This guide walks you through creating and restoring a full router configuration backup using the LuCI web interface. This is useful before firmware upgrades, testing configs, or migrating setups between devices.
Before You Start
- – Make sure you’re connected to your router’s web interface (LuCI)
- – Default access is usually:
- – http://192.168.8.1 (GL.iNet default)
- – or your custom LAN IP (example: 10.0.84.1)
- – Login with admin credentials
Export (Backup) Configuration
Step 1: Open LuCI
- 1. Open your browser
- 2. Navigate to your router IP
- 3. Log in
Step 2: Navigate to Backup Section
System → Backup / Flash Firmware
Step 3: Generate Backup
- 1. Click Generate Archive
- 2. A `.tar.gz` file will download to your computer
What This Backup Includes
- – Network configuration (VLANs, IPs, DHCP)
- – Firewall rules
- – Wireless settings (SSIDs, passwords)
- – Installed package configurations
- – System settings
Pro Tip
Store backups with clear names:
router-backup-YYYY-MM-DD.tar.gz
Import (Restore) Configuration
Important Warning
Restoring a backup will:
- – Overwrite current settings
- – Potentially change your router’s IP
- – Disconnect your session
Step 1: Open LuCI
Reconnect to your router and log in again if needed.
Step 2: Go to Restore Section
System → Backup / Flash Firmware
Step 3: Upload Backup File
- 1. Under **Restore backup**, click **Choose File**
- 2. Select your `.tar.gz` backup
Step 4: Restore
- 1. Click **Upload Archive**
- 2. Confirm restore when prompted
- 3. Wait for router to reboot
After Restore
- – Your router will reboot automatically
- – Reconnect using the restored IP address
- – Verify:
- – VLANs
- – Wi-Fi networks
- – Internet access
- – Custom configurations
Best Practices
- – Always create a backup before:
- – Firmware upgrades
- – Major configuration changes
- – Do not restore backups across:
- – Different firmware versions
- – Different router models
Troubleshooting
Cannot Access Router After Restore
- – Try the previous IP address
- – Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
- – Reset the router if needed
Backup Not Working Properly
- – Ensure firmware versions match
- – Avoid restoring across different hardware
Optional: CLI Backup (Advanced)
Backup:
sysupgrade -b /tmp/backup.tar.gz
Download:
scp root@192.168.8.1:/tmp/backup.tar.gz .
Restore:
sysupgrade -r backup.tar.gz
Final Thoughts
Backing up your configuration takes seconds but can save hours of rebuilding your setup. If you’re running VLANs, custom routing, or anything advanced, this should be part of your normal workflow.