GivEnergy WiFi Dongle Firmware Update — Step-by-Step Guide
How to update the chipset firmware and bootloader on a GivEnergy WiFi dongle using the local interface at 10.10.100.254. Covers the correct file order (chipset T27 first, bootloader 1.1.4 second), DIP switch settings, and WiFi reconnection. Includes troubleshooting for failed updates and portal dropouts.
WiFi dongle issues are a common cause of portal outages and monitoring gaps. We can remotely diagnose connectivity problems, walk through firmware updates, and get your system reporting correctly — usually in a single session.
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What you need before updating dongle firmware
The GivEnergy dongle firmware update is done entirely through the dongle's local web interface — no internet access or portal login required. Have these four things ready before you start.
You need two separate files: the chipset firmware (T27 update file) and the bootloader version 1.1.4. Download both from the GivEnergy knowledge base before starting. The chipset file must always be applied first — uploading the bootloader before the chipset will cause the update to fail.
You'll connect directly to the dongle's WiFi hotspot to access its local interface. Note the dongle SSID and password from the label before you start — the SSID typically starts with GIV_ followed by the serial number. If the label password doesn't work, try the serial number itself.
The dongle PCB has DIP switches that must be set before uploading firmware. DIP switches 2 and 3 must be OFF before you upload either file. If you cannot see them clearly, use a torch. This is the single most common cause of failed updates — do not skip it.
After the firmware update completes, you'll re-enter your home WiFi credentials in the dongle interface. The dongle only supports 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts a combined 2.4/5 GHz SSID, the dongle may need a dedicated 2.4 GHz SSID to connect reliably.
Updating the GivEnergy WiFi dongle — 6 steps
Follow these steps in exact order. DIP switches must be set before any upload, and the chipset file must be applied before the bootloader. There is no shortcut here — the sequence matters.
Connect to the dongle's WiFi hotspot
On your phone or laptop, open WiFi settings and connect to the dongle hotspot SSID (starts with GIV_, printed on the dongle label). Use the label password. Once connected, your device will show no internet access — this is expected.
Open the local interface at http://10.10.100.254
Open a browser and go to http://10.10.100.254. Use plain HTTP — not HTTPS. Log in with username admin and password admin. If these credentials don't work, try the dongle serial number as the password.
Username: admin
Password: admin
Set DIP switches 2 and 3 to OFF
Locate the DIP switches on the dongle PCB. Set DIP switch 2 and DIP switch 3 to the OFF position before uploading any firmware. This puts the dongle into update mode.
Upload the chipset firmware file (T27) — first
In the dongle interface, navigate to the firmware update section. Select and upload the chipset firmware file (T27 update). Click Upload and do not close the browser or disconnect from the hotspot during upload. The dongle will automatically reboot when complete.
Reconnect to the dongle hotspot after the reboot before proceeding to step 5.
Upload the bootloader (version 1.1.4) — second
After the chipset update and reboot, reconnect to the dongle hotspot, navigate back to http://10.10.100.254, and log in again. Upload the bootloader firmware file version 1.1.4.
Return DIP switches 2 and 3 to ON
Once the bootloader update completes and the dongle has rebooted, return DIP switches 2 and 3 to the ON position. If left in the OFF (update) position, the dongle will not connect to your home WiFi network.
Reconnecting the dongle to your home network
After a firmware update, stored WiFi credentials may be cleared. Follow these steps to reconnect and verify the portal is reporting correctly.
Connect to the dongle hotspot, log into http://10.10.100.254 with admin/admin, and navigate to the WiFi or STA (Station) settings page. This is where you configure the dongle's connection to your home router.
The dongle only supports 2.4 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts a combined band SSID, use your router admin panel to create a dedicated 2.4 GHz SSID, or check that band-steering will correctly associate the dongle to 2.4 GHz. Enter the correct SSID and password and save.
In the dongle interface, check the RSSI (signal strength) after connecting. GivEnergy recommends 70% or above for reliable operation. Below 70% you'll see intermittent portal dropouts and monitoring gaps. If signal is weak, use a WiFi extender or powerline adapter near the inverter.
Allow 5–10 minutes after reconnecting, then log into givenergy.cloud and confirm the inverter shows as online with live data updating. If the inverter remains offline after 15 minutes, remove the dongle from the inverter, wait 30 seconds, and reinsert it.
GivEnergy dongle problems and fixes
If the firmware update fails or the dongle won't connect after updating, work through these checks before calling for support.
Can't access http://10.10.100.254
If the local interface doesn't load, confirm your device is still connected to the dongle hotspot — not your home network. On many phones, if no internet is detected on a connected network, the device automatically switches back to a network with connectivity. Disable mobile data, check WiFi settings, and confirm you're on the dongle SSID.
If the dongle hotspot is not visible at all, hold the reset button for 10 seconds to factory reset the dongle. This will restore hotspot mode and the default admin/admin credentials.
Firmware upload fails, freezes, or produces an error
Failed uploads are almost always caused by DIP switches not being in the correct position. Power off the dongle, set switches 2 and 3 to OFF, power back on, reconnect to the hotspot, and retry the upload from step 4. Do not try to reorder the files — chipset must always come before bootloader.
Also confirm you have the correct firmware files for your exact dongle hardware version. The GivEnergy knowledge base lists the correct file pairing for each dongle variant. Using a file from the wrong variant will cause the upload to fail.
Dongle connects to home WiFi but portal stays offline
The GivEnergy dongle communicates with the cloud on port 7654. Some routers or parental control systems block outbound connections on non-standard ports. Check your router's firewall settings and ensure outbound traffic on port 7654 is not being blocked.
Also check the dongle has a valid DHCP-assigned IP address from your router (not 10.10.100.254, which is the hotspot address). If it shows 10.10.100.254 after connecting, the router hasn't assigned an IP — try rebooting your router and the dongle.
Portal keeps dropping out after the firmware update
Intermittent dropouts after an update almost always indicate a WiFi signal problem. Check the RSSI in the dongle interface — below 70% the connection is marginal. Try moving a WiFi extender closer to the inverter, or use a powerline adapter for a wired-equivalent connection to the router.
Also confirm the dongle is connecting to 2.4 GHz. If your router uses the same SSID for both bands, check your router's client list or the dongle's interface to confirm which radio it has associated with. 5 GHz has shorter range through walls and is not supported.
If the firmware update has left the dongle unable to boot or enter hotspot mode, if you're not comfortable with the DIP switch process, or if the portal has been offline for more than 24 hours despite working through this guide — get in touch. We diagnose most GivEnergy dongle and connectivity issues remotely without a site visit.
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Access your GivEnergy inverter data locally without relying on the cloud portal.
Why GivEnergy shows the inverter offline and what to check to restore the connection.
Basic hardware checks for GivEnergy inverter and battery systems.
GivEnergy WiFi dongle questions
When connected to the dongle's own WiFi hotspot, the local interface is at http://10.10.100.254. This address only works when your device is connected to the dongle hotspot SSID (GIV_...), not your home network. Once the dongle joins your home network, your router will assign it a different IP via DHCP — check your router's client list to find this address.
The default login for the GivEnergy dongle local interface at http://10.10.100.254 is username admin / password admin. If this doesn't work, try the dongle's serial number (printed on the label) as the password — some units ship with the serial number as the default password.
The GivEnergy WiFi dongle uses a 2.4 GHz-only WiFi chipset and cannot connect to 5 GHz networks. The 2.4 GHz band has better range through walls, which suits the inverter's typical installation location. If your router uses the same SSID for both bands, create a separate 2.4 GHz SSID, or ensure your router's band-steering will correctly place the dongle on 2.4 GHz.
Hold the dongle's reset button for 10 seconds until the LED flashes. This clears all stored WiFi credentials and returns the dongle to default hotspot mode with admin/admin login. A factory reset does not affect the inverter settings — only the dongle's network configuration is cleared. After the reset, connect to the dongle hotspot and re-enter your home WiFi credentials at http://10.10.100.254.
The GivEnergy dongle uses port 7654 for outbound communication to GivEnergy's cloud servers. If your router, firewall, or parental control system blocks outbound connections on non-standard ports, this will prevent the portal from receiving data even though the dongle appears connected to your home WiFi. Check your router settings and ensure port 7654 outbound is permitted.
Still offline? We'll sort your dongle.
Tell us what you're seeing — what the LED is doing, what you've tried, and how long the portal has been offline. We'll diagnose and resolve most GivEnergy dongle and connectivity issues remotely without a site visit.