Quick Install for OpenWRT (SSH)

📦 Not running OpenWRT? - Check out the PiFi Kit or download guide instead.

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⚡️ 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 👋

This project is a testament to what is possible with the incredible open-source OpenWRT community and I can’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. It’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: 🚥 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 it’s in “shutdown state”. 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 you’re already on your phone, tap the links below:

iPhone & iPad: App Store ‎PiFi - Router for Raspberry Pi
Android: GooglePlay PiFi - Router for Raspberry Pi - Apps on Google Play

2. Connect to SSH in Terminal

⚠️ 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 you’re not sure how to use SSH on OpenWRT see here

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Don’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

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 🎉

You should now be all set - just tap ‘Get Started’ 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 can’t find the answer there, ask the PiFi community for help

Quick Install for OpenWRT (SSH)
Before we begin:
Quick Tips:
1. Download the PiFi App
2. Connect to SSH in Terminal
SSH Command for Raspberry Pi 4:
SSH Command for Raspberry Pi 5
3. Connect in WiFi Settings
7. Open the PiFi app 🎉
Optional: Help & Support

Install via OpenWRT (SSH)