How to Install OpenWRT IMG on a QNAP: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to install OpenWRT IMG on QNAP with this step-by-step guide. Turn your NAS into a powerful router, firewall, or VPN server.

You’re probably here because your QNAP NAS is either collecting dust or working hard as a basic storage solution, and now you’re wondering if it can do more. Maybe you’re curious about OpenWRT and dreaming of turning your NAS into a powerful router, firewall, or VPN server. Or perhaps you’re dealing with inventory management challenges and wondering if your NAS could make your workflow smoother. Don’t worry, I’ve been there too. Let me walk you through the possibilities.

Why I Installed OpenWRT on My QNAP (And Why You Might Want To)

I’ve always liked taking things apart to see how they work. I’m the kind of person who skips the user manual and starts experimenting right away, even if it voids the warranty!

So, one day, I was looking at my old QNAP TS-231P and thought, ‘This thing has a better processor than my router. Why not make it do both jobs as a NAS and a router?’

That’s how I discovered OpenWRT.

OpenWRT is like the ultimate tool for customizing routers. It’s open-source, modular, and crazy flexible. When you combine it with the solid hardware of a QNAP NAS, you can create a setup that’s way better than most store-bought routers.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, I spent a whole weekend troubleshooting and almost bricked the thing a few times. But in the end, it was worth the effort. Now, my QNAP runs OpenWRT and works as both a NAS and a smart router with advanced features like custom firewall rules, VPNs, and network monitoring. If you’re interested, I can show you how to do it without all the headaches I went through.

Who This Guide Is For

• Tinkerers who want more from their hardware.
• Network admins or power users seeking a flexible firewall/router solution.
• DIY enthusiasts repurposing old tech to save money.
• OpenWRT fans exploring new deployments beyond traditional routers.

If you’re comfortable with SSH, the command line, and a bit of risk, this guide is your roadmap.

Why Install OpenWRT on a QNAP?

Let’s get one thing straight, QNAP didn’t design their NAS devices to be routers. But that’s exactly what makes this fun. If you’re like me, you want more control over your network than your ISP router or even most consumer-grade devices allow.

Unlocking Potential

QNAP devices, especially those with ARM or Intel processors, are built with decent specs, dual-core or quad-core CPUs, decent RAM, multiple Ethernet ports. That’s better hardware than most $150 routers.

Advanced Networking Features

With OpenWRT, you can:

• Set up VLANs to segment your network.
• Run a WireGuard VPN server.
• Block ads network-wide with DNS filtering.
• Monitor traffic with real-time graphs.
• Customize firewall rules at a granular level.

It’s like giving your QNAP a second life, one that’s smarter, leaner, and more secure.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

This isn’t plug-and-play. You’ll need to roll up your sleeves and prep like a pro.

A Supported QNAP Model

Not every QNAP device is OpenWRT-compatible. You’ll want to check the OpenWRT Table of Hardware or community forums. Generally, older ARM-based models or those with Marvell/AL-214/Intel chips have more community support.

For Example: I used a QNAP TS-231P. Compatibility was limited, but thanks to forum discussions, I found a working image.

An OpenWRT Firmware Image

Head to https://openwrt.org and grab the .img file specific to your QNAP model. Don’t guess, flashing the wrong image can brick your device. Cross-check checksums for file integrity using:

sha256sum openwrt-yourmodel.img

Essential Tools

• A PC or laptop with an SSH client (I recommend Termius or PuTTY)
• USB drive (FAT32 or EXT4 formatted)
• SCP or TFTP client (for file transfer)
• Optional but recommended: USB-to-TTL serial adapter (helps if things go south)

Backups

This is non-negotiable. Back up everything on your QNAP, even if you think you’ll never need it again. I once skipped this step and lost a week’s worth of home surveillance footage. Lesson learned.

Preparing for the Flash: Firmware and Tools

Before diving in, let’s prep the essentials.

Step 1: Format and Load USB

• Format your USB drive as FAT32 (or EXT4 if OpenWRT requires it).
• Copy the .img file to the root directory.

Alternatively, if your QNAP is already running Linux and you’re SSHing into it, you can use scp:

scp openwrt-yourmodel.img root@192.168.1.100:/tmp

Step 2: Verify the Image Again

Redundant? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely. Corrupted files during transfer are more common than you think.

Accessing QNAP’s Bootloader

This step varies between models, but here’s the general approach.

Method A: Serial Console Access (Recommended)

This is the approach I took.

1. Open your QNAP.
2. Locate the UART interface, usually near the motherboard edge.
3. Connect your USB-to-TTL serial adapter (use 3.3V logic).
4. Use a terminal app like minicom or screen:

screen /dev/ttyUSB0 115200

You should see boot logs flying by.

Method B: SSH (If Already Running Linux)

Some models allow SSH access out-of-the-box. If so, you can skip the serial console and run commands directly after transferring the .img file.

Flashing the OpenWRT IMG: The Heart of the Journey

Warning: This step is irreversible unless you know how to recover a bricked device.

Step 1: Boot into Recovery Mode

For most QNAPs:

• Power off.
• Hold the reset button.
• Power on while holding reset for 10–15 seconds.

Watch the serial output. When you see the bootloader prompt (often U-Boot>), you’re in.

Step 2: Load the Image via TFTP or USB

If using TFTP:

setenv ipaddr 192.168.1.1

setenv serverip 192.168.1.2

tftpboot 0x800000 openwrt.img

If from USB:

usb start

fatload usb 0:1 0x800000 openwrt.img

Step 3: Flash It

nand erase.part firmware

nand write 0x800000 firmware <size>

Replace <size> with the image size in hex (e.g., 0x800000 for 8MB).

Then reboot:

reset

You’ll hold your breath here. I did.

Post-Install Setup: Breathing Life into OpenWRT

After rebooting, connect your PC to the QNAP via Ethernet.

• Set your PC to a static IP in 192.168.1.x.
• Open a browser and go to http://192.168.1.1.

You should see the LuCI interface, OpenWRT’s web UI.

Initial Setup

• Set root password.
• Configure LAN/WAN interfaces.
• Install luci, wireguard, openvpn, or any packages you need.

I immediately installed adblock, banIP, and SQM for bandwidth shaping.

Troubleshooting: Because It’s Not Always Smooth Sailing

I wish I could say the install went perfectly, but it didn’t.

Problem: Bricked Device

During one attempt, the device wouldn’t boot. No lights, no response. I almost gave up. But thanks to the serial console, I recovered it by re-flashing the stock QNAP firmware via USB.

Problem: No Web Interface

If 192.168.1.1 doesn’t load:

• Check your PC’s IP/subnet.
• Try pinging 192.168.1.1.
• Use nmap to scan local IPs.
• SSH in: ssh root@192.168.1.1

Problem: No Internet

You might need to manually configure the WAN interface. Set it to DHCP or PPPoE based on your ISP.

Tips from Someone Who Bricked and Recovered

• Always keep a USB-to-TTL adapter around.
• Never flash without verifying checksums.
• Print recovery steps and keep them nearby.
• Join the OpenWRT forum and search your QNAP model. That community saved me multiple times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I revert to QNAP firmware?

Yes. Download the factory image from QNAP’s site and flash via USB or recovery mode.

Will this void my warranty?

Absolutely. But if you’re reading this, you probably don’t care.

Is it safe to use as a router?

If configured correctly, it’s often more secure than stock firmware.

Can I run both QNAP OS and OpenWRT?

Not simultaneously. Dual-boot is possible with advanced partitioning and scripting, but it’s complex.

Key Takings

• Transformed a NAS into a lean, efficient all-in-one network hub. 
• No black-box firmware, no vendor lock-in, no risk of abandoned updates. 
• Compatible with QNAP devices, requires some prep, backups, and patience. 
• OpenWRT on QNAP delivers full control and satisfaction. 

This guide is all about my personal experience installing OpenWRT on a QNAP TS-231P. I’ve spent countless hours digging through forums, trying out different builds, and fixing errors so you don’t have to. I’m not connected to OpenWRT or QNAP, I’m just a big fan of open-source tech and finding new ways to breathe life into older hardware.