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

 

[JFFerro]

Hello everyone! I can not update my console normally due to a brick in vWii, I am in 5.3.2, is it safe to use this guide in my situation?

 

[Ryccardo]

Hello everyone! I can not update my console normally due to a brick in vWii, I am in 5.3.2, is it safe to use this guide in my situation?

Yes, if you look at the procedure, it's just manually duplicating (most of) the official (WiiU-mode) update process

Though I would try to fix the actual issue, instead of working around it...

 

[JFFerro]

Yes, if you look at the procedure, it's just manually duplicating (most of) the official (WiiU-mode) update process

Though I would try to fix the actual issue, instead of working around it...

I want to fix my vWii, but in version 5.3.2 I do not have access to CFW and FTP to replace the faulty vWii titles.

When I type java -jar titledownloader.jar -l LIST.txt, I get this:

C: \ OSTitleDownloader> java -jar titledownloader.jar -l LIST.txt
titledownloader - Maschell

Commonkey was set to: *** SENSURED *** I removed to avoid problems
Exception in thread "main" java.lang.NullPointerException
at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.entities.fst.FST.parseFST (FST.java:42)
at.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoader.loadNusTitle (NUSTitleLoader.java:59)
at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNusTitle (NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:7)
at.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNUSTitle (NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:33)
at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNUSTitle (NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:18)
at.mas.wiiu.titledownloader.titledownloader.Starter.main (Starter.java:100)

what am I doing wrong?

 

[slim21st]

@spodoSVK and I spoke over PM. The problem was that the router's update-blocking filters were also blocking the necessary downloads.

@Lacius
I seem to be having the same problem.
I'd appreciate if someone could possibly PM me with what worked? I've tried several different ways and different computers but nothing seems to work. Been at it for days now with no results

Commonkey was set to: (HIDDEN)
Exception in thread "main" java.lang.NullPointerException
        at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.entities.fst.FST.parseFST(FST.java:42)
        at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoader.loadNusTitle(NUSTitleLoader.java:59)
        at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNusTitle(NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:7)
        at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNUSTitle(NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:33)
        at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNUSTitle(NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:18)
        at de.mas.wiiu.titledownloader.titledownloader.Starter.main(Starter.java:100)

 

[zekepliskin]

Well this guide told me all I need to know... with CBHC v1.6 installed, upgrade from 5.5.1 to 5.5.2 and expect no problems. Totally what happened... minimal effort... awesome. :-D

 

[Lacius]

Based on the regular downloads, I'm assuming people are still using this guide. I updated the OP and the list files for v5.5.3.

 

[Specht77]

Based on the regular downloads, I'm assuming people are still using this guide. I updated the OP and the list files for v5.5.3.

I tried following the steps on the first post, but when I reached the 9th step, it says to select all titles, but for me it didn't show any title to select, just a folder called "install"

What could I have done wrong?

The install folder is at SD:/wiiu/install

 

[Lacius]

I tried following the steps on the first post, but when I reached the 9th step, it says to select all titles, but for me it didn't show any title to select, just a folder called "install"

What could I have done wrong?

The install folder is at SD:/wiiu/install

The install folder should be on the SD root, not in the wiiu folder.

 

[Specht77]

The install folder should be on the SD root, not in the wiiu folder.

Thanks! I successfully got my WiiU to 5.5.3


Now... How do I install games in a way that I can play them online?

 

[Lacius]

Thanks! I successfully got my WiiU to 5.5.3


Now... How do I install games in a way that I can play them online?

Download your games and install them with WUP Installer GX2.

 

[Specht77]

Download your games and install them with WUP Installer GX2.

Ok so, for example I downloaded Mario Kart 8, which has a DLC, it says "CFW Only" on the DLC... Will I be able to play online with the CFW? Or I'll only be able to play without the DLC?

 

[Lacius]

Ok so, for example I downloaded Mario Kart 8, which has a DLC, it says "CFW Only" on the DLC... Will I be able to play online with the CFW? Or I'll only be able to play without the DLC?

You can play online with the CFW, but you won't be able to play the game without CFW. This is noted because not all games require CFW.

 

[drxpeabody]

Hi guys, same problem as other users, two days and I didn't find any solution:

Commonkey was set to: XXXX
Exception in thread "main" java.lang.NullPointerException
at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.entities.fst.FST.parseFST(FST.java:42)
at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoader.loadNusTitle(NUSTitleLoader.java:59)
at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNusTitle(NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:7)
at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNUSTitle(NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:33)
at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNUSTitle(NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:18)
at de.mas.wiiu.titledownloader.titledownloader.Starter.main(Starter.java:100)

Can anyone give me a hand?

 

[riders556]

bonjour je suis bloqué pour faire l’invite de commande pour ce tutoriel qui pourrait m’aider il me fait ça

 

[RobertBrownieJr]

hey can someone help me out I have a bricked wiiU here got it to the recovery menu using a pico, setting coldboot title didnt work, trying to manually get the system update WUP and keep getting this error on OSTitle Downloader trying to do it based on what im reading here my system is 5.5.1 with a brick so it cant reach the system menu so trying this way instead to reinstall and keep getting this its really pissing me off

1. [17:54]
   Exception in thread "main" java.lang.NullPointerException at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.entities.fst.FST.parseFST(FST.java:42) at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoader.loadNusTitle(NUSTitleLoader.java:59) at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNusTitle(NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:7) at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNUSTitle(NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:33) at de.mas.wiiu.jnus.NUSTitleLoaderRemote.loadNUSTitle(NUSTitleLoaderRemote.java:18) at de.mas.wiiu.titledownloader.titledownloader.Starter.main(Starter.java:100) this is what the error says cant seem to get it going :/

 

[RobertBrownieJr]

quick update to this If anyone else is in the same situation I managed to get the wup system files used the wup installer to install them being used to doing offline updates on other consoles... and despite seeming to install ok it in fact seems to have completley toasted my wii u so uh yeah dont do what donny don't does I guess

now I have a black screen / no signal and it doesnt even boot with the recovery pico so yeah that sorta sucks ass.

looks like my only options now is a hardmod or a sledgehammer unless anyone has any ideas?

 

[godreborn]

quick update to this If anyone else is in the same situation I managed to get the wup system files used the wup installer to install them being used to doing offline updates on other consoles... and despite seeming to install ok it in fact seems to have completley toasted my wii u so uh yeah dont do what donny don't does I guess

now I have a black screen / no signal and it doesnt even boot with the recovery pico so yeah that sorta sucks ass.

looks like my only options now is a hardmod or a sledgehammer unless anyone has any ideas?

Well, on the bright side, a wiiu without a gamepad is cheap.

 

[RobertBrownieJr]

Well, on the bright side, a wiiu without a gamepad is cheap.

very true and hey at least its a learned lesson at the end of the day too

 

[godreborn]

very true and hey at least its a learned lesson at the end of the day too

I've made some fine ones myself with electronics, so I do agree with you.