How to find out your Wi-Fi router's version: from the sticker to the command line

A Wi-Fi router's version isn't just a string of numbers on the case. It determines firmware compatibility and support for new standards. Wi-Fi 6/6E, maximum connection speed and even resistance to vulnerabilities such as Krack or FragAttacks. For example, TP-Link Archer C7 v2 And v5 are identical in appearance, but the first one only supports Wi-Fi 4 (300 Mbps), and the second one is Wi-Fi 5 (867 Mbps). Without the exact version, you risk downloading the wrong firmware, which could brick your device.

The problem is that manufacturers often release the same model in 3-7 revisions, changing only the internal components (chipset, memory, antennas). However, only the base model is indicated on the box and in the documentation—for example, ASUS RT-AX55, although in reality you may have RT-AX55 V2 with a different processor. In this article, we'll cover all the ways to determine the exact router version, including hidden methods for devices without stickers or with a damaged interface.

1. The fastest way: a sticker on the router body

On 90% of routers, the version is indicated on the factory sticker, usually located on the bottom panel. Look for markings like:

• 🔍 Model: TL-WR841N v12 (at TP-Link)
• 🔍 RT-AC66U_B1 Rev. A1 (at ASUS)
• 🔍 KN-1010 HW: 1.2 (at Keenetic)
• 🔍 DIR-825 B1 (at D-Link)

If the sticker is worn off or missing, check:

• 📦 The router box — the version is often duplicated on the barcode label.
• 📄 Warranty card or instructions - in some models (for example, Zyxel Keenetic) the version is indicated on the first page.
• 🖨️ Check or invoice — in online orders, the version can be specified in the article number (for example, MI-R3G-V2 For Xiaomi Mi Router 3G).

⚠️ Attention: Some brands (eg. Mercusys or Tenda) the version can be designated by letters - MR60 vA or AC10U EUThis is not a hardware revision, but a regional modification (EU - Europe, RU - Russia, US - USA). The digital version is important for flashing (v1, v2).

2. Via the router's web interface: where to look for the version

If the sticker is unavailable, logging into the admin panel is the most reliable option. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi, then:

1. Open your browser and enter the following in the address bar:
   • 🌐 192.168.0.1 (For TP-Link, D-Link, Tenda)
   • 🌐 192.168.1.1 (For ASUS, Zyxel, Mercusys)
   • 🌐 my.keenetic.net (For Keenetic)

If there is no explicit version indication in the interface, try:

• 🔎 Find a section Status or System Log — sometimes the version is written in the logs during loading.
• 🔎 Export settings (for example, to TP-Link: Advanced → System Tools → Backup & Restore). In the configuration file (.cfg or .bin) may be a string with a version.

3. Mobile apps: convenient, but not always accurate

Router manufacturers release official apps that automatically detect the device's model and version. The advantage of this method is that you don't need to search for stickers or navigate the web interface. However, there are some caveats:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether - shows the version in the section Device → Information, but sometimes it only displays the base model (eg Archer C20 without v4).
• 📱 ASUS Router - the version is indicated in Settings → System, but for older models (for example, RT-N12) may not be displayed.
• 📱 Keenetic — in the application the version is indicated as Hardware revision (For example, HW: 1.3).
• 📱 Mi Wi-Fi (For Xiaomi) - version hidden in About the device → Hardware version, but is often absent in clones.

The problem with mobile apps is that they may not support outdated models. For example, D-Link DIR-300 or Tenda N301 They simply won't appear in newer versions of the app. In this case, use the web interface.

⚠️ Attention: Third party applications (eg. WiFi Analyzer or Fing) determine only router model, but not its hardware version. This data is useless for flashing or repairing.

4. Command line: for advanced users

If the router supports Telnet or SSHYou can check the version via the command line. This method is useful if the web interface is blocked or damaged. Instructions:

1. Activate Telnet/SSH in the router settings (usually in the section Administration → System or Security).
2. Connect via the program PuTTY (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS):

   ssh admin@192.168.1.1

   Enter the same password as for the web interface.

3. Run one of the commands (depending on the firmware):

   cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep "machine"
   dmesg | grep "Hardware"
   nvram get hardware_version

Output examples:

• For TP-Link: machine: TL-WR841N v14
• For ASUS: Hardware: RT-AC68U Rev. A2
• For OpenWRT: hw.revision=0x102 → v2 (need to be decoded according to documentation).

If the command line is not available, try connecting via serial console (requires opening the case and special equipment). This method is used to restore bricked routers.

5. By MAC address: a rare but working method

Each router is assigned a unique MAC address, which can be used to determine the model and sometimes the version. This method is suitable if you don't have access to the device itself (for example, if the router is installed in another city).

How does this work:

1. Find out the MAC address of your router:
   • 🖥️ On Windows: ipconfig /all → search Default Gateway And Physical Address.
   • 🐧 On Linux/macOS: arp -a or ifconfig.
   • 📱 In a mobile app (for example, Fing): scan the network and find the gateway MAC.

B0:48:7A:xx:xx:xx → Archer C7 v2
9C:97:26:xx:xx:xx → TL-WR841N v13

The downside of this method is that not all brands publish such tables. For example, ASUS And Keenetic do not bind versions to MAC addresses, so the method only works for TP-Link, D-Link and parts of models Tenda.

6. Alternative methods: when nothing helps

If your router won't turn on, the sticker is worn off, and the web interface is inaccessible, try:

• 🔧 Disassemble the case - there is often a version marking on the board (look for the inscriptions PCB: v1.2 or HW: 3.0 next to the processor).
• 📦 Find the original box - on some models (for example, Netis) the version is indicated on the label with a barcode in the format WL-XXXXXX/XX V2.
• 🛒 Check your receipt or purchase history - in online stores (for example, AliExpress, DNS) the version can be indicated in the article number or product description.
• 📷 Take a photo of your router and use image search (Google Lens, Yandex.Images) - sometimes this way you can find an exact match with the specified version.

For routers without obvious markings (for example, operator models from Rostelecom or Beeline) the version may be embedded in the firmware. In this case:

1. Download the firmware for the intended model from the official website.
2. Open the file .bin or .trx in a text editor (for example, Notepad++ or HxD).
3. Look for lines with hw_version or board_id - they may contain a version.

⚠️ Attention: Some operator routers (for example, Sagemcom F@st from Dom.ru) have unique versions that don't match the retail models. In this case, you'll need to use the files provided by your provider for flashing the firmware.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about router versions