> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.hak5.org/wifi-pineapple-pager/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.hak5.org/wifi-pineapple-pager/firmware-recovery.md).
# Firmware Recovery
### Firmware recovery
For almost all situations, a factory reset should be sufficient for recovering a device.
However, if a factory reset is not possible, or a flash error occurs such that a device can not be upgraded or booted to the factory recovery screen, the WiFi Pineapple Pager also includes a very low-level firmware recovery system.
### Performing a firmware recovery flash
To perform a firmware recovery flash you will need a desktop or laptop computer, a data capable USB-C cable, and a copy of the WiFi Pineapple Pager firmware downloaded from [the Hak5 Download Portal](https://downloads.hak5.org/pineapple/pineapplepagrer); the firmware recovery process can not be performed over Wi-Fi.
The firmware recovery process will take approximately 15 minutes.
1. Download the desired firmware from [the Hak5 Download Portal](https://downloads.hak5.org/pineapple/pineapplepager). While we always recommend installing the latest WiFi Pineapple Pager firmware, older versions may be installed if desired.
2. Ensure the WiFi Pineapple Pager is powered off
3. Hold down the ‘A’ button (green)
4. Power on the WiFi Pineapple Pager by pressing the power button on the top of the unit for approximately 3 seconds, *keeping the ‘A’ button held down*
5. The green LED on the ‘A’ button will blink slowly. Continue holding down the ‘A’ button.
6. The green LED will blink slowly 5 times, then blink rapidly.
7. The WiFi Pineapple Pager screen will remain blank. This is normal.
8. Release the ‘A’ button
9. Connect the WiFi Pineapple Pager to a PC or laptop using a data-capable USB-C cable
10. Using a browser on your computer or laptop, navigate to the firmware recovery page at [http://172.16.52.1](http://172.16.52.1/). Note that this URL is `http` *not* `https`. It may be necessary in some browsers to explicitly specify `http://172.16.52.1` as the address.
11. Use the firmware recovery page to upload the firmware file you downloaded, then click the install button.
{% hint style="warning" %}
*Make sure that you have selected a firmware for the WiFi Pineapple Pager*. Firmware for other devices *can not be successfully installed on the WiFi Pineapple Pager* and *will not function*.\
\
Installing firmware for another device *may render your WiFi Pineapple Pager unbootable*.
{% endhint %}
While the firmware update is installing, the red and green LEDs will blink. *DO NOT* power off or disconnect your WiFi Pineapple Pager during the flashing process. The WiFi Pineapple Pager will reboot automatically once the firmware reinstall is complete.
The firmware recovery process will take approximately 15 minutes.
During the firmware recovery procedure, the WiFi Pineapple Pager screen will remain blank - this is normal. The low level firmware recovery system does not have the resources to draw to the screen.
### Firmware recovery and storage
The factory reset process erases both the boot flash and the expanded eMMC storage (used for `/root`, downloaded themes, collected loot, handshakes, etc). The *firmware recovery process* only rewrites the *boot flash* device.
If you are planning to sell or otherwise transfer your device, or want to ensure that all data is wiped after a firmware recovery, you must *then perform a factory reset*.
---
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