Updating
StartWRT never updates automatically — updating always requires explicit action. There are two ways to update: an in-app update from the web interface (recommended), or a microSD reflash (a fallback if an in-app update ever fails). We highly recommend keeping StartWRT up to date for the latest security and performance patches, as well as to take advantage of new features.
In-App Update (Recommended)
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Navigate to
System > Settings > General. -
When a newer signed release is available, a “vX.Y.Z released!” accordion appears. Expand it to read the release notes.
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Click “Update now” and confirm.
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The download and apply progress is shown live. When it finishes, the router reboots and returns you to the app once it is back online.
Warning
Do not unplug your router during the update or reboot. The update can take several minutes to apply. All network traffic — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN connections, and port forwarding — will be interrupted until the router finishes restarting.
Firmware integrity is enforced cryptographically (a Blake3 commitment plus ed25519 release signatures), so only properly signed StartWRT releases will install. A tampered or unsigned image is rejected.
Update by Reflashing (Fallback)
If an in-app update ever fails, you can update StartWRT by reflashing from a microSD card. Use the Keep settings path in the reflash wizard, which replaces the firmware while preserving your settings. See Installing StartWRT for how to create a bootable microSD card, and Factory Reset for a walkthrough of the reflash wizard.