This guide was created when the browser exploit was unreliable on anything higher than v5.5.1. Since that's no longer the case, this guide is probably useless for >99% of people.

This guide is for people who want to use the internet browser as their primary entrypoint because they don't want to pay for Haxchi. If you plan on buying a DS game and installing Haxchi or CBHC, then there is no reason to follow this guide. Haxchi users can go ahead and update normally to v5.5.3/v5.5.4.

Note from Cyan : Since PokeAcer is banned and deleted his website's guide, here is a new one from Lacius.

Guide from Lacius

Update: There is a browser exploit for the v5.5.2/v5.5.3/v5.5.4 browser, but it is unreliable. If you already installed the v5.5.2/v5.5.3/v5.5.4 browser and you plan on using homebrew on a regular basis, you can use the exploit to install Haxchi. If you're on v5.5.1 or lower (particularly if you don't have Haxchi), it is recommended that you not update your browser to the v5.5.2/v5.5.3/v5.5.4 version, since the v5.5.1 browser exploit is very reliable.

• This guide is for Wii U systems on system versions too low to use CFW. This guide is also for people who want to update to v5.5.3/v5.5.4 while keeping the v5.5.1 browser for its reliable exploit.
  • If you have Haxchi or plan on installing Haxchi, it is safe to connect to the internet and install v5.5.3/v5.5.4 instead of following this guide. You should immediately block updates after you're done.
  • If you plan on using the internet browser as your primary exploit because you don't want to spend money to install Haxchi, this guide is for you.
• Your Wii U needs to be on v5.3.2, v5.4.0, v5.5.0, v5.5.1, v5.5.2, or v5.5.3 for this guide to work.
  • If your Wii U is on v5.3.1 or lower, you will need to update to v5.3.2, v5.4.0, v5.5.0, v5.5.1, v5.5.2, or v5.5.3 using a game disc before you can use this guide.
  • If your Wii U is on v5.5.2/v5.5.3/v5.5.4 already and you have the v5.5.2 browser installed, then there's no reason to follow this guide. You can connect to the internet and update to v5.5.3/v5.5.4 normally.
• If you use my title lists, this guide will update your console to v5.5.3/v5.5.4, but it will update/keep the browser version at v5.5.1 in order to retain the reliable v5.5.1 browser exploit.
• Do not disable your DNS filtering after updating, or the browser will update itself to the latest v5.5.2 version!
  • In addition to the using the proper DNS filters, you can also follow this guide to delete the update folder on your NAND to block updates. Using both methods (DNS filters and deleting the update folder) to block updates is recommended.
  • Never remove your DNS filters. If you need to use the eShop or update games, just use NNU-Patcher.
  • If you don't block updates and Nintendo releases a new system version, your Wii U will automatically download and install the update, potentially removing your entrypoint and/or CFW. Block updates!

Required Files
Everything except Java and the common.key file can be downloaded at the bottom of the thread.

• OSTitleDownloader
• wupinstaller_y_mod_without_blacklist
• Java
• common.key (find it yourself)

• USA title lists (only for USA consoles)
• EUR title lists (only for European consoles)
• JAP title lists (only for Japanese consoles)

Instructions

Install OSv10 (000500101000400A) last, as it will freeze your Wii U (this is normal).

1. Extract OSTitleDownloader.
2. Download and extract the title list for your Wii U's version and region. Alternatively, you can make your own title list.
3. Put your title list into the folder with titledownloader.jar and rename the title list as LIST.txt
4. Find common.key online and put it into the folder with titledownloader.jar and your title list.
5. Open a terminal/command prompt in that folder and type: java -jar titledownloader.jar -l LIST.txt
6. Once it’s done, copy the install folder to your SD card.
7. Extract and copy wupinstaller_y_mod_without_blacklist into your Wii U apps folder on your SD card.
8. Run WUPInstaller Y-Mod from the Homebrew Launcher using the entrypoint of your choice.
9. Select all titles except OSv10 (000500101000400A) and hit install to NAND.
10. Once all titles are installed, install OSv10 (it will freeze, and this is normal).
11. Reboot.

Your Wii U should now be on v5.5.3 or v5.5.4 if you used one of my title lists, but the browser will still be on the reliable v5.5.1 version that can launch the Homebrew Launcher consistently.

Offline and official updates

You can also update offline using a game disc. It doesn't involve homebrew at all.

Games containing the v5.5.1 update:

• Cars 3: Driven to Win
• Darksiders: Warmastered Edition
• Just Dance 2017
• Minecraft: Story Mode - The Complete Adventure
• Paper Mario Color Splash
• Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
• Skylanders: Imaginators
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Spoiler: older guide from PokeAcer

I have migrated the guide to GitHub, with version data lists etcetera.
It is now accessible at https://pokeacer.github.io/WiiU551/

There is also a potentially new and improved method, at https://pokeacer.github.io/WiiU551/NewMethod

The old version is below, incase anybody wants it.

Spoiler

Have you left your Wii U off, and now cannot upgrade to 5.5.1 because 5.5.2 is out? If so, this is for you!

WARNING: You could potentially brick if your Wii U powers off before all update titles are completely installed; I am not responsible if this occurs!
Do not use a NUS Title List that is not from your region!
Please note this copy of WUPInstaller has no security checks; if you install the wrong title version, again, I am not responsible!​

You will need:

• The 5.5.1 update files
• My unsafe version of WUPinstaller, downloadable here
• A lot of patience
• A PC

Obtaining the 5.5.1 Update files:
Remember, these cannot be legally obtained without going to NUS or dumping from your own discs; they are copyrighted content.

Disc Method:

Spoiler

If you already have a Wii U with 5.5.1, or a friend with one, you can use WUDump and extract the update partition using VGMToolbox. Follow the VGMToolbox instructions on how to open a WUD, and then extract the partition starting with "UP" - please note that you will be installing titles you may not need to reinstall, so I suggest NUS method.

NUS Method:

Spoiler

Go to the ninupdates page for your region: PAL, NTSC-U, NTSC-J, and look for titles that have updated since your version. For example, if you are on 5.4.0E and you have seen that ErrEula is updated between 5.4.0 and 5.5.0, install the 5.5.0 version. However, Internet Browser was updated in 5.5.0, and 5.5.1, so you want to install the version 5.5.1 has - if you install a version to just update it again, you will waste your time. This method is now a lot simpler!
Go to the NUS List (Scroll down a bit) and find your version number and region (It has to be your region!). There will be a list of title IDs and the versions to download. Use a tool that can download encrypted from NUS - JNUSTool and NUSGrabber both work.
If you use NUSGrabber, the command syntax is: "nusgrabber.exe TITLEID versionumber".
If you use JNUSTool, the command syntax is "java -jar JNUSTool.jar TITLEID vVERSIONNUMBER -dlEncrypted"

NUS Title Lists (aka what titles to download)
Europe (PAL)
5.3.2E -> 5.5.1E (spoofed to 5.5.2)

Spoiler

0005001B10051000 v116
0005001B10052000 v64
0005001B10053000 v48
0005001010041200 v560
0005001010040200 v196
0005001010047200 v178
0005001B10059200 v162
000500301001020A v180
000500301001220A v241
0005001B10068000 v8
000500301001A10A v49
000500101000400A v15702

5.4.0E -> 5.5.1E (spoofed to 5.5.2)

Spoiler

0005001010041200 v560
000500301001220A v241
0005001B10051000 v128
0005001B10052000 v64
0005001B10053000 v48
0005001B10059200 v162
0005001B10068000 v8
000500301001A10A v66
000500101000400A v15702

5.5.0E -> 5.5.1E (spoofed to 5.5.2)

Spoiler

0005001010041200 v560
000500301001220A v241
0005001B10051000 v128
000500301001A10A v66

USA (NTSC-U)
5.3.2U -> 5.5.1U (spoofed to 5.5.2)

Spoiler

TBD

5.4.0U -> 5.5.1U (spoofed to 5.5.2U)

Spoiler

000500101000400A 15702
0005001010047100 197
0005001B10051000 116
0005001B10052000 64
0005001B10053000 48
0005001B10067100 18
0005001B10068000 8
0005001B10059100 162
000500301001010A 197
000500301001210A 241
000500301001A10A 49
0005001010041100 560

5.5.0U -> 5.5.1U (spoofed to 5.5.2)

Spoiler

0005001010041100 560
000500301001210A 241

Japan (NTSC-J)
5.3.2J -> 5.5.1J

Spoiler

0005001B10051000 v128
0005001B10052000 v64
0005001B10053000 v48
0005001010041000 v560
0005001010047000 v178
0005001010040000 v226
0005001B10059000 v162
000500301001000A v180
000500301001200A v241
0005001B10068000 v8
000500301001A10A v66
000500101000400A v15702

5.4.0J -> 5.5.1J (Spoofed to 5.5.2)

Spoiler

0005001B10051000 v128
0005001B10052000 v64
0005001B10053000 v48
0005001010041000 v560
0005001010040000 v226
0005001B10059000 v162
000500301001200A v241
0005001B10068000 v8
000500301001A10A v66
000500101000400A v15702

5.5.0J -> 5.5.1J (Spoofed to 5.5.2)

Spoiler

0005001B10051000 v128
0005001010041000 v560
0005001010040000 v226
000500301001200A v241
000500301001A10A v66

Steps:

NOTE: It is advised that you install the OS title last (OSv10 000500101000400A), as it may freeze your Wii U​

1. Make sd:/install/ and put in the contents of one of your title update's folders, and install to NAND.
2. Delete contents, delete title you've upgraded from your PC, use next folder, repeat.

Yes, this is tedious, however I am not personally able to do anything about this. If a Wii U dev wants to help out, they simply need to alter dimok789's WUPInstaller to add a feature that scans a folder, and installs all titles in the folder. You will also need to change L297 of src/main.c - where it says "0", change to "1". If someone does this, please inform me!

Credits

• @Kafluke for inspiring me to try this (This sounds snarky but I'm being serious, he genuinely made me want to try)
• @trololo for testing this, and providing the 5.4.0U -> 5.5.1U update list
• @Ryccardo for JPN lists and EUR lists

Help Me Out!
I clearly don't want donations, but I do need help. I need:

• USA update lists for <5.3.2, 5.3.2
• JAP update lists for <5.3.2, 5.3.2, 5.4.0, and 5.5.0

 

[PROtone]

Experiment failed(
Not bricked - already good!
Now i can only wait for crunchyhax

 

[antiNT]

How many people tried this so far? I don't wanna brick my console.

 

[Ryccardo]

How many people tried this so far? I don't wanna brick my console.

I personally updated via FTP from 5.5.1 (so despite the higher corruption risk due to the network, every title I updated was not critical, this is not the case coming from older versions)

 

[Deleted User]

How many people tried this so far? I don't wanna brick my console.

2 people used WUPInstaller; one updated to 5.5.2 all the way (my fault; I didnt use the right list, but I promise I've fixed that.), and the other updated to 5.5.1 with 5.5.2 VersionData.
Ryccardo used FTP as he said himself

 

[Madridi]

@PokeAcer

Question about the wupinstaller you attached.

So, from what I understand, updating titles from wupinstaller y mod (which is he most popular one) does not work. The original wupinstaller works as it acts like the official update function for the Wii U.

So what does your wupinstaller version do compared to the 2 above?

 

[Deleted User]

@PokeAcer

Question about the wupinstaller you attached.

So, from what I understand, updating titles from wupinstaller y mod (which is he most popular one) does not work. The original wupinstaller works as it acts like the official update function for the Wii U.

So what does your wupinstaller version do compared to the 2 above?

It's the original WUPInstaller ported to HBL (it's dimok789's) with a removal of system block. It doesnt work like the official update method afaik, but I could be wrong.

 

[Madridi]

It's the original WUPInstaller ported to HBL (it's dimok789's) with a removal of system block. It doesnt work like the official update method afaik, but I could be wrong.

Isn't this it?
http://wiiubru.com/appstore/#/app/wupinstaller
Source of the above:
https://gbatemp.net/threads/wup-installer-title-installer-firmware-spoofing-3-x-5-4-0.397053/

I still don't get the difference?

 

[Deleted User]

Isn't this it?
http://wiiubru.com/appstore/#/app/wupinstaller
Source of the above:
https://gbatemp.net/threads/wup-installer-title-installer-firmware-spoofing-3-x-5-4-0.397053/

I still don't get the difference?

"With removal of system block" i.e. it allows system titles.

 

[Madridi]

"With removal of system block" i.e. it allows system titles.

That's what the one I linked to does. Hence my confusion?

 

[Deleted User]

That's what the one I linked to does. Hence my confusion?

No, it allows VersionData spoofing, that's handled differently. I tried that one and it failed as it was blocked, but I edited the line to say "yes install" and it works.

 

[Madridi]

No, it allows VersionData spoofing, that's handled differently. I tried that one and it failed as it was blocked, but I edited the line to say "yes install" and it works.

Oh! I thought it allowed a complete system title installation. Are you saying yours is that with the block removed?

 

[antiNT]

Last question : Can I update from 5.4.0 which is already spoofed to 5.5.2 ?
Sorry if my questions sound stupid but i wanna be sure.

 

[Deleted User]

Oh! I thought it allowed a complete system title installation. Are you saying yours is that with the block removed?

Mhm. Sadly it doesnt have folder support (Yet)

Last question : Can I update from 5.4.0 which is already spoofed to 5.5.2 ?
Sorry if my questions sound stupid but i wanna be sure.

Yes c:

 

[Madridi]

Yes c:

Nice work then. Makes me question the purpose of the original one. I understand it's a "safety" feature, but when using programs like wupinstaller, people should know what they're doing..

So I guess the next question is, could this be possibly integrated with wupinstaller y mod? Kinda redundant having more than one version on sd for hbl

 

[Deleted User]

Nice work then. Makes me question the purpose of the original one. I understand it's a "safety" feature, but when using programs like wupinstaller, people should know what they're doing..

So I guess the next question is, could this be possibly integrated with wupinstaller y mod? Kinda redundant having more than one version on sd for hbl

That relaunches, which I get worried about it doing, and it blocks system titles. I could probably remove the system title block but IDK, it could be cool if @Yardape8000 could add in system update support that doesnt relaunch (maybe take files in from SD:/update/ and install them with OSv10 last?)

 

[trololo]

Maybe. But i download all titles by copypaste from the spoiler.

FWIW I'm not sure if @PokeAcer covered this, but the issue here is that you specified "v241" as the second param rather than "241". NUSGrabber doesn't do any validation on the param and it seems NUS will provide the most recent file if the version isn't correct. So you actually did download the most recent version.

I messed around with that for bit on my own before confirming that, by checking file differences with different params.

 

[C0mm4nd_]

Removed the blacklist from WUPInstaller Y in my fork
Didn't really tested/compiled but it should work (I didn't added any check for the OS, so install it separately)

EDIT: Compiled

 

[Cyan]

Doesn't Y mod already install multiple title in "the order you pick them" ?
Just select all titles one by one, and select the OS last.

Maybe I'm confusing with WUP installer GX2, but it never installed in the "picked order" for me. so either it's y mod which is doing it, or gx2 version has a bug, or I still have an outdated version.
edit:
I searched in both Y mod and GX2 thread, and didn't find any reference to install order. Maybe I dreamed it...

at least, with Y mod you don't have to eject the SD card to install multiple titles, so it's better than the one provided in the guide.

 

[Madridi]

Doesn't Y mod already install multiple title in "the order you pick them" ?
Just select all titles one by one, and select the OS last.

Maybe I'm confusing with WUP installer GX2, but it never installed in the "picked order" for me. so either it's y mod which is doing it, or gx2 version has a bug, or I still have an outdated version.
edit:
I searched in both Y mod and GX2 thread, and didn't find any reference to install order. Maybe I dreamed it...

at least, with Y mod you don't have to eject the SD card to install multiple titles, so it's better than the one provided in the guide.

I think install order is just alphabetical.. not entirely sure

 

[Deleted User]

-Y Mod doesn't iirc as the dev never did want to implement it; that's not an issue except last I remember after every title it seemed to relaunch into the Wii U menu - if someone wants to try and use -Y Mod and it works, please let me know!