[IMPORTANT] Asuswrt-Merlin 380.59 and older not compatible with Asus 3.0.0.4.380_3000 or newer

[RMerlin]

Routers running the recent Asuswrt releases (starting with around version 3.0.0.4.380_3000) do NOT allow flashing any older firmware. This includes Asuswrt-Merlin 380.59 or older, which were released prior to these new versions.

This is due to Asus changing the firmware verification system due to legal requirements. It's mentioned on their firmware changelog, as well as in this sticky post they made.

Starting with 380.61, you can once again directly flash on top of Asus's newer releases.

 

[RMerlin]

People who cannot wait, you can currently run these alpha builds which can be flashed on top of a new restricted firmware. However they are pre-beta builds, quality can vary over time, and no support is provided for them.

 

[RMerlin]

Beta releases can be found here for some models, but once again, there's still no ETA concerning a final release.

 

[RMerlin]

Alpha release 380.61 is available for the other models not supported by the 380.60 beta:

http://www.snbforums.com/threads/alpha-preview-builds-for-asuswrt-merlin-380-61.33718/

 

[RMerlin]

380.61 final is now available for all models, and is fully compatible with Asus's new validation system (i.e. you can flash it directly on top of new Asus firmwares).

 

[RMerlin]

Un-sticking this, as 380.61 has been available for a while now, and is the recommend version for all router models. Downgrade information are provided both on the Wiki and in the Changelog.