Firmware 6.1 is a major upgrade that adds significant functionality to your router. This firmware is free for devices running Firmware 6.X and for devices under warranty. If you are running Firmware 5.X, you will need a firmware key to upgrade to 6.1.
This document is designed to walk you through the firmware upgrade process. Please follow the instructions that best match your situation:
- Running Firmware 5.x, unsure of warranty status: step 1
- Running Firmware 5.x with a warrantied device: steps 1 and 3
- Running Firmware 5.x with an out-of-warranty device: steps 1, 2, and 3
- Running Firmware 6.x on Balance 2500, MAX On-The-Go, MAX BR1, or Surf SOHO: step 3
Step 1: Check Your Warranty Status and Obtain Firmware Key
Step 2: Purchase Device Warranty
Step 3: Update Firmware and Unlock
Check Your Warranty Status and Obtain Firmware Key
InControl 2 is used here as a convenient way to check your warranty status and obtain your firmware key. Managing your devices using InControl 2 is completely optional. You can toggle InControl 2 management in your device firmware by navigating to System > InControl and clicking Managed by InControl Server.
Navigate to incontrol2.peplink.com. From there, you can either create an account by signing into Google or by manually entering your information. You have full control over the information you enter, here is a link to our privacy policy.
On the next two screens, specify your organization and group information. Please note that your organization name cannot be changed after it has been entered.
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Afterwards, add the serial number(s) of the device(s) you want to check. After clicking the Add Devices button, you will reach the device summary.
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Each device will appear differently depending on its warranty status:
Out of Warranty
The letters “Warranty Expired” will appear in red under your device name. To upgrade to Firmware 6.1, please purchase warranty for your device. On a working day, please allow several hours after payment completion for the warranty to go into effect. For instructions on obtaining warranty, please refer to step 2 of this guide.
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In Warranty
If the red “Warranty Expired” label does not appear, then your device is in warranty. Click on the device to access your firmware key.
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You can paste this key onto your device’s lock screen when you upgrade the device to Firmware 6.1. Please go to step 3 to complete the upgrade. Please note that the Balance 2500, the MAX On-The-Go, the MAX BR1, and the Surf SOHO do not require firmware unlock keys, simply upload the firmware to upgrade.
Purchase Device Warranty
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InControl 2 Warranty Requirements
As long as your device is in warranty, you can manage it through InControl 2.
- If your device is in a warranty that is about to expire, simply extend your warranty to continue your InControl 2 coverage. This warranty renewal cycle can go on for as long as you need it to.
- For devices that are out of warranty, you will need to purchase a Smartcare or Totalcare warranty package.
Warranty Purchase Procedure
Click this link and choose the correct warranty(ies) for your device(s). Please click continue to proceed.
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Once you have specified your delivery and payment addresses, you will reach a confirmation screen. To avoid processing delays, please include the serial number(s) of your device(s) in the comments section.
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The status of your devices will update in a couple of hours if payment is completed on a working day. Otherwise, the device status will update on the next working day.
Update Firmware and Unlock
For firmware release notes, please click here. Download the correct firmware for your device:
Important Notes:
- A firmware unlock key will be required. Please ensure your device is in warranty before proceeding.
- The Captive Portal of Firmware 6.1 does not currently support Guest Account Mode. Support for this feature will resume in the future.
Balance
- Balance 20, 30 (Balance 30 hardware revision 2, click here for details)
- Balance 210, 310, hardware revision 2 and 3 , (click here for details)
- Balance 305, 380, 390, 580, 700, 710, 1350
- Balance 2500 *
MAX
Surf SOHO
* These models do not require a firmware unlock key, simply navigate to System > Firmware. Click Choose File and click Manual Upgrade.
Open your router’s web-UI. Navigate to System > Firmware. Click Choose File to indicate where you have downloaded your file, and then click Manual Upgrade. If the upgrade was succesful, then the router will reset and the following lock screen will appear.
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Copy the firmware key from that device’s page on InControl 2, and paste it onto the empty field.
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Congratulations, your device is succesfully running Firmware 6.1!
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