Learn how to Update the Router Firmware for different routers through this step-by-step guide with screenshots:
Routers are devices that allow the transmission of data packets from a device to the servers. They act as a wall against all network threats, including viruses and potential data threats.
Therefore, it is vital to keep your router up to date with all the latest advancements to secure your system with top-level security.
What You Will Learn:
Why Upgrade Router Firmware
Every firmware upgrade is equipped with advanced patches to bugs and glitches. These patches allow the router to calibrate with new hardware devices and new advanced software.
Updating the router means updating the router’s software version, which handles all the router functions, often called firmware. Updating the router also updates the firmware inside the router and patch all the glitches and bugs in the firmware’s previous versions.
In this tutorial guide, we will talk about how to update the router firmware.
Requirements To Update Firmware On Router
Enlisted below are some basic requirements:
- Active Internet connection
- Ethernet cable
- Login credentials
- A laptop or computer
Update Firmware In NETGEAR Router
The steps are as follows:
#1) Open any web browser, and in the search box, type the IP Address of the router and press “Enter”.
#2) If you are using Chrome, then a safety screen will appear.
#3) Click on the ‘’Advanced’’ button.
#4) Further, click on Proceed to 10.0.1.1 (unsafe).
Note: The IP Address (10.0.1.1) will differ in your case
#5) A dialog box window will now appear, which will ask you to enter the credentials to log in as the admin in the router settings as shown below.
#6) NETGEAR admin router settings screen will appear as shown in the image below.
#7) Click on the ‘’ADVANCED’’ section visible on the screen.
#8) Scroll down, On the left of the ADVANCED section, a “Firmware Update” section is available. Click on it.
#9) A screen, as shown in the image below, will appear.
#10) Wait for some time, then a screen will appear with the firmware update version details as shown in the image below.
#11) Click on ‘’Yes’’ and the router downloading message will appear as shown in the image below.
#12) After the download is complete, a new window will appear which will display the status of the firmware update.
#13) Then a new screen will appear, displaying the message for a router rebooting.
#14) The router will reboot and the firmware will be updated.
Update Router Firmware On Linksys
Visit the Linksys Support site and search for the firmware updates using the model number of your router. This will help you download the firmware’s latest version.
Now follow the steps below:
#1) Open your web browser, enter the IP address for your router in the search tab, and press ‘’Enter’’.
#2) Enter the respective username and password.
#3) After you have successfully logged in, click on ‘’Administration’’.
#4) Now, click on ‘’Firmware Upgrade’’ as shown in the image below.
#5) Click on ‘’Browse’’ and select the downloaded file.
#6) Now, click on ‘’Start Upgrade’’.
The process bar will be visible, try not to interrupt the processing and let the firmware upgrade.
Update TP-Link Router Firmware
Download the latest firmware update for your router from the TP-Link router website.
Then follow the steps below:
#1) Once the file is downloaded, unzip it and save it on a location that you can easily access.
#2) Enter the login details to enter as an admin.
#3) Once you log in, go to the ‘’System Tools’’ tab and select the ‘’Firmware Upgrade’’ option as shown in the image below.
#4) Now, click the “Browse” button and search for the updated file.
#5) Once you browse the file, double click to select it.
#6) Now click on the ‘’Update’’ button and wait until the update completes.
#7) When the firmware update process completes, plug out the router and reboot it.
Your router firmware will be upgraded and ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q #1) What is Firmware?
Answer: Firmware is a set of protocols or software programmed on a hardware device that guides a hardware device on how to work. Firmware is embedded inside a non-volatile memory like ROM, Eprom, etc.
Q #2) How to update Router Firmware?
Answer: Follow the steps explained in this tutorial to update your router firmware software.
- Login to your router server using the credentials provided.
- Look for the Firmware upgrade option under the Administration option.
- Browse the latest firmware upgrade.
- Click on the “Upgrade” button.
Q #3) Why there is a need to update Router Firmware?
Answer: Whenever firmware is released, there are some glitches and bugs which surface over time. So the company releases the new versions of the firmware with the solution to those bugs and glitches. Updating router firmware exposes the router to new patches of the bugs and glitches.
Q #4) What if my Firmware upgrading fails?
Answer: There are various reasons for firmware upgrade failure, like moving out of range, leaving the app, and any phone call while upgrading. So when you are stuck in such a situation, go to the management and resume the upgrade of firmware.
Q #5) How to get the (Utility/Firmware)?
Answer: This can be done by following the simple steps mentioned below:
- To look for your router firmware, look for your router’s IP.
- Then open your web browser.
- Enter your router IP.
- Enter login details.
- Now you can download/upgrade firmware for your router.
Q #6) What if I don’t upgrade Firmware?
Answer: If the user doesn’t upgrade the firmware on the router, then the router’s firmware may remain unexposed to the new patches of the bugs and glitches. If the firmware remains un-upgraded, then it will not be compatible with the new hardware devices because the code encoded on the device can read only the earlier version and patterns of hardware devices.
Q #7) Can Firmware upgrade remotely?
Answer: Yes, it is now possible to upgrade your router remotely. It would be best to make sure that someone is present near the router to reboot it once the firmware upgrades.
Q #8) What if I forget my password?
Answer: In such a case, there is a small button present on the backside of your router with small initials mentioned: “reset.” Please press the button for 10 seconds, then the router will reset to its default settings.
You can then login to the router using the default username and password, which was shared with you when you first got the router, or default username/password.
Q #9) How to look for a Router IP Address?
Answer: To find your router’s IP address, follow these simple steps:
- Click on the “Start” button, type command prompt, or cmd in the search box.
- Open the command prompt; a black screen will appear with a blinking cursor.
- Type “ipconfig” on the screen and press enter.
- A lot of details will be visible on the net.
- Look for “Default Gateway Address,” note it down.
- It will be in the form of 192.168. 2.1.
Q #10) How do I reset Router Configurations?
Answer: To reset your router to the default factory settings, press the “reset” button on the router’s backside for 10 seconds. This will reset the router to its default factory settings.
Q #11) Is it necessary to use Ethernet cables?
Answer: Choosing an Ethernet cable for your router is always the safest option. Ethernet cable doesn’t allow the obstruction of the Internet.
Q #12) How do I update my modem Firmware?
Answer: Most of the companies nowadays offer an automatic update feature, which makes it easier for the clients. But if you want to update the modem firmware manually, you can do it by visiting the manufacturer’s website and then downloading the new version.
Q #13) How to update my Router Firmware without the Internet?
Answer: To upgrade your router without using the Internet, follow these necessary steps:
- First, download the new firmware into the computer that you can wire to your router.
- Next, power down your entire network.
- Wire the computer to a LAN port on the router.
- Disconnect all other wires from the router.
- Power up the router and allow it to reboot (1-2 minutes).
- Power up your computer.
- Login to the router and do the firmware upgrade (it will probably take several minutes).
- Power down your entire network.
Conclusion
In the above article, we have learned the steps to upgrade the router firmware for different routers.
Firmware acts as a wall between the traffic from the network and acts as a safety shield for your potential data. So keeping your firmware version up to date is extremely necessary as it acts as your shield. Every time a company releases a firmware update, it is a patch to all the bugs and glitches that the software has in the earlier version.
It is extremely necessary to take care of the hardware too. Updating router firmware is similar to installing an antivirus in your system.