Quick Install for OpenWRT (SSH)
š¦Ā Not running OpenWRT? - Check out the PiFi Kit or download guide instead.
Before we begin:
Welcome OpenWRT user š
This project is a testament to what is possible with the incredible open-source OpenWRT community and I canāt wait for you to try it out.
Compared with vanilla OpenWRT, PiFi builds have support for a simple-to-use app and improved Wireguard, OpenVPN, Network Storage and preloaded AdGuard Home.
It also features out-of-the-box hardware optimisations including LED VPN indicators, USB-to-ethernet adapter support, auto-mounting drives, SD card storage, fan support and drivers for the PiFi AC1300Mpbs USB WiFi adapter which has up to 8x faster wireless performance vs internal WiFi on Pi 4b.
I hope you enjoy this highly optimised OpenWRT-based experience for Raspberry Pi and I look forward to reading your feedback and seeing participation on the PiFi community forum. Itās a pleasure to have you here.
Paul (Creator of PiFi)
Quick Tips:
Quick tips: PiFi uses the ethernet port on Raspberry Pi as WAN by default. The default IP on PiFi is 192.168.3.14. The OpenWRT/admin password is set via the PiFi app during first install.
Important: š„Ā On PiFi - a red/orange LED on Raspberry Pi means VPN is off, and after booting a green LED suggests VPN is enabled. This differs from the usual LED pattern, particularly on Raspberry Pi 5 which suggests itās in āshutdown stateā. So red/orange LED is nothing to worry about
1. Download the PiFi App
To start download the PiFi app. Visit pifi.org/app on your phone or if youāre already on your phone, tap the links below:
- iPhone & iPad: AppĀ Store āPiFi - Router for Raspberry Pi
- Android: GooglePlay PiFi - Router for Raspberry Pi - Apps on Google Play
2. Connect to SSH in Terminal
ā ļøĀ Installing this will erase your current OpenWRT installation so if you want to make a backup or take a note of your
opkg list-installed
, now is the time to do that! If youāre not sure how to use SSH on OpenWRT see here
SSH Command for Raspberry Pi 4:
This command is currently being updated - You can find the system upgrade version at pifi.org/pi4 to be installed via LuCI or the regular firmware at pifi.org/downloads
SSH Command for Raspberry Pi 5
This command is currently being updated - You can find the system upgrade version at pifi.org/pi5 to be installed via LuCI or the regular firmware at pifi.org/downloads
3. Connect in WiFi Settings
After 60 - 90 seconds it should show in WiFi Settings
- Allow up to up to 3 minutes for PiFi to install on your Raspberry Pi (the Pi may turn on or Pi may reboot during install)
- After three minutes, open WiFi Settings on the same smartphone / device where you installed the PiFi app in step one
- Allow it a few moments for the networks on your device to refresh
- You should see PiFi 4 Setup (if using Raspberry Pi 4) or PiFi 5 Setup (if using Raspberry Pi 5)
- Tap that network to connect to PiFi and enter the default password:
7. Open the PiFi app š
You should now be all set - just tap āGet Startedā and follow the on-screen steps. If you need help with using the PiFi in-app features check our the PiFi documentation for help, tips and tutorials.
Optional: Help & Support
If you run into issues, see our troubleshooting docs and if you canāt find the answer there, ask the PiFi community for help