How to Safely Back Up and Restore OpenWrt Configuration

Once an OpenWrt configuration is stable, the first thing I usually do is create a backup.¹ It makes recovery much faster after testing packages, changing firewall rules, or upgrading firmware.

When should you create a backup?

Back up before:

• Upgrading firmware.
• Changing network, VLAN, or firewall settings.
• Installing packages that affect DNS, DHCP, or Wi-Fi.
• Moving a configuration to the same model and compatible firmware version.

A configuration backup does not replace firmware verification. A backup from one router may not be suitable for another model.

Back up with LuCI

1. Log in to LuCI.
2. Open System → Backup / Flash Firmware.
3. Under Backup, click Generate archive.
4. Download the .tar.gz file.
5. Name it with the model and date, for example openwrt-router-2026-08-27.tar.gz.

Do not keep the only copy on the router. I usually save one copy on the computer and another in a separate backup location.

Back up from the command line

Create a configuration archive with:

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sysupgrade -b /tmp/backup-openwrt.tar.gz

Then download it with SCP:

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scp [email protected]:/tmp/backup-openwrt.tar.gz .

Files in /tmp disappear after a reboot, so download the archive immediately.

Inspect the backup

Before storing it long term, list the archive contents:

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tar -tzf backup-openwrt.tar.gz

Do not publish a backup file. It may contain network identifiers, Wi-Fi keys, SSH keys, or service credentials.

Restore with LuCI

1. Open System → Backup / Flash Firmware.
2. Select the backup file under Restore backup.
3. Click Upload archive.
4. Review the changes.
5. Confirm the restore and wait for the router to reboot.

Do not remove power during the restore. If the restored configuration breaks connectivity, use Ethernet or console access to return to LuCI or SSH and correct it.

Restore from the command line

Restore an archive with:

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sysupgrade -r backup-openwrt.tar.gz

Then reboot:

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reboot

Use backups only with compatible devices. When changing models, use the old configuration as a reference and configure the new router manually instead of restoring everything.

Restore checklist

• Correct model and OpenWrt version.
• Backup opens and contains files.
• Physical or console access is available if restore fails.
• Current management IP has been recorded.
• Do not restore the entire archive when only a few settings are needed.

Conclusion

A configuration backup is small but extremely valuable once a router is stable. I create one before major changes and keep a verified copy instead of relying only on the configuration currently running on the router.

Official source