---
url: http://sergiogimenez.com/posts/2026/openwrt-cudy-w3000-v1/
date: 2026-02-12
tags: [openwrt, cudy, wr3000, router]
---

# How to Install OpenWrt on the Cudy WR3000 (v1 Retail)


# How to Install OpenWrt on the Cudy WR3000 (v1 Retail)

The Cudy WR3000 is a fantastic budget router for OpenWrt (MediaTek Filogic 820 chipset). In fact I'm surprised how the people from Cudy makes so easy to install OpenWrt. They even provide the openwrt firmware from it website. Honestly, this is how hardware should be.

So installing OpenWrt is pretty straightforward, but we need some considerations.

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## ⚠️ Important Prerequisites

### 1. Check Your Hardware Version

Flip your router over and check the **Serial Number (S/N)** on the sticker.

* **Safe Zone:** If your S/N is **lower than** `2543...` (e.g., `2536...`), you have the standard v1 hardware. **This guide is for you.**
* **Danger Zone:** If your S/N starts with `2543` or higher (manufactured Nov 2025+), you have the "New Flash" revision. *Do not use this guide; you need specific updated firmware to avoid bricking.*

### 2. Use Ethernet

Do not attempt this over Wi-Fi. Connect your PC to a **LAN** port on the router.

---

## Phase 1: Preparation & Downloads

You need two specific files. Do not mix them up.

### File A: The "Unlocker" (Intermediate Firmware)

This is a Cudy-signed OpenWrt image that bridges the gap between stock software and official OpenWrt.

1. Go to the [Cudy OpenWrt Download Page](https://www.cudy.com/blogs/faq/openwrt-software-download) and open their **Google Drive link**.
2. Navigate to the folder: `OpenWrt Firmware` -> `WR3000+v1 without recovery TFTP`.
    * *Note: Ignore folders labeled WR3000E, WR3000P, WR3000S. These are for ISP/Enterprise models.*
3. Download the **Zip file** inside this folder.
4. **Extract the zip.** You will see a `.bin` file approximately **9.5MB** in size.
    * *Confusing Name Warning:* Cudy often names this file `...sysupgrade.bin` even though it is used as the factory installation image. If it came from the Cudy Drive folder mentioned above, **this is the correct file for Step 1.**

### File B: The "Real" OpenWrt (Official Stable)

This is the clean, official release that you actually want to run.

1. Go to the [OpenWrt Firmware Selector](https://firmware-selector.openwrt.org/).
2. Search for **Cudy WR3000 v1**.
3. Select **Version 23.05.5** (or the latest **Stable** release).
4. Download the **Sysupgrade Image** (filename ends in `...sysupgrade.bin`).

---

## Phase 2: The Installation

### Step 1: Flash the "Unlocker"

1. Log into the default Cudy Web UI (usually `http://192.168.10.1`).
2. Go to **Advanced Settings** > **System** > **Firmware Upgrade**.
3. Upload **File A** (The 9.5MB extracted file from Cudy's Drive).
4. Wait for the install. The router will reboot.

### Step 2: Access the Temporary OpenWrt

Once the router reboots, your PC IP address will change (likely to the `192.168.1.x` range).

1. Open your browser to `http://192.168.1.1`.
2. Login:
    * **User:** `root`
    * **Password:** (none/empty)
3. You are now in the "Intermediate" snapshot. **Do not stop here.** This version is often outdated, incomplete, or unstable.

### Step 3: Flash the Official Stable Version

1. In the OpenWrt interface (LuCI), go to **System** > **Backup / Flash Firmware**.
2. Scroll down to the section **"Flash new firmware image"**.
3. Click **"Flash image..."** and select **File B** (The official Sysupgrade file you downloaded from OpenWrt.org).
4. **CRITICAL:** Uncheck the box **"Keep settings and retain the current configuration"**.
5. Click **Flash**.

The router will reboot again (approx 2-3 minutes). You now have a clean, official OpenWrt install!