Tuya-Convert is a firmware flashing utility for IoT devices that exploits the over-the-air (OTA) update process to install custom firmware, bypass Tuya cloud dependencies, and enable local or open-source control. It automatically backs up the device’s original firmware before overwriting, allowing easy restoration.
The tool achieves this by creating a spoofed Wi-Fi access point that the target device connects to, intercepting the OTA communication between the device and the Tuya cloud, then substituting a custom firmware binary during the transfer. It emulates the Tuya cloud protocol’s response structure so that the device accepts the replacement as a legitimate update, all without opening the device or requiring physical access.
Beyond the core flashing capability, Tuya-Convert supports firmware dump and restore via the OTA channel, uses a secondary microcontroller as a low‑cost attack vector, and functions as a general‑purpose IoT device jailbreak utility. It is a Python‑based tool designed for smart plugs, switches, and bulbs that rely on Tuya’s update mechanism.