LinITX Guide: How to Update the MikroTik LTE Modem Firmware with a Local File

After receiving questions from customers wanting to know how to update their MikroTik’s LTE Modem Firmware locally rather than through MikroTik’s FOTA (Firmware Over the Air), LinITX decided to write this guide to help customers try and update their LTE modem firmware themselves.

WARNING: Please note that LinITX assumes no responsibility for potential damage to your device. Users must meticulously follow each step of the flashing process. If you accept these terms then proceed with caution.

This guide will cover on how to update your MikroTik LTE modem’s firmware using a local file instead of downloading FOTA (Firmware Over the Air). This method unfortunately only applies to the R11e-LTE6, R11e-4G & the latest R11eL-FG621-EA.

Normally you should be able to update your MikroTik LTE Modem Firmware by updating it in Winbox/WebFig directly. However, sometimes you’d run into LTE issues where the cause is the old firmware which needs updating. How are you supposed to update your LTE Modem Firmware without a working LTE connection?

Fortunately, you are able to do this with your MikroTik device with a local file – without needing a working LTE connection. However, this only applies to R11e-LTE6, R11e-4G & FG621-EA modems and you can only go up & not downgrade. If you are using a modem that isn’t either of them then your best choice of action would be to contact MikroTik support with your issue.

Some popular MikroTik products that will work with the local update process include:

MikroTik SXT LTE6 Kit Cat6 LTE Modem – SXTR+FG621-EA

MikroTik hAP AX lite LTE6 WiFi 6 Modem Router – L41G-2axD+FG621-EA

MikroTik LHGG LTE6 Kit with Gigabit Ethernet – RBLHGGR+R11e-LTE6

MikroTik LtAP LTE6 Kit (2023 Model) – LtAP-2HnD+FG621-EA

It is recommended that you are using WinBox to access your MikroTik device, however, WebFig (web portal) or SSH/Telnet should also work.

The local firmware-file upgrade process:

The first step is to ensure you are running the latest version of the “long term” or “stable” release branch of RouterOS and that your Routerboard firmware is updated to match.

You must check which MikroTik LTE Modem you have in your device by clicking on “Interfaces” on the left navigation menu. Make sure you are within the “Interface” tab and accessing the “lte” interface. The “Model” value should tell you which LTE Modem you have in your MikroTik device. The “Revision” value shows what version of firmware the LTE Modem is. Verify that it is either R11e-LTE6, R11e-4G or FG621-EA otherwise you are unable to update your firmware with a local file due to Modem limitations.

Now you need to download the latest LTE Modem Firmware which I have linked below on where to get it from (MikroTik’s servers).

[LINK] R11e-LTE6 image
[LINK] R11e-4G image
[LINK] R11eL-FG621-EA image

FG621-EA does not allow you to downgrade the firmware when latest version has been installed already.

This will download the latest firmware called “image”. If you would like to know which version of firmware image you have just downloaded. You’ll need to open Terminal on your PC/Laptop and type the command (case sensitive & without the quotes):
“curl https://upgrade.mikrotik.com/firmware/R11e-LTE6/latest” 

Amend the URL to “R11e-4G” if you’d like to know the version for that modem instead.

Upload this “image” file onto your MikroTik’s File List, this may take a while to upload the file onto the unit itself. After it has uploaded, you will see “image” as a “file” type in your File List of your device.

Next step would be to open “Terminal” to enter a few commands.

1. Disable LTE Interface first by typing “/interface disable lte1″.
2. Initiate the upgrade process:
   “/interface lte firmware-upgrade lte1 upgrade=yes firmware-file=image”.
3. Please wait between 5-10 minutes for this process to finish. It should say “status: done” after it has successfully flashed the firmware file.
4. After it’s finished, enable LTE Interface by typing “/interface enable lte1″.
5. Reboot/Restart your MikroTik device. Done!
6. (Optional) Check the firmware version by typing “/interface lte firmware-upgrade lte1″.
   Installed: R11e-LTE6_V0XX – “XX” is the version number.

Have a look at our other blog posts such as this LinITX Guide to Optimising LTE Installations to get the best out of your MikroTik LTE kit.

If you have any issues relating to the above guide or have any questions relating to MikroTik and other devices, please call our team of experts on 01449 888000 or email shop@linitx.com.