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Install via OpenWRT (SSH)

Install via OpenWRT (SSH)

Quick Install for OpenWRT (SSH)

šŸ“¦Ā Not running OpenWRT? - Check out the PiFi Kit or download guide instead.
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āš”ļø Pro Tip: Want up to 8x faster wireless performance and AP+STA support and more, check out the PiFi Kit

Before we begin:

Welcome OpenWRT user šŸ‘‹

This project is a testament to what is possible with the incredible open-source OpenWRT community and I canā€™t 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. Itā€™s 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: šŸš„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 itā€™s in ā€œshutdown 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 youā€™re already on your phone, tap the links below:

2. Connect to SSH in Terminal

āš ļøĀ 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 youā€™re not sure how to use SSH on OpenWRT see here
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Donā€™t brick your Raspberry Pi by entering the wrong command, select the correct command for your OpenWRT version for your model of Raspberry Pi below and copy/paste it into your terminal connected to OpenWRT

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

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  • 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:
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Default password: Raspberry314

7. Open the PiFi app šŸŽ‰

You should now be all set - just tap ā€˜Get 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.

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Optional: Help & Support

If you run into issues, see our troubleshooting docs and if you canā€™t find the answer there, ask the PiFi community for help