Removing Merlin from RT AX88U

[Rhyalus]

Hi - I have the RT AX88U and loved my time with Merlin. However, I am handing this router down to my daughter and I would like to load stock Asus firmware. I did some reading here - am I reading correctly that I should do a factory reset and then just flash Asus firmware?

Thanks!
R

 

[Analog-1]

No need to factory reset until after you flash the stock Asus firmware.

 

[KGB7]

Stick with Merlin firmware so your daughter can enjoy the benefits of all the latest security updates and bug fixes.

 

[Rhyalus]

Stick with Merlin firmware so your daughter can enjoy the benefits of all the latest security updates and bug fixes.

I did notice that the Asus firmware available from the website is dated March 2024. Does Merlin patch more frequently?

R

 

[Tech9]

I would also revert the router to stock condition when giving it to someone else. No need to force on them my firmware choice. Stock Asuswrt has auto firmware updates, simpler more user-friendly WebUI, full Asus App support, FAQ online if needed, Asus CS support if needed.

 

[Rhyalus]

I would also revert the router to stock condition when giving it to someone else. No need to force on them my firmware choice. Stock Asuswrt has auto firmware updates, simpler more user-friendly WebUI, full Asus App support, FAQ online if needed, Asus CS support if needed.

This was my logic...otherwise I would be her tech support.

R

 

[Tech9]

Also most younger people prefer phone App control and interaction with consumer electronics and if this is the case with your daughter or whoever will be using this device stock Asuswrt is the only option. Asuswrt-Merlin is only partially compatible with the Asus App.

 

[jerry6]

I would also revert the router to stock condition when giving it to someone else. No need to force on them my firmware choice. Stock Asuswrt has auto firmware updates, simpler more user-friendly WebUI, full Asus App support, FAQ online if needed, Asus CS support if needed.

This is one time I don't agree with you Tech , when I hand off my routers to my children it is always on Merlin , if there is an update I phone them and walk them through the update . Never did like Auto updates , you never know what you'll get

 

[Tech9]

If you are willing to accept further support job - sure. I have purchased, donated, installed, etc. multiple devices for different people through the years. Tell me what do you need, tell me how much you are willing to pay - here is the device, here is the user manual for it. The only place I support remotely is my parents' house and because it's quite far on another continent - all Cisco equipment with dual ISP.

 

[Analog-1]

The only place I support remotely is my parents' house and because it's quite far on another continent

Where are you ?

 

[Tech9]

Where are you ?

Is this question Asuswrt or Asuswrt-Merlin related?

 

[KGB7]

I did notice that the Asus firmware available from the website is dated March 2024. Does Merlin patch more frequently?

R

Ummm... yeah! Thats the whole point and has been discussed extensively here.

 

[KGB7]

I would also revert the router to stock condition when giving it to someone else. No need to force on them my firmware choice. Stock Asuswrt has auto firmware updates, simpler more user-friendly WebUI, full Asus App support, FAQ online if needed, Asus CS support if needed.

It is a stock firmware but better.

 

[Tech9]

It is a stock firmware but better.

No, it isn't stock Asuswrt and what is better or worse depends on the use case.

 

[sfx2000]

This is one time I don't agree with you Tech , when I hand off my routers to my children it is always on Merlin , if there is an update I phone them and walk them through the update . Never did like Auto updates , you never know what you'll get

All are making valid points here - with AsusWRT-RMerlin, there is support here, and a community behind it.

With the factory firmware, if there are issues, Asus is there to support things with their firmware, and won't be inclined to assist with third-party builds. For many users, the factory firmware is "good enough" for most folks - e.g. it's a firewall, it does the NAT thing, and it's stable and just runs for the most part.

The RMerlin builds are a significant value addition for some - and the extended capabilities that Eric offers, along with the third party community support with Entware and the scripts, this extends the platform, but to be honest, the average user likely doesn't need the added capability _unless_ they want to explore...

If I were to hand over an Asus device, I would flash it with factory, and reset it, so it's like out of the box - once they're set up and running, one can have a conversation about the RMerlin builds, and the person can make their own decisions based on the pro's and con's...

 

[M75]

Agree with @sfx2000 , unless the taking over party knows about Merlin, better to stick back as stock especially for family members. We know them better than anyone else, stock will be the safest for them. We should not let them learn running without them learn walking.

 

[KGB7]

No, it isn't stock Asuswrt and what is better or worse depends on the use case.

I don't believe you.

 

[jerry6]

Agree with @sfx2000 , unless the taking over party knows about Merlin, better to stick back as stock especially for family members. We know them better than anyone else, stock will be the safest for them. We should not let them learn running without them learn walking.

using as a basic router there is not much to learn , I set it up bring it to them they plug it in and it runs . The only thing left is updates once in a while , which is not that difficult there is nothing that different on Merlin FW IN 30 years I have yet to have any problems They never go into the router GUI unless there is an update and from years of experience there have been zero problems with Merlin updates . Asus not sure about their updates

 

[Kingp1n]

No, it isn't stock Asuswrt and what is better or worse depends on the use case.

It's definitely for the better when compared to stock fw.

 

[Tech9]

I don't believe you.

Do you believe the author of Asuswrt-Merlin?

Release - Asuswrt-Merlin 386.13 / 386.13_2 is now available for AC models

EDIT: 26-April-2024 386.13_2 has been released for the RT-AC86U and GT-AC2900, addressing a security issue in IPSEC (which isn't supported by the other Wifi 5 models). Changes since 386.13_0: 386.13_2 (26-Apr-2024) - NOTE: This release is only available for the RT-AC86U and...

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