FlashRouters Support Portal

Prioritizing Privacy

top-questions

How do I upgrade the DD-WRT firmware of my FlashRouter?

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The following DD-WRT builds are from 11/24/2024 r58699. Keep in mind that these builds are for upgrading routers that already have DD-WRT firmware flashed. To flash a stock firmware router with DD-WRT firmware see our Flash My Router plan!

Download an updated DD-WRT firmware build for your specific FlashRouter model below. Contact support@flashrouters.com if you are uncertain about your router model or your router model is not available below.

Please be aware that FlashRouters is not responsible for any DIY firmware flashing updates. If you have questions or concerns contact FlashRouters Support or check out the DD-WRT Community for additional helpful resources.

Make sure you are following the directions below to load the firmware file into the router settings and not trying to open the firmware file on its own.

Access the FlashRouter via wired connection. It is possible to upgrade firmware via WiFi, but this is not recommended unless you are unable to wire directly to the router.

Navigate to Administration > Firmware Upgrade

Firmware Upgrade page in FlashRouter DD-WRT settings
  1. Do NOT select Reset to Default Settings in the dropdown menu as this will erase all of your FlashRouter settings.
    NOTE: If you are updating from an older DD-WRT build you may be required to reset the router after a firmware update for new features and UI to properly load. You will then be required to setup the administration username and password along with your WiFi and VPN network settings.
  2. Click Choose File and select the file you have downloaded.
  3. Click Upgrade.

Options: Why do I see a message about disabling shortcut forwarding engine?

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Important Update: DD-WRT Privacy App Discontinued

The FlashRouter Privacy App has been discontinued and is no longer compatible with new versions of DD-WRT firmware. If you are using DD-WRT, you can still set up OpenVPN or WireGuard manually with the latest DD-WRT builds. Our team is available to assist anyone with an active service plan during this transition.

For the easiest and most secure VPN setup experience, we highly recommend our Privacy Hero 2 solution. It’s designed to make home network security simple and comes with exclusive features, including pre-configured VPN and streaming capabilities.

If you need assistance or want to explore Privacy Hero 2, don’t hesitate to reach out!

FlashRouters DD-WRT Privacy App - Disable Shortcut Forwarding

Disable Shortcut Forwarding Engine to use the Policy Based Routing for the FlashRouters Privacy App.

Navigate to Setup > Basic Setup

FlashRouters DD-WRT Privacy App - Disable Shortcut Forwarding in DD-WRT Admin settings
  1. Set Shortcut Forwarding Engine to Disable.
  2. Click Apply Settings.

Roqos VPN Connected, but my device IP is unchanged

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If your VPN Out page in your Roqos settings is reporting that you are Connected to your VPN provider but your IP Address and location have not changed when you visit What is my IP address? follow the below checklist.

Double check that your device is connected to the Roqos network

Since the Roqos UI is being accessed securely via the cloud you can change the settings while your device is not connected to the Roqos network. This would result in your IP Address not updating when you connect to VPN.

Make sure that you are connected to your Roqos WiFi network or from an ethernet port on the back of the Roqos directly to your device and not another network.

Assign Devices To Connect To VPN in the Roqos

By default there are no devices assigned to the VPN tunnel. To assign devices to the Roqos’ VPN connection.

1. Login to your Roqos UI.

2. Select the VPN tab on the left hand menu and select VPN Out.

Roqos VPN Out

3. Click Included Devices. From this page you can choose if all devices should connect to VPN or only certain devices.

Roqos VPN Included Devices

4. From the dropdown select Include all devices if you want every device that connects to the Roqos to connect to VPN or if you only want specific devices to connect to VPN while others bypass the VPN connection select Include selected devices from the dropdown and then toggle the sliders for the devices you want connected to VPN. Click Save.

Turn off VPN device applications

Connecting to VPN via a device application or browser extension at the same time while connecting via your Roqos is not recommended. Doubling up on VPN connections can cause issues with speeds and stability.

When you are connected to the Roqos VPN network at home you should leave all VPN applications and extensions disconnected and unopened.

How do I access my Roqos device settings?

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Your Roqos Core’s settings or UI (User Interface) is accessible via a secure cloud based connection rather than the typical local access of other routers. This means that you can manage your Roqos from anywhere in the world not just at home.

Visit the Roqos Login URL

From any device that has a browser such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet visit login.roqos.com

Roqos Login URL

Login with your Roqos account

Enter in the email and password that you set when your Roqos was initially setup. If you still need to create your Roqos account and activate your Roqos follow our Activate and Connect Roqos to Internet guide.

Roqos UI Login

Proceed with making the changes to the settings you desire

Now that you are logged in to your Roqos UI you adjust any settings as you see fit for your network. For guides on how to make specific changes to your Roqos view our Roqos Setup Guide area.

Roqos UI Logged in

Why can’t I access router settings?

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Be sure to first try the preset details to access your FlashRouter’s settings.

First time setup

Are you connected to the FlashRouter's network?

In order to access the FlashRouter’s settings you need to be connected to the FlashRouter’s network via ethernet or WiFi.

It is possible that if you are connected to the FlashRouter’s network you device might have static IP settings from a previous connection preventing it from being read correctly. Check your device’s static IP settings before proceeding.

Is your FlashRouter wired correctly?

Your FlashRouter should be wired as detailed in our Connect FlashRouter to the Internet setup.

A common mistake is to connect from your modem or other router to a LAN/numbered port of the FlashRouter instead of the WAN/Internet port of the FlashRouter as it should be. Doing so results in no access to the FlashRouter’s settings.

Lost access

How to find you FlashRouter's Local IP Address?

It is possible that your Local IP Address was changed at some point. Your Local IP Address is the address that you can access the FlashRouter’s settings with. We recommend finding the Local IP Address of the FlashRouter.

Was your FlashRouter reset?

If your FlashRouter is showing a local IP Address of 192.168.1.1 and you are seeing ‘dd-wrt’ as an available network in your wireless networks, your FlashRouter was reset. Reconfigure your FlashRouter.

Keep in mind that seeing a Local IP Address of 192.168.1.1 can also mean your are wired incorrectly and the router has not been reset. Be sure to check your wireless networks for ‘dd-wrt’. If the FlashRouter’s wireless network name appears as it was set then your FlashRouter was not reset and you should see the above section.

Tried updating firmware

Why can't I access my FlashRouter after a firmware upgrade?

When performing a firmware upgrade there is a dropdown that has Don’t Reset or Reset to Default settings as options.

If you accidentally selected Reset to Default settings you will need to reconfigure your FlashRouter.

If you had Don’t Reset selected and are still unable to connect to the FlashRouter’s network after a firmware upgrade, first make sure you are connected to the FlashRouter’s network as WiFi can disconnect during an upgrade, and then Reboot the FlashRouter.

How do I reset and reconfigure my ExpressVPN/Aircove FlashRouter?

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When is a router reset needed?

A reset of the FlashRouter should only be performed in the following instances:

  • You have exhausted all other troubleshooting methods and cannot access your router settings.
  • Password to access the FlashRouter’s settings are not working.
  • Power light on the router is blinking steadily.
  • Router is not accessible after upgrading the firmware

Reset Router

Asus FlashRouters:

  1. While the router is powered off press and hold the WPS button on the back or side of the router. Power up the router while continuing to hold the WPS. Continue to hold for 15 seconds as the router powers on (note this could be up to 45 seconds on some models before lights flash).
  2. You will see the lights on the router flashing steadily and this is how you know you have reset the router.
  3. Let the router sit for about a minute and then reboot the router.

Aircove, Linksys and Netgear FlashRouters:

  1. While the router is plugged in, find the reset button located on the back of the router. You will need a pin or pencil to hold down the button for 15 seconds.
  2. You will see the lights on the back of the router flash simultaneously and this is how you know you have reset the router.
  3. Let the router sit for about a minute and then reboot the router.

Access Router Settings

1. Connect to the FlashRouter’s network via ethernet cable or wireless.

The wireless network will appear as “Aircove”, “Linksys##”, “Netgear##”, or “Asus” and the password to join the network will be the default wireless password printed on the bottom of the router.

2. Open your web browser and enter expressvpnrouter.com or 192.168.132.1 in the URL.

ExpressVPNrouter.com
192.168.132.1

3. Click Get Started on the ExpressVPN page that is displayed.

ExpressVPN Get Started

4a. If your FlashRouter is wired to the Internet correctly then you will be prompted to enter your ExpressVPN Activation Code found in your ExpressVPN account. Paste that in and click Sign in to ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN Activation Code

4b. If your FlashRouter is not wired correctly or is not receiving Internet properly make sure you are wired as detailed in the diagram that appears. If you are stuck at this screen we recommend powering off your ISP modem and any other router that the ExpressVPN FlashRouter is wired to and then powering them back up one by one.

Proceed with step “4a” above once the router is receiving Internet and you are prompted to enter the Activation Code.

ExpressVPN Wiring

5. Select if you want to share anonymous crash report data with ExpressVPN to help them improve the firmware for future releases.

ExpressVPN Share Crash Report

6. Set the WiFi name and password your wireless devices will use to connect to the FlashRouter’s network. Make sure the WiFi name is unique and not a duplicate of an existing WiFi name if you change it. You can also leave it as the default information if you like. Click Continue.

ExpressVPN Set WiFi Name and Password

7. Enter the admin password you will use to access the ExpressVPN router settings. Be sure to TYPE CAREFULLY when setting the admin password as a typo will result in needing to reset the router again. Note this password in a secure location or commit it to memory.

ExpressVPN admin password

8. Your ExpressVPN FlashRouter is now fully setup!

ExpressVPN Connected

How do I reset and reconfigure my FlashRouter?

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When is a router reset needed?

A reset of the FlashRouter should only be performed in the following instances:

  • You have exhausted all other troubleshooting methods and cannot access your router settings.
  • A backup file was saved of your previously working settings.
  • Username and password to access the FlashRouter’s settings are not working.
  • Power light on the router is blinking steadily.
  • Firmware upgrade was performed with Reset to Default settings selected.

Reset Router

Asus FlashRouters:

  1. While the router is powered off press and hold the WPS button on the back or side of the router. Power up the router while continuing to hold the WPS. Continue to hold for 15 seconds as the router powers on (note this could be up to 45 seconds on some models before lights flash).
  2. You will see the lights on the router flashing steadily and this is how you know you have reset the router.
  3. Let the router sit for about a minute and then reboot the router.

Linksys and Netgear FlashRouters:

  1. While the router is plugged in, find the reset button located on the back of the router. You will need a pin or pencil to hold down the button for 15 seconds.
  2. You will see the lights on the back of the router flash simultaneously and this is how you know you have reset the router.
  3. Let the router sit for about a minute and then reboot the router.

Access Router Settings

1. Connect to the FlashRouter’s network via ethernet cable or wireless.

The wireless network will appear as “dd-wrt” and will likely not require a password to join. If it does require a password to join the password will be the default wireless password found on the bottom of the router.

2. Open your web browser and enter 192.168.1.1 in the URL.

Reset FlashRouters DD-WRT Settings Back to Default Settings

3. Delete the dots and enter the new administration login in the Router Username, Router Password, and Re-enter to confirm fields.

TYPE CAREFULLY when setting the administration login as a typo will result in needing to reset the router again.

Change Local IP Address and DNS

Navigate to Setup > Basic Setup

1. Set the Local IP Address to 192.168.11.1

2. Set the Static DNS 1 to 8.8.8.8

3. Set the Static DNS 2 to 8.8.4.4

4. Set the Static DNS 3 to 208.67.220.220

Enter New Local IP Address and DNS Servers After FlashRouter DD-WRT Reset

CLICK SAVE

Setup WiFi

Navigate to Wireless > Basic Settings

Find your FlashRouter model in the WiFi Setup section and replicate the wireless settings on this page.

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

REBOOT ROUTER

Connect to the FlashRouter's network

You will be able to connect to the newly setup wireless network using the details you set. The router will now be accessible at 192.168.11.1

Back up your settings

  1. Click the Backup button.
  2. A file named nvrambak.bin will be saved to your computer.
  3. You can load nvrambak.bin to restore your settings in the event of a reset.

How do I change my Wireless Password?

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Change the FlashRouter’s wireless network password to any password you like.

Navigate to Wireless > Wireless Security

Changing Wireless password in DD-WRT Wireless Security Settings
  1. Click Unmask next to the Shared Key field to see what you are typing and enter in the new wireless password you would like to use.
  2. Click Apply Settings.
  3. Reconnect to the wireless network using your new password.

My 2.4GHz network is not showing up

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If you ever have an issue with WiFi, you can always wire directly into the FlashRouter to verify and/or update your current WiFi settings.

Enter the recommended wireless settings

Our team has tested the wireless functionality for each FlashRouter that we offer and shared our recommended wireless settings in our Wifi Setup area. Replicate the settings for your FlashRouter model found on that page if the 2.4GHz is not showing.

Change the wireless channel

Navigate to Wireless > Basic Settings

Change the wireless channel setting for the 2.4GHz band that is not appearing. The most broadly compatible channels are 6 and 11.

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Refresh your device's network adapter

In rare instances the wireless adapter for your device may stop picking up WiFi networks and must be reset. This will be different for each device, that is why the best way to refresh your wireless adapter is to simply reboot any device in question and see if the adapter now picks up your WiFi networks.

Review wireless Status

Navigate to Status > Wireless

The readouts on this page can help tell if there are errors with the FlashRouter’s wireless. View our article on how to read the Wireless Status page for more information.

My 5.0GHz network is not showing up

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Verify the device supports 5GHz

5.0GHz networks are not compatible with all devices so first make sure that you device’s wireless adapter supports 5GHz wireless frequencies.

If you are not sure, find out if your device support 5 GHz via Google search or by looking in the wireless hardware details in the device’s network settings. If you see Wireless a/b/g/n support then you have a compatible device. If you are missing the Wireless a then this means there is no 5 GHz support.

Enter the recommended wireless settings

Our team has tested the wireless functionality for each FlashRouter that we offer and shared our recommended wireless settings in our Wifi Setup area. Replicate the settings for your FlashRouter model found on that page.

Lower the wireless channel

Some devices do support 5.0GHz connections but not the higher channels that DD-WRT firmware offers.

Navigate to Wireless > Basic Settings

Lower the wireless channel setting for the 5.0GHz band that is not showing. Based on our tests the most broadly compatible channels are 36, 48 and 161.

CLICK APPLY SETTINGS

Refresh your device's network adapter

The easiest way to accomplish this is by rebooting your device as the settings to reset your adapter may vary on all types of internet connected devices.

Review wireless Status

Navigate to Status > Wireless

The readouts on this page can help tell if there are errors with the FlashRouter’s wireless. View our article on how to read the Wireless Status page for more information.

My WiFi password is not working

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Keep in mind that passwords are case sensitive.

The preset DD-WRT FlashRouter WiFi password is Wireless#[First 5 characters of your router MAC]. The router MAC can be found on the bottom of your router. For e.g. if your MAC is 1459C07E70A8 then your WiFi password is Wireless#1459C

Verify wireless password

Connect an ethernet cable from a numbered port on the FlashRouter to a computer and access the FlashRouter’s settings.

Navigate to Wireless > Wireless Security

Check the Unmask box and note the wireless password that is entered.

Verify the wireless settings

Make sure that you have WPA2 Personal / AES set as the security settings for all bands. For some router models make sure the CCMP-128 (AES) box is checked for all bands.

Forget network on your device

Wireless devices usually offer a “forget” network feature to remove a wireless network from the saved information of the wireless adapter. If you have updated your WiFi password and are trying to connect on a device that previously used the old WiFi password then removing the wireless network and then trying to connect fresh can help with this issue.

Why can’t I connect to WiFi using the WPS button feature?

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DD-WRT firmware automatically disables the WPS feature as it is a known security vulnerability. This makes your router more secure with DD-WRT than with factory firmware.

For any device that uses a WPS WiFi connection there should always be an alternate method to connect the device via WiFi.

Access FlashRouter DD-WRT firmware settings

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You must be connected to the FlashRouter network via ethernet or WiFi connection on your device in order to be able to access the FlashRouter’s firmware settings.

Why do I need to access my FlashRouter's settings?

It is important to understand how to access your router if you want to:
  • Change WiFi or admin passwords
  • Switch VPN server locations
  • Attempt custom setups
  • Troubleshoot your network

Connect your device to the FlashRouter network

We recommend using a computer, tablet, or phone to access your FlashRouter firmware settings. You can connect your device to the FlashRouter via Ethernet Cable or Wireless connection.

Please note, you will NOT be able access the firmware settings unless you connect your device to the FlashRouter Network.

via Ethernet

Connect an Ethernet cable to your device’s Ethernet port.

Access FlashRouters DD-WRT Admin Settings via Ethernet Connection 1

Connect the other end of that Ethernet cable to a FlashRouter LAN/numbered port.

Access FlashRouters DD-WRT Admin Settings via Ethernet Connection 2

Be sure NOT to connect your device to the WAN/internet port of the FlashRouter. Please use the LAN/numbered ports to connect your devices.

via Wireless

Navigate to the available wireless networks in your device network settings and join any of the available FlashRouter networks – FlashRouter24, FlashRouter50, or FlashRouter80 (if you have a tri-band router).

Access the FlashRouter settings

We recommend using a Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox incognito/private browsing window to access the FlashRouter firmware settings. You can access the main DD-WRT firmware GUI or you can go directly into the FlashRouters Privacy App settings to manage your basic router settings and VPN connection settings right away.

Please note, after accessing the FlashRouter Settings at the Local IP Address, you will be prompted to enter an admin username and password. You can find this information in the subsections below.

DD-WRT - Firmware GUI

Local IP Address: 192.168.11.1

Username: flashrouter

Password: ddwrt

Keep in mind that if you enable HTTPS and disable HTTP access you will need to add https:// in front of the Local IP Address to access your FlashRouter’s firmware settings.

If your router has been reset for any reason then you can access the router at a local IP address of 192.168.1.1.

Please note you will be required to set the administration username and password as well as your WiFi and VPN network settings after a reset.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Still having issues? Visit our Troubleshooting section to diagnose common problems here.

Troubleshoot Here