@Avenger I have the same problem since the automatic update lat Thursday (2024-02-29).

One trick is to reset the router; this will bring you into the quick setup. Once you completed the quick setup, immediately select Advanced and then into System=>Administration=>Change Password to input a new password. You will be able to login a few times before the system block you again.

I have tried to reload firmware 1.2.3 Build 20230603 but the firmware updates stops almost right away with error.

Presently, the router is in "auto firmware update" in order to automatically uplaod and repair itself should TP-Link fix the bug they created!!

  @JP57 Thanks for confirming. I can still manage it directly with a cable but it's annoying. It does not make me want to put autofirmware on at all this is the 2nd time ive had to deal with issues. The first time was with OneMesh that would create duplicate networks! They included a toggle now and I can toggle it off.

Also note you can't change as many settings in AP mode. Its annoying. You have to switch to router, change the stuff the firmware changed and then return to AP mode. Sigh.

Hoping for a fix down the line!

  @Avenger My brother-in-law also has an AX55 and he also lost the access to his router after automatic firmware update on Friday.

If I could successfully reload the previous firmware, I would restore my previous backup.

I was running my AX55 in AP mode with the DHCP server disable and the AX55 with simply act as a DHCP pass though with my ISP provider (Bell H4000 router) supplying me with my IP, but even I reset the "quick setup" the router with DHCP disable and AP mode activated, I am not getting a DHCP IP any more..

I have open a ticket (email) on the support page. Please do the same thing in order for TP-Link to discover they have screewed-up!!

Thx

  @Avenger Important note: my router is a Archer AX55(CA), the canadian version. Is yours the US, CA or EU version?

  @JP57 Canadian version 1

Can anybody send me that version of firmware or paste a link ?

  @Sunshine I am physically wired to the router ( AX55(CA) ) but the same happens when I go through WiFi. I can normally reboot once to three time before I get locked-out. 

If I enter the wrong password I get the "Incorrect password" under the password entry box. But in this situation I get a "flashy" message in the middle top of the screen saying "Operation failed". At that point, the only solution is a factory reset (reset button for 10 seconds) and go thru the easy setup process once more... (I have done this at lest 25 time since Friday night).

Look at the screen shot I have added:

At this point, I can still connect to the WiFi but I cannot connect to the management screen anymore.

Interesting facts to notice:

1 - My AX55 is use as an Access Point (AP) and is connect to my provider router (Bell Canada H4000)

2 - The WAN side of my router, although I have specified a "static" IP (192.168.2.2), I get a dynamic address (192.168.2.118 or 192.168.2.114 or etc...)

3 - Since I have change the operating mode from Router to Access Point (AP) and have deactivated LAN DHCP server function on the AX55, the request do not go the my provider router (DHCP server) anymore and my PC does not receive a dynamic IP.

4 - For some reason, the AX55 refuses to let me reload the old firmware (V 1.2.3 Build 20230603) which would solve my immediate problem since the AX55 was working perfectly before the automatic firmware upgrade on 02/29/2024

Here is some additionnal info:

Here are some of my debugging/experimenting steps:

A: Analyze the system log with no finding

 B: Activated / Deactivated various function immediately after factory reset  (while the management screen is still open)

   - WAN static / dynamic IP

   - LAN DHCP activated / deactivated

   - Operation mode Router / AccessMode (AP)

C:  After "factory reset", some of the configuration parameters are still set the in the AX55(CA) (LAN IP subnet, VPN Server keys, Time (NTP server settings) while other settings like the WiFi SSID and Password get reset to default (written under the case).

D: After "factory reset" and initial easy-setup, I have RESTORED a backup from last-week; at the moment of the backup, the AX55(CA) was still under firmware V1.2.3 Build 20230603. As specified earlier, the problems started to appear after the automatic firmware update of last Thursday (2/29/2024) to firmware version V1.3.1 Build 20240129 

Once rebooted is completed, all five LED are solid green.

Hope this will help.

  @Sunshine In order to manage my AP I have to go through with a direct cable between my PC and the AP Mode AX55 and remove the internet cable that links it to the main router (which is ALSO an AX-55, I have 2 identical copies). The main one is in router mode. The router is on the old firmware.

My PC NIC is then configured as 192.168.0.2 and the gateway is set at 192.168.0.1 (the address of the freshly factory reset AP mode router with new firmware). It then connects succesfully and I am able to manage it as normal. I change the address to the correct in house address (192.168.1.254) and i set it up 100%. WiFi, settings, TP-Link account, etc. I then ask it to reboot to apply the final changes.

Once the router is rebooted and in AP mode with its correct address, it refuses to be logged in. It presents the login page, but you cannot log into it. The AP mode router operates flawlessly and obtains an address from the main router without issue. The WiFi is restored correctly. I am not using OneMesh. I am just unable to manage it anymore manually. I have not tried remote connecting with the specific tool that allows internet management as i do not use it.

I have also not updated my main router yet because i'm terrified of having similar issues and wasting time. I will wait for the next version and I use the AP as a laboratory to see if it works before rolling it out to the main router.

Anyone who has Automatic Firmware enabled is playing with fire.

Thank you,

- Avenger