How to update your router's firmware

We are constantly updating our smartphones, tablets, computers, and pretty much any modern piece of technology. What about routers, though? While a vital part of our online communications, this little internet hub is commonly ignored. This article will teach you how to update router firmware and keep your connection strong and healthy.

Why do I need to update my router firmware?

Think of it like this: your router keeps all your wireless devices connected to the internet. That is an essential job, and while we don’t often pay much attention to it, it’s essential to at least keep an eye on it and update it occasionally.

As with other smart products, router firmware updates usually improve performance. They can also patch security bugs. In the case of more modern routers with smart functionality, firmware updates can even introduce excellent features to enhance your experience altogether.

Important: Note that every manufacturer uses a different method for updating the firmware. The process may differ from model to model, even between devices from the same brand. We will give you a general guide to updating router firmware on multiple popular router brands, but the process may be slightly different depending on your hardware. Additionally, updating a router often requires entering the management using a browser, which is usually accessed using the router’s IP address. It’s different for every router, so we can’t give you your router’s IP address. It’s usually on a sticker, under the router. Otherwise, Google is your friend.

Amazon Eero

Amazon Eero devices aren’t your typical routers. These mesh network systems are considered intelligent devices and can be easily managed using the official Eero home Wi-Fi system app. Updating the firmware is a breeze, and it requires just a few taps on the app. And they happen automatically most times, so you often don’t need to do anything.

How to update Amazon Eero routers

1. Open the Eero home Wi-Fi system app.
2. Hit the Settings tab.
3. Go into Software updates.
4. You will be notified if there’s an available update. Hit Install now.

ASUS

ASUS is a famous router brand, especially for demanding users like gamers. As such, keeping these gaming routers in tip-top shape with constant firmware updates is imperative. There is an easy way to update ASUS routers, but it doesn’t always work. If you’re out of luck, you must do it manually.

How to update ASUS routers

1. When connected to your router, use a browser to go to your LAN IP or  http://www.asusrouter.com.
2. Log in. By default, the router username and password should be “admin”.
3. If there is an update available, a pop-up in the upper-right corner will show up. If it does, click on the Update now option.
4. Alternatively, you can go to Administration > System and click on Firmware Upgrade.
5. Let the process complete.

How to update ASUS routers manually

1. Go to https://www.asus.com/Networking-IoT-Servers/WiFi-Routers/All-series/.
2. Find your router, go into its page, and select Support.
3. Go to Driver & Utility.
4. Select BIOS & Firmware.
5. Download your router’s latest firmware.
6. When connected to your router, use a browser to go to http://router.asus.com. Alternatively, you can find your router’s IP address and enter it in the URL box.
7. Log in. By default, the router username and password should be “admin”.
8. Click on Administration.
9. Select Firmware Upgrade.
10. You should see your router in one of the boxes. Next to it, select Upload.
11. Find the firmware file and select it. Let the process run.

D-Link

D-Link devices aren’t as simple to update, but the process is still relatively easy.

How to update D-Link routers

1. Go to https://support.dlink.com/, find your device, and download the latest firmware.
2. You’ll get a zip file. Extract its contents.
3. Launch your browser and go to http://dlinkrouter.local or enter your router’s IP address.
4. Log in. If you haven’t changed your password, the default should be “admin” for the username and either “admin” or “no password” for the password.
5. Hover your cursor over Management and select Upgrade.
6. Click on the Check for New Firmware if you want to try and use automatic updates.
7. Otherwise, click on Select File in the Upgrade Manually section.
8. Select the firmware file and let the upgrade run.

Google

Google’s Nest Wi-Fi routers are very similar to Amazon’s Eero products. These smart mesh Wi-Fi systems can be easily managed from an app. In fact, the system is so intelligent that Google will automatically download and install updates overnight. There is no direct way to force an update to Nest Wi-Fi systems. You have to wait for Google to push it out.

Linksys

Linksys routers are more traditional regarding updating the firmware.

How to update Linksys routers

1. Access your Linksys Server Account. If you don’t have one, you must use a browser and enter your router’s IP address in the URL box.
2. Go into Connectivity.
3. Under the Basic tab, find the Firmware Update section.
4. Click on Check for Updates.
5. If the router finds an available update, you will be notified. Select Click here.
6. Select Yes to confirm the installation.
7. Select OK when you see the Router Reboot window.
8. You’ll get another notification when the update is complete. Select OK.

Update Linksys routers manually

1. Go to the Linksys support site and find your router. Go to its page.
2. Hit the Downloads/Firmware button.
3. Download the latest firmware version.
4. Go to your browser and enter your LAN IP address.
5. Log in. Your password should be “admin” by default.
6. Go into the Administration tab.
7. Select Firmware Upgrade.
8. Click on Browse and choose the file you downloaded.
9. Pick Start Upgrade.
10. You’ll get a confirmation when the update is complete. Hit Continue.
11. Restart the router.

NETGEAR

How to update NETGEAR routers

1. Go to https://www.netgear.com/support/. Find your router and download the latest firmware update.
2. Unzip the file if it’s compressed.
3. Go to https://www.routerlogin.net/.
4. Log in. The default username is “admin”, and the password is specified the first time you log in.
5. Go to Advanced or Settings.
6. Select Administration.
7. Select Firmware Update or Router Update.
8. Click Choose File or Browse, then locate and select the firmware file that ends in .img or .chk.
9. Hit the Upload button.

TP-Link

How to update TP-Link routers

1. Go to TP-Link’s Download Center, find your router, and download the latest firmware available.
2. The file will be compressed. Unzip it.
3. Access the router management page. You can do this by launching a browser and entering your router’s IP address in the URL box.
4. Log in. The default username and password are “admin”.
5. Click on System Tools-Firmware Upgrade (or Firmware); click on Choose File to find the extracted firmware file, and click open.
6. Select Upgrade.
7. Let the process run and restart the router.

Next: I ditched consumer Wi-Fi routers, and so should you!