diff --git a/tools/README.md b/tools/README.md
index 28c819c28b..7e229d3eaa 100644
--- a/tools/README.md
+++ b/tools/README.md
@@ -9,10 +9,9 @@ openpilot is developed and tested on **Ubuntu 20.04**, which is the primary deve
 First, clone openpilot:
 ``` bash
 cd ~
-git clone https://github.com/commaai/openpilot.git
+git clone --filter=blob:none --recurse-submodules https://github.com/commaai/openpilot.git
 
 cd openpilot
-git submodule update --init
 ```
 
 Then, run the setup script: