On our site there are already many instructions for flashing TP-LINK routers. Also, there is a detailed, universal instruction. You can find it in the TP-LINK category. But, as soon as the opportunity arises, I always try to make a separate page for a specific model. Updating the firmware, the procedure is not very complicated, but for many, it raises many questions. And very often, users are simply afraid to update the software of their router.
Today we will be flashing a new, expensive and powerful TP-LINK Archer C8 router. In addition, this model, like others from the Archer line (though not all), has a completely new control panel (settings page). It is already in blue tones, looks much more modern and easier to understand. In addition, this new version of the control panel is already multilingual on some models. Honestly, it is high time for TP-LINK to make one control panel for all routers, and make it necessarily with the ability to choose a language. As has already been done by many competitors. It would be cool. I think that soon such a page with settings will be on all routers.
So, this software update guide is suitable not only for TP-LINK Archer C8, but also for Archer C9, Archer C5, and other models with a "blue" web interface. Just do not forget that the firmware file must be downloaded strictly for your model and hardware version. These routers are not very cheap, and it is not worth turning them into bricks 🙂 In addition, it is hardly possible to restore them in this way.
Firmware update for TP-LINK Archer C8 router
As usual, first we need to download the firmware file itself. We download strictly from the official site, for the model of our router, and for its hardware version. The model and hardware version is indicated on the back of the router, on a sticker.
I give links to the download page for the Archer C8 model. The site says something about the region. I don't know if there is a difference, but just in case, I give a link to the Ukrainian and Russian pages (it seems to me that they are no different).
- If you bought a router in Ukraine: http://www.tp-link.ua/uk/download/Archer-C8_V1.html
- If bought in Russia: http://www.tp-linkru.com/download/Archer-C8_V1.html
Be sure to select the hardware version (how to find it, I showed it above), I have Ver: 1.
Select a version, if needed, and scroll down the page. Open the tab "Firmware", or "Firmware"... There will be a list with versions available for download. The newest will be on top. There you can see the version, release date, changes, etc. To download it, click on the link with the file name.
We save the archive to the computer.
By the way, in a note specifically to this version it was written that all the settings of the router after the firmware will be reset to factory.
Extracting the firmware from the archive
Open the downloaded archive and extract the firmware file from it in .bin format. You can move it directly to your desktop.
The preparation is over. You can go to the router.
We connect to Archer C8 via cable, and launches software update
A few important points:
1. You only need to flash the router via a network cable. You cannot update software via Wi-Fi. Disable the wireless network on the computer, if any.
2. During the firmware process, it is better not to touch anything, and in no case turn off the power of the router.
3. Also, it is advisable to make sure that you have downloaded the correct firmware file. For your model and hardware version.
So, we connect to the router using a network cable. If you were connected via Wi-Fi, then disconnect. It's better to turn off Wi-Fi altogether (turn on airplane mode, in Windows 10). It is not necessary to disconnect the cable from the WAN port.
Next, we need to go to the Archer C8 settings. To do this, open any browser and go to the address:tplinklogin.net, or 192.168.1.1... An authorization window should appear. The default username and password are admin and admin. Indicated on the back of the router. Perhaps you have changed them. We indicate them, click on the "Login" button, and get into the control panel.
In the settings, go to the "Advanced" tab on top. Next, in the left column, open "System Tools" - "Firmware Upgrade".
Click on the "Browse" button, select the firmware file through the explorer, and open it.
To start, click on the "Upgrade" button. We are waiting for the update process to complete.
Upon completion, the authorization page should appear.
By the way, in the settings of the TP-LINK Archer C9 router, there is not only the ability to select the language of the control panel (in the hardware version of V3), but there is already a firmware update via the Internet. If the opportunity arises, I will definitely write about it.
