windows user, this blog make it easier

launch-tftpd.md

Launch TFTP MacOS Built-in

# Launch tftpd
sudo launchctl load -F /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/tftp.plist
sudo launchctl start com.apple.tftpd

# copy firmware.bin to /private/tftpboot/test.bin and give 777 permission
sudo cp ~/Downloads/miwifi_r4ac_all_2da3e_2.18.500.bin /private/tftpboot/test.bin

# Enable bootpd
sudo launchctl load -F /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/bootps.plist