Install OpenWRT on Redmi AX6S (RB03 Chinese version)

Please note this tutorial is based on the official tutorial but geared toward the RB03 (Chinese version)

Step 1: Connect the router to your computer with the provided CAT5 cable Step 2: Enable SSH by telneting into it:

Firstly we need to find out the telnet password. Download this app, then run:

unlock_pwd.py <S/N>

which would return the telnet password

NOTE: the Serial Number can be found at the back of the router

Secondly telnet into it:

telnet 192.168.31.1
username: root
password: the password in the first step

Thirdly we enable SSH:

nvram set ssh_en=1
nvram set uart_en=1
nvram set boot_wait=on
nvram commit

While you are at it, don't forget to udpate the password:

passwd root

Once updated, please use this newly updated password instead of the generated one.

The SSH daemon might not be up, if so, please enable it:

# Start SSHd (dropbear)
/etc/init.d/dropbear enable
/etc/init.d/dropbear start

Lastly we can test the SSH connection:

ssh root@192.168.31.1

Step 3: Flash new firmware:

# Download firmware
cd /tmp && curl -L http://downloads.openwrt.org/releases/22.03.2/targets/mediatek/mt7622/openwrt-22.03.2-mediatek-mt7622-xiaomi_redmi-router-ax6s-squashfs-factory.bin

# SCP it to the router
scp openwrt-22.03.2-mediatek-mt7622-xiaomi_redmi-router-ax6s-squashfs-factory.bin root@192.168.31.1:/tmp

# Validate checksum

ssh root@192.168.31.1
cd /tmp
sha256sum openwrt-22.03.2-mediatek-mt7622-xiaomi_redmi-router-ax6s-squashfs-factory.bin
curl -Ls https://downloads.openwrt.org/releases/22.03.2/targets/mediatek/mt7622/sha256sums | grep -i factory | grep -i xiaomi

# Set NVRAM flags
## Run also first commented two lines if after flashing sysupgrade.bin image router restarts to stock firmware instead of OpenWRT
# nvram set flag_boot_rootfs=0
# nvram set "boot_fw1=run boot_rd_img;bootm"
nvram set flag_boot_success=1
nvram set flag_try_sys1_failed=0
nvram set flag_try_sys2_failed=0
nvram commit

# Flash image
mtd -r write openwrt-22.03.2-mediatek-mt7622-xiaomi_redmi-router-ax6s-squashfs-factory.bin firmware

Once done, the router should reboot automatically. The new IP for the web GUI is 192.168.1.1. You can login with browser (default password is blank), don't forget to set password