Respeaker Core V1.0 total factory reset, how do I do it?

Products & Technology
12

Hi there,

Sounds like the Rootfs is corrupted somehow? The firstboot not working is a clue of sorts. Something is missing? AI say’s this about it :crossed_fingers:

The firstboot script on embedded Linux systems like the ReSpeaker Core (which is based on an OpenWRT or Debian variant depending on version) is typically a user-defined or system-initiated script that runs once on the first boot after flashing or factory reset.

:rocket: What does firstboot usually do?

On the ReSpeaker Core and similar boards, it may:

  • Initialize system settings (hostname, network config, timezone).
  • Expand filesystem if you’re using an SD card or eMMC image.
  • Set up audio services, like PulseAudio, ALSA, or wake word engines.
  • Install or enable default packages.
  • Enable GPIO or mic array settings.
  • Create necessary configuration files or symbolic links.

:hammer_and_wrench: Where is it found?

On OpenWRT-based systems (older ReSpeaker firmware):

  • The firstboot command resets the system to factory defaults.
  • User scripts may hook into /etc/rc.local, /etc/init.d, or use UCI configs to add their own logic.

On Debian-based ReSpeaker firmware:

  • A firstboot.sh may be placed in /etc/init.d/ or handled by systemd (/etc/systemd/system/firstboot.service).
  • Sometimes included in a flashing image to run on first power-on.

Some stuff to try…YMMV :v:

umount /overlay
jffs2reset -y
reboot

This forces the reset by wiping the writable overlay partition. Make sure to run jffs2reset only if you’re using JFFS2 (check with mount command).

Run:

cat /etc/os-release

if it says Debian or Raspbian, then firstboot is likely not a system utility but a userland script.

Manual reset (Debian-style systems)

If firstboot is custom but not working, try:

bash

CopyEdit

sudo rm -rf /etc/network/interfaces.d/*
sudo rm -rf ~/.asoundrc ~/.config ~/.cache
sudo rm -rf /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/*
sudo rm -rf /var/lib/NetworkManager/*

Then reboot:

sudo reboot

Or just re-flash the system image via SD card or USB.

If nothing else works:

  1. Download the latest image from Seeed’s GitHub or wiki (for ReSpeaker Core).
  2. Flash it using dd or Balena Etcher.
  3. Boot and test from clean state.

HTH
GL :slight_smile: PJ :v: