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Migrating the system to a microSD card on Turris 1.x routers⚓︎

This guide details creating a system that runs entirely from a microSD card, bypassing the onboard NAND memory. The target system will run the latest version of Turris OS and U-Boot.

Requirements⚓︎

You will need:

  • a Turris 1.0 or Turris 1.1 router,
  • a microSD card with at least 8 GB capacity,
  • an internet connection,
  • a PH1 screwdriver,
  • a Linux-running computer (tested on Ubuntu 24.04, 25.10, and Debian 13),
  • a microSD card reader

Tip

If you do not have a Linux system, you can create a bootable USB drive using Linux by following the Ubuntu USB creation guide to run the required script.

Flashing the microSD card⚓︎

Insert the microSD card into the Linux computer and install the necessary dependencies.

sudo apt update && sudo apt install wget curl

Download the microSD card formatting script into a temporary directory.

cd /tmp && wget https://gitlab.nic.cz/turris/misc/-/raw/master/turris1x-sd/turris1xsdimg -O turris1xsdimg && chmod +x turris1xsdimg

Warning

Check the correct device path to the microSD card. Running the script on the wrong disk will result in permanent data loss. Verify the path using lsblk or fdisk -l.

lsblk

The microSD card typically appears as /dev/sdx or /dev/mmcblkx.

Execute the script, passing the path to your microSD card.

sudo ./turris1xsdimg /dev/path/to/microSDcard

Once the script completes, remove the microSD card and proceed to the next step.

Installing the microSD card⚓︎

  1. Disconnect the router from the power source.
  2. Remove the four screw securing the top panel and lift it off.
  3. The microSD card slot is located underneath the RAM module.
  4. Release the RAM module by pressing the metal clips on both ends of the slot simultaneously. The RAM will pop up.
  5. Insert the microSD card into the slot gently until fully seated.

RAM module without RAM and inserted SD card

Reinstall the RAM module by pressing it down until the clips snap into place.

RAM module with inserted RAM

Switching the boot location⚓︎

Locate the SW1 switch on the router board and set the state to 011010.

SW1 switch in state 011010

Connect the power supply. The router will now boot into the new system on the microSD card.

Follow the initial configuration guide to set up the router.

Verification⚓︎

To confirm the system is running from the microSD card, execute the mount command and verify the output.

/dev/mmcblk0p1 on / type btrfs

If this entry is present, the migration was successful.