How to root the Creality K1

Here is a quick and easy guide on how to root the Creality K1. So you have full control of your 3D printer for improved print quality and convenience.

While the Creality K1 series can output great 3D prints at a fast rate (if you can manage the clogging), further improvements and greater functionality can be unlocked by rooting your device. Which is exactly what this guide is about.

To root the Creality K1, you do not need to take anything apart or any special tools. Nor do you need a soldering iron or a degree in computer science. The process just needs a laptop or PC, the Creality K1 series 3D printer and the ability to follow my instructions.

If you do everything correctly, your 3D Printer will work perfectly and not brick itself. Just avoid installing automatic updates after rooting as you may cause an error and need to start the rooting process again (do not ask me how I know).

Step 1: Getting the K1 ready

Before we do anything, it is important you connect your K1 to WiFi within the settings menu. Turn the K1 on via the rear switch, then when the Creality logo disappears click the cog icon to go into settings. Now press the middle tab called network.

Assuming your WiFi router is on and working properly (use the same router your laptop or PC is connected to), you should see its name in the list. Connect to it and enter any password. You will get an error if you enter the password incorrectly.

Once connected, wait until you see a series of numbers and dots. Mine says 192.168.2.128. Take a note of this number for later (or just come back to the network tab when necessary).

At this point, I would ensure you are running the latest official firmware from Creality. Under settings and system, you will see an option called version or version checking. Click this then run any updates if there are any. Follow any on-screen instructions.

Now go back to the system tab in settings and scroll down to an option called root account information. Press it then either read or pretend to read the disclaimer for 30 seconds then tick the box. Nothing changes if you go through with this step so do not worry.

You will, however, be shown a password such as creality, creality_2023 or 2023 creality. Note this down for the next step.

Step 2: Connecting to the K1

Now we get to feel like a professional hacker. When in actual fact all you are doing is some copy and paste action followed by a few basic keyboard inputs.

In Windows, type PowerShell to bring up Windows PowerShell. It should appear under the ‘best match’ section atop the menu. Right click to bring up options then click run as administrator.

In PowerShell, type the following: ssh root@ and then add the series of numbers and dots from earlier. In my case: [ssh root@192.168.2.128]. Only copy and paste or type what is in the square brackets.

If you get an error, go back to the network tab to check the IP address has not changed or you typed it wrong. If you entered everything correctly, you will now be prompted to enter a password in PowerShell.

For security reasons, the password does not show as you type it. This is normal, but does make it more likely you make a mistake. Make sure you are typing the correct password. In my case, it is creality_2023.

If all went well, you should see the following (or a variation): root@K1-87CA /root [ ] – congratulations, we are nearing the end of how to root the Creality K1.

Step 3: Installing the helper

Step 3 is where we install and run a visual helper to install everything useful for rooting the K1. This method is the easiest and most reliable unless you are a bigger geek than most.

Within PowerShell, copy and paste then right click or manually type the following inside the square brackets: [https://github.com/Guilouz/Creality-Helper-Script.git /usr/data/helper-script].

If that does not work, you can try [https://guilouz.github.io/Creality-Helper-Script-Wiki/helper-script/helper-script-installation] or [https://github.com/Guilouz/Creality-Helper-Script.git /usr/data/helper-script].

It could also be that the Creality K1 helper script is already installed, in which case try the next step.

Run the following command in PowerShell: [sh /usr/data/helper-script/helper.sh]. You should see the following menu.

If prompted to install the latest version of the helper script, do so. Then run the last command to get back to the menu.

Step 4: Install stuff

Not far now, this is the bit where we install essential things. To use the menu system, type the corresponding number then press enter. So 1 for install or 5 for tools. Type b to return to go back or q to quit.

In the install menu, I typically install 1, 2 and 3 as these give you Moonraker and Nginx, Fluidd (port 4408) and Mainsail (port 4409). Those port numbers are what you will need to connect via a web browser or within certain 3D slicing software such as PrusaSlicer or Orca. So jot them down.

What else should you install? Well, for me number 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 and 19 cover the majority of bases. Avoid 23 as this can cause an issue with connecting via PC (at least, it did for me). Research the names to see what does what.

If you go back to the main menu, you can enter 6 for information. Here, you can see a checklist of what you have installed (green indicator) and not installed (red indicator).

Step 5: Get your K1 going

Now it is time to see all your K1 series rooting effort in action. Open a web browser and type in the web address area your printer IP followed by :4408. In my case it is [192.168.2.128:4408].

Using port 4408 gives you the Fluidd interface, while 4409 is another. I prefer the former, but feel free to try both.

Either way, a plethora of options await you including a command console, Gcode previewer, previous print jobs, printer stats and history, bed mesh tuning, configuration files, system and many, many settings.

At this point, I would recommend you run the following calibrations using the highly useful Klipper Useful Macros feature (number 11 under install): AUTOTUNE_SHAPERS, BED_LEVELING, BED_MESH_CALIBRATE, INPUT_SHAPER_CALIBRATION, INPUT_SHAPER, KLIPPER_BACKUP_CONFIG and PRINT_CALIBRATION.

There are so many macros out there that can be useful such as one that only probes the area you are printing within instead of the whole bed, mechanical gantry calibration and even one for sending you a message when you need to change filament or a 3D print is complete. A little research goes a long way.

That, ladies and gentleman, is how to root the Creality K1.

Klipper control within PrusaSlicer

You can operate Klipper from any device connected to the same network as your Creality K1 series printer. Or even use it within your slicer software.

To do so in PrusaSlicer, open the software then click the cog right of the printer option then click add physical printer. Use your IP, port 4408 and password from before, as shown in the following images.

Once done, you can click the physical printer tab within PrusaSlicer to see the same interface you get within a web browser.

Use the bottom right upload to printer button to upload files wirelessly to your printer. This method is way more convenient than a USB stick. Just be mindful that if your printer IP address changes, you will need to use the new one to maintain access.

Klipper control within Orca

The Orca slicer offers the same ability to use Klipper within itself. See the following images for how to set it up and how to upload 3D prints to your Creality K1.

Error 3302

If you update your printer within the K1 menu system and get error 3302, then you will need to reset the printer then factory reset using the helper software and lastly reinstall everything to be able to connect again using the previous instructions.