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

 

[Madridi]

Why, when there's tools like Maschell's titledownloader that will work correctly?
If @C0mm4nd_ fixes his bug in his fork of Y-Mod, the new method will replace the old one.

What bug?

 

[Lacius]

What bug?

The fork of WUPInstaller Y-Mod used in the new method yields the following error: "Not a game, game update, DLC, demo or version title." That's the bug.

 

[Madridi]

The fork of WUPInstaller Y-Mod used in the new method yields the following error: "Not a game, game update, DLC, demo or version title." That's the bug.

The one in post 37? Really?

 

[Lacius]

The one in post 37? Really?

If that one is the same as the one in the new method guide, then yes.

 

[asper]

Thanks for the unsafe installer version !

I just tested to install 5.5.1 browser in 5.5.2 (fully updated+haxchi) but wupinstaller (unsafe version) error code is 0xFFFBFFC2; this error code seems not to be "common" using google search engine so I suppose it stands for "a newer version is already installed" or "you cannot downgrade the title". Any way to bypass the installation version check ?

 

[Ryccardo]

Thanks for the unsafe installer version !

I just tested to install 5.5.1 browser in 5.5.2 (fully updated+haxchi) but wupinstaller (unsafe version) error code is 0xFFFBFFC2; this error code seems not to be "common" using google search engine so I suppose it stands for "a newer version is already installed" or "you cannot downgrade the title".

Correct, you can downgrade the browser if you want by extracting the older version (to "loadiine format") then replacing the newer one over FTP

 

[asper]

Correct, you can downgrade the browser if you want by extracting the older version (to "loadiine format") then replacing the newer one over FTP

I just tested but if you launch the browser without memory patches it hangs probably because the \code folder is checked (and it is different between 5.5.1 and 5.5.2 browser). I suppose it will start if you replace files and you are using patches but if you are using patches you already have a method to "exploit" so it is not useful...

 

[Ryccardo]

I just tested but if you launch the browser without memory patches it hangs probably because the \code folder is checked (and it is different between 5.5.1 and 5.5.2 browser). I suppose it will start if you replace files and you are using patches but if you are using patches you already have a method to "exploit" so it is not useful...

Ah, thanks for testing (yep, I have CBHC but having a spare is never a bad idea, not like there have been any feature updates since 5.0.0)

 

[asper]

Ah, thanks for testing (yep, I have CBHC but having a spare is never a bad idea, not like there have been any feature updates since 5.0.0)

I did not test to run it with patches, I would only know if it can work without them.
I tested to re-install it over itself and it works.

 

[Madridi]

Correct, you can downgrade the browser if you want by extracting the older version (to "loadiine format") then replacing the newer one over FTP

I just tested but if you launch the browser without memory patches it hangs probably because the \code folder is checked (and it is different between 5.5.1 and 5.5.2 browser). I suppose it will start if you replace files and you are using patches but if you are using patches you already have a method to "exploit" so it is not useful...

Wait, you are saying you decrypted the browser to loadiine format, and replaced all 3 files via ftp, and it hanged?

 

[asper]

Wait, you are saying you decrypted the browser to loadiine format, and replaced all 3 files via ftp, and it hanged?

Yes but it hangs (without patches) with just 1 file changed inside /code folder. Just reboot and it will be fine, no brcks.

 

[Lennart82]

Well, read a lot about it and updated with your new method from 5.3.2 to 5.5.1/2 using the ostitledownloader and wupinstaller_unsafe. Version info in settings 5.5.2 (check) browser 5.5.1 (check) HBL 1.4 (check) opened the eshop for brain age, update required (mmm strange). And boom. Everything on 5.5.2 :-( including the browser. So I have to wait now.

Thanks for your effort anyway :-)

 

[Madridi]

Yes but it hangs (without patches) with just 1 file changed inside /code folder. Just reboot and it will be fine, no brcks.

Still a bit confused if you don't mind clarifying:
What do you mean one file changed inside /code? Did you not replace the entire thing?

 

[asper]

I tried to replace all the files and just one of them, same results. /code folder Is checked against tampering.

 

[alkar]

Well, read a lot about it and updated with your new method from 5.3.2 to 5.5.1/2 using the ostitledownloader and wupinstaller_unsafe. Version info in settings 5.5.2 (check) browser 5.5.1 (check) HBL 1.4 (check) opened the eshop for brain age, update required (mmm strange). And boom. Everything on 5.5.2 :-( including the browser. So I have to wait now.

Thanks for your effort anyway :-)

how is that possible ?

 

[Lacius]

Well, read a lot about it and updated with your new method from 5.3.2 to 5.5.1/2 using the ostitledownloader and wupinstaller_unsafe. Version info in settings 5.5.2 (check) browser 5.5.1 (check) HBL 1.4 (check) opened the eshop for brain age, update required (mmm strange). And boom. Everything on 5.5.2 :-( including the browser. So I have to wait now.

Thanks for your effort anyway :-)

The eShop is still going to require an update because it will detect your outdated browser. If you updated through the eShop, it updated your browser to 5.5.2.

 

[Lennart82]

Aha, i used the nnu patcher and thought that the eshop would work then but the message about the update came. Perhaps nnu patcher did not work because the firmware was 5.5.2 and the browser the only 5.5.1 part? That seems reasonable. I am thinking about getting a new one tomorrow (they are still in the toy store here) but get just dance 2017 for the 5.5.1 update then..

 

[Lacius]

Aha, i used the nnu patcher and thought that the eshop would work then but the message about the update came. Perhaps nnu patcher did not work because the firmware was 5.5.2 and the browser the only 5.5.1 part? That seems reasonable. I am thinking about getting a new one tomorrow (they are still in the toy store here) but get just dance 2017 for the 5.5.1 update then..

How were you blocking updates on your Wii U?

 

[Lennart82]

I removed the dns entry to get into the shop for downloading... Because of your question i have the feeling that was not smart ;-)

 

[Lacius]

I removed the dns entry to get into the shop for downloading... Because of your question i have the feeling that was not smart ;-)

NNU Patcher allows eShop to work even if you have the update-blocking DNS. Removing the DNS entry without another way to block updates all but guaranteed that you were going to get the 5.5.2 browser update.