The update process typically takes 3 to 5 minutes. Interrupting the power supply during a flash will ruin the device's flash memory. The router will automatically restart when complete. Troubleshooting Post-Update Issues
: By flashing custom firmware like Padavan or OpenWrt , users can bypass these restrictions to use the device as a high-performance wireless repeater.
Hold the Reset button on the back for 10 seconds. This clears old cache data that often conflicts with new firmware.
Because D-Link provides region-specific firmware, it is critical to use the support portal corresponding to your device's origin to avoid "bricking" the router: D-Link Support - DIR-853 D-Link Middle East & Africa: MEA Support Portal dir853 et a3 firmware update link
Once you have the correct DIR-853_A3_ET_FW_1.0.6.bin file, follow these instructions precisely. A power outage during this process is the only thing worse than a wrong file.
Detailed flashing instructions and bootloader information can be found on the OpenWrt Wiki for DIR-853 A3 How to Update Your Firmware
Always use an Ethernet cable ; updating via Wi-Fi can brick the router if the connection drops. The update process typically takes 3 to 5 minutes
Once you have downloaded the firmware file (likely a .bin file) from the link above, you can proceed with the manual update:
A: Usually, no. However, it's always a good practice to back up your settings before performing an update.
To find the right firmware, you must first confirm you have the correct device. The DIR-853 is an AC1300 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Gigabit Router with 3G/LTE support, designed for home and small office use. The "ET A3" is a special hardware revision, often provided by the ISP Etisalat. It is distinct from the more common "A1" or "A2" versions, which usually have different internal hardware (NOR flash vs. NAND flash) and are not interchangeable. Because D-Link provides region-specific firmware
Unlike typical off-the-shelf routers, D-Link’s official public support databases (like support.dlink.com or files.dlink.com.au ) generally do host firmware for the DIR-853 A3 hardware revision. The existing downloads are primarily for the DIR-853 A1 revision.
You can download the latest firmware for DIR-853 from the following link:
Go to System -> Firmware Upgrade or Management -> Upgrade .
These video guides provide step-by-step visual instructions for updating your DIR-853 firmware or switching to OpenWrt:
The router will begin flashing the software and display a progress bar. Do not unplug the cable.