1 Required Tools

• BalenaEtcher — Download here
• OpenWRT IMG Image — Download from the iKOOLCORE Download Center
• External SSD Enclosure (NVMe Protocol) — e.g. this RTL9210B adapter
• Target SSD
• Computer (Windows/macOS/Linux with available USB ports)

2 Steps to Follow

1. Install BalenaEtcher

1. Visit the BalenaEtcher website and download the installer for your operating system.
2. Install and launch BalenaEtcher to ensure it runs properly.

2. Connect the SSD

1. Insert the target hard drive into the external enclosure and ensure a secure connection.
2. Connect the enclosure to your computer via USB.
3. Open Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS) to check if the SSD is recognized.
4. If the drive is unformatted, format it using exFAT or NTFS to ensure smooth writing.

3. Select the OpenWRT Image

1. Open BalenaEtcher and click "Flash from file".
2. Select the downloaded OpenWRT IMG image file.

4. Choose the Target SSD

1. Click "Select target" and choose the hard drive connected via the enclosure.
2. Double-check that you've selected the correct drive to avoid data loss!

5. Start Flashing

1. Click "Flash!" to begin writing the image.
2. Wait for the process to complete—BalenaEtcher will automatically verify the image integrity.
3. Once finished, you'll see a "Flash Complete" message.

6. Disconnect the SSD and Install It

1. After flashing is complete, safely eject the hard drive to prevent data corruption.
2. Disconnect the enclosure, remove the hard drive, and install it into your OpenWRT device.
3. Power on the device and access OpenWRT for further configuration.

3 Troubleshooting

1. BalenaEtcher Does Not Detect the SSD

• Ensure the external enclosure is properly connected and check if the drive is recognized in Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (macOS).
• Try using a different USB port or cable.
• If the drive is brand new, initialize and format it first.

2. Flashing Fails or Freezes

• Verify the integrity of the OpenWRT IMG file by redownloading it.
• Run BalenaEtcher as an administrator.
• Close any disk management or antivirus software that might be interfering.
• Try an alternative tool like Rufus or Win32 Disk Imager.

3. SSD Becomes Unusable After Flashing

• This is expected—the OpenWRT image uses a Linux partition format.
• On Windows, the drive may appear as "unformatted" or "RAW".
• To restore the drive for normal use, use Disk Management to delete all partitions and reformat it.

4. How to Change Language to English in OpenWRT

• Log in with default username root and password password.
• Navigate to System > Language and Interface.
• Change the language to auto or English.