After rebooting, you will see OpenWrt booting. Wait 3 minutes. Connect to 192.168.1.1 (no password on first login).
If the Telnet method fails or passwords are changed, you must attack the configuration backup.
config.xml:
Once decrypted, you have a plain XML file.
Warning: This guide assumes you know how to recover a router via serial console or JTAG. Proceed at your own risk.
You cannot flash a standard OpenWrt .bin file through the stock web interface. Huawei has signed firmware protection.
You will need:
Warning: This process voids warranties and can permanently brick your router if you interrupt power during the flash.
Instead of hunting custom firmware for HG658 v2, use it only as a modem (bridge mode) if unlocked, and put a real OpenWrt router behind it.
Steps for bridge mode (if supported):
The Huawei HG658 v2 custom firmware scene is niche but alive. OpenWrt offers a second life to this outdated ISP router, transforming it into a flexible, open-source gateway. The trade-off is losing the DSL port and needing technical skill to flash via serial console.
If you have an HG658 v2 gathering dust in a drawer, grab a USB-to-TTL adapter and give it a try. You’ll learn more about networking in one evening than years of using stock firmware. But if you just want better Wi-Fi? Buy a new router. The custom firmware journey here is for the brave, the curious, and the frugal tinkerer.
Disclaimer: Modifying your router’s firmware may violate your ISP’s terms of service. Always back up your original firmware (using the md command in U-Boot) before flashing.
Working with the Huawei HG658 V2 usually involves two paths: installing "unlocked" official firmware to remove ISP restrictions or attempting to bridge/reconfigure the device. Since this router uses a Hisilicon SD5610H chipset [17], it does not currently support mainstream third-party firmware like OpenWRT or Tomato, but you can significantly enhance its utility with these steps. 🛠️ Phase 1: Unlocking Restricted Hardware
units are distributed by ISPs (like Orange or O2) with features like VoIP or certain DNS settings locked.
Locate Unlocked Firmware: Look for the "Generic" or "Carrier-unlocked" version of the firmware (often labeled V100R001C...).
The "Admin" Trick: Once flashed, standard credentials often change. A common result is admin / admin for both username and password [22]. huawei hg658 v2 custom firmware
Reset is Key: After flashing, perform a factory reset (Maintenance > Device) to clear old ISP configurations and enable the full menu [22]. 🚀 Phase 2: Power-User Configurations
If you can't find a full "custom" ROM, you can still "mod" its behavior using these advanced settings: 1. Convert into a Wi-Fi Repeater You can repurpose an old to extend your home network without buying new gear [6].
Disable DHCP: Navigate to Basic > LAN and set DHCP Server to Disable. This prevents network conflicts with your main router [6].
Bridge the Connection: Connect a LAN cable from your primary router to one of the HG658's LAN ports.
Configure SSID: Set the Wi-Fi name and password in Basic > WLAN to match or extend your network [10]. 2. Bridge Mode for Better Performance
If you have a better router (like an ASUS or TP-Link), use the Huawei only as a modem.
Set Uplink: In the WAN settings, change the connection type to Bridge. After rebooting, you will see OpenWrt booting
Connect Your Router: Plug your new router's WAN port into the Huawei's LAN port. This stops the Huawei from handling routing tasks, which can fix "Insecure Connection" or SSL errors caused by outdated ISP certificates. ⚠️ Critical Safety Checklist
Check Hardware Version: Ensure your device is VER.B before using specific version V100R001C192B019 files [17].
Backup First: Always download your current configuration file from the Maintenance tab before flashing.
Don't Use Phone Apps: For firmware modifications, always use a wired LAN connection and the web interface at 192.168.1.1 [10]. 🔍 Where to find specific files?
Since official "custom" firmwares are rare for this specific Broadcom/Hisilicon mix, enthusiasts typically share "unlocked" .bin files on forums like:
OpenWRT Archive Forum (for boot logs and hardware specs) [22].
GitHub Huawei-LTE-mods (for general Huawei modification tools, though primarily for LTE models) [28]. Open PuTTY (115200 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
Here’s a structured guide on custom firmware for the Huawei HG658 v2.
Important note upfront: the HG658 v2 is a less common router, and custom firmware support is very limited compared to Broadcom-based models. Most efforts focus on unlocking features (e.g., full bridge mode, VPN passthrough, or ADSL stability) rather than full third-party OS replacements like OpenWrt or DD-WRT.