ASUS RT-AX86U how to restore firmware in rescue mode
When a firmware upgrade failed and the Power LED flashes slowly. The Firmware Restoration utility is not supported on MAC OS.
Steps
- Unplug the router from the power source.
- Hold the Reset button on the rear panel and plug the router back in. Release the button when the Power LED on the front panel flashes slowly.
- On the computer, set a static IP address 192.168.1.x with the subnet mask 255.255.255.0.
- Start the Firmware Restoration utility from Start > All Programs > ASUS Utility > Wireless Router.
- Choose the firmware file and click Upload.
The upload takes about three to four minutes. Use the utility only on a router that failed during a firmware upgrade, not for normal upgrades.
Source: 5.2 Firmware Restoration Source: 5.2 Firmware Restoration, pp. 93, 94
Used for
- Power LED blinking: The router is in rescue mode.
Other RT-AX86U procedures
- How to restore the router to factory defaultsWhen you want to erase the router settings, or forgot the SSID, the network password or the login.
- How to update the firmwareWhen you want to check for or install new router firmware.
- How to connect a device with WPSWhen a device supports WPS and you want it on the Wi-Fi without typing the password.
- How to change the Wi-Fi name and passwordWhen you want a new wireless network name (SSID) or password.
- How to switch the router to Access Point modeWhen you want the router to create a new wireless network on an existing network.
Sources
- User Guide, RT-AX86U Wireless-AX5700 Dual-band Gigabit Router. ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Document E17317, revision First Edition, September 2020, 2020-09, 127 pages, en-US. dlcdnets.asus.com (PDF). Listed on the manufacturer's support page. Retrieved 13 November 2026.
Page numbers are the numbers printed in the manual. Where this page and the manual differ, follow the manual.