Hackers have been supercharging WiFi routers for ages, using software tools like OpenWrt and dd-wrt to add features, improve range, and make other modifications to off-the-shelf hardware.

While those tools don’t work with the recently released Google WiFi line of routers, it turns out you can hack Google WiFi.

GaleForce is an open source tool that gives users root SSH access to the router and the ability to set up a VPN service, dynamic DNS client, or make other changes to the behavior of Google WiFi.

Setting up GaleForce does take a bit of work at this point. The first thing you need to do is enable developer mode by following the instructions on the GaleForce Github page (it involves opening the case, plugging in a USB Type-C adapter with power delivery, and pressing a couple of buttons). Then you plug in a USB flash drive with a build of GaleForce on it so that the router downloads and installs the software.

After that, you can login to the router from a computer using ssh and you’ll have root access. There are still a few more steps you should take after that to do things like change the password.

One particularly cool thing about GaleForce is that it’s compatible with Google’s automatic updates for the router system. Every time Google WiFi downloads and installs an update, GaleForce will set itself up again so that you keep root access while still getting important security updates.

via Android Police

Support Liliputing

Liliputing's primary sources of revenue are advertising and affiliate links (if you click the "Shop" button at the top of the page and buy something on Amazon, for example, we'll get a small commission).

But there are several ways you can support the site directly even if you're using an ad blocker* and hate online shopping.

Contribute to our Patreon campaign

or...

Contribute via PayPal

* If you are using an ad blocker like uBlock Origin and seeing a pop-up message at the bottom of the screen, we have a guide that may help you disable it.

Subscribe to Liliputing via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 9,547 other subscribers

3 replies on “Google Wifi supports dev mode, can be rooted”

  1. dynamic DNS ‘climate’ or dynamic DNS ‘client’?

    On a more serious note the strongest point of Google Wifi is security. Why somebody would download random software off the internet and put the device into developer mode to install something that then goes about reinstalling itself on its own is the very definition of poor decision making in my book.
    This is the ultimate problem with keeping good security. Users.

    1. Why anyone would pay money for a router that gives a private company a clear view of your behaviour in your own home and hand the key to your network so the company can brainwash your mind to buy stuff beats me. This is the ultimate problem with keeping good security. Users.

    2. Simple answer. If I have root it is my device, if I don’t it belongs to whoever does.

      Yes trusting random stuff from some rando on the Internet requires a bit of due diligence.

Comments are closed.