Firmware is an important part of every router. Technically, it is a operating system for your router.
So keeping your Netgear router’s firmware up to date is essential task. It helps you in maintaining its security & performance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of updating the firmware on your Netgear router.
Why Update Your Router’s Firmware?
Generally, updating the router firmware helps you in fixing the security bugs and performance issue.
Besides this, you will also get some extra advantages like:
- New firmware versions often include patches for security vulnerabilities that protect your network from potential threats.
- If you are having a glitch or performance issue with your router, firmware can fix it. .
- Whenever netgear will add any new feature on that specific model, you will also get them after update.
- Updates ensure your router is compatible with the latest devices and technologies.
What are the requirements for updating the Netgear router firmware?
Before you will go ahead and upgrade the router firmware, you must take care of few things.
- Some firmware updates may reset the router to factory defaults. So it is a good idea to back up your settings. You can do this by going to the router’s settings page.
- Please make sure that your internet connection is stable during the update process to avoid interruptions.
- Before updating the router firmware, Knowing your router’s current firmware version will help you determine if an update is needed.
How To Update Netgear Router firmware?
Generally, there are two ways to update the netgear router firmware. In this guide, I am going to explain about both methods.
However you are free to use anyone method as per your convenience.
Method 1: Update the Router firmware Through admin panel –
This is the easy way to upgrade router firmware. In this method, you need the access of router admin panel and Internet connection.
If you have both, please follow the instructions given below.
Step 1: Open a web browser and type “www.routerlogin.net“ or “192.168.1.1” in the address bar.
Step 2: Enter your router’s login credentials. The default username is “admin” and the default password is “password”, unless you’ve changed them.
Step 3: Once logged in, navigate to the Advanced tab or the Administration section in the settings menu.
Step 4: Look for the option labeled Firmware Update or Router Update.
Step 5: Click on Check or Check for Updates. The router will automatically search for the latest firmware available from Netgear’s servers.
If a new firmware version is available, you will see a prompt to update.
Step 6: Click Yes or Update to start the firmware update process. Your router will download and install the new firmware.
Step 7: During the update, do not turn off the router or disconnect it from the internet.
The process usually takes a few minutes, and your router will reboot automatically once the update is complete.
Step 5: After the router reboots, log in to the router again and go to the firmware update section to verify that the update was successful. The firmware version should now reflect the latest version.
Method 2: Manual Firmware Update on netgear router-
If you are having trouble in updating the router firmware, or if the automatic update feature doesn’t work, you can follow these steps to manually download and install the latest firmware:
Step 1: Download the Firmware
- Visit the official Netgear Support website at netgear.com/support.
- Enter your router’s model number in the search box, or find your model in the list of products.
- Once you’ve located your router’s page, navigate to the Downloads section.
- Look for the latest firmware version available for your model.
- Download the firmware file (usually a .chk or .img file) to your computer.
Step 2: Log in to the Router
- Open a web browser and type “www.routerlogin.net“ or “192.168.1.1” in the address bar.
- Log in with your router’s admin username and password.
Step 3: Upload the Firmware
- Go to the Advanced or Administration section in the router settings.
- Here you need to find the Firmware Update or Router Update option.
- Click on Browse or Choose File and locate the firmware file you downloaded earlier.
- Select the file and click Upload to begin the update process.
Step 4: Complete the Update
- The router will begin uploading and installing the new firmware. Do not turn off the router during this process.
- Once the update is complete, the router will reboot automatically.
Step 5: Confirm the Firmware Update
- After the reboot, log back into your router and navigate to the Firmware Update section to ensure the new version has been installed correctly.
What To do To Fix Firmware Update Issues?
If you encounter issues during the update process. You can follow the steps given below to troubleshoot the problem.
- Failed Update: If the update fails. First of all, you need to restart your router, now repeat the process again. Also, ensure that your internet connection is stable.
- Bricked Router: In some cases, a failed firmware update can “brick” the router. In that case, router will not obtain default ip. To fix that, you have to reset the netgear router by holding the reset button.
- No Update Available: If no firmware update is available, your router is likely already running the latest version.
