# Reflash your iHost with your own Linux distribution

**URL:** <https://forum.ewelink.cc/t/reflash-your-ihost-with-your-own-linux-distribution/17102>\
**Category:** eWeLink CUBE\
**Created:** [April 27, 2023, 7:10am UTC](https://forum.ewelink.cc/t/reflash-your-ihost-with-your-own-linux-distribution/17102 "2023-04-27T07:10:14Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 1

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**Author:** ![JordanWise](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/user_avatar/forum.ewelink.cc/jordanwise/32/1660_2.png) [@JordanWise](https://forum.ewelink.cc/u/JordanWise)\
**Post date:** [April 27, 2023, 7:10am UTC](https://forum.ewelink.cc/t/reflash-your-ihost-with-your-own-linux-distribution/17102/1 "2023-04-27T07:10:14Z")

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Hi everyone,

Days ago I found a topic from @cliff

> [@iHost hidden features](https://forum.ewelink.cc/t/ihost-hidden-features/17014):
>
> It is a bit like an easter egg hunt. In the ewelink app go to iHost. Choose … in upper right corner (device settings). Tap 7x on device-id. You will be asked if you want to enter MaskROM mode. Question for the officials: Is that an option that will lead to a permanent loss of the official firmware? Or is it safe to play around?

I contacted some people who received the device and posted a review/tutorial, they gave me some information, and I successfully flash a clean Linux system with pre-installed drivers and utility software into iHost.

**Note: DO NOT do this to your iHost if you’re not a developer, once you have flashed in a third-party firmware, you will not be able to go back.**

Here’s my process:

1. Use a type-c cable to connect iHost to your PC  
(keep the Ethernet cable on iHost connected to your router, now the PC powers up the iHost)

2. Enter MaskROM mode

In the eWeLink app go to iHost, choose the … menu in upper right corner (device settings).  
Tap on device-id for 7 times. You’ll see the MaskROM mode entrance.  
Once enabled, you will see the LED indicators turn green.

1. Install the driver on your PC and open the official RockChip developer tool  
(I found it here: [https://gitlab.com/rockchip\_linux/tools/-/tree/master/](https://gitlab.com/rockchip_linux/tools/-/tree/master/) )

The tool will show like Found One MASKROM device

 ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/uploads/ewelinkforum/original/2X/a/ae01f06381a402cb17de2ff14278b11f18fb5277.png)

Select Upgrade Firmware-Upgrade-select the firmware

 ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/uploads/ewelinkforum/original/2X/4/41ad7b786ead2e814a062472fac5a45df0a9d9b2.png)

Click Upgrade and wait until the Success info

 ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/uploads/ewelinkforum/original/2X/1/19f3471be3f0b4c9e93fc1dc7e447ae67bbf1fac.jpeg)

the default ssh login info:  
username **root**  
password **aibridge**

 ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/uploads/ewelinkforum/original/2X/e/e52f5f7be8313e98de78192e3a5fade6ba8aacbd.jpeg)

I am in the process of organizing the information of the linux distribution I flashed in, and I will post a separate post later to introduce in detail.

Edit:  
new post here: [RV1109RV1126-Linux-iHost-Hardware-Distribution](https://forum.ewelink.cc/t/rv1109rv1126-linux-ihost-hardware-distribution/17106/1)

Edit 2023.05.31  
Files I used: [iHost Flash Tool.zip - Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mgUgBCOruC6hfaPZsqMlpJ8Bi4A59LPa/view?usp=drive_link)

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