How often should I update my router firmware?

Check for firmware updates every 3–6 months, or immediately when a security vulnerability is announced for your router model. Routers with automatic update features can handle this for you. ISP-provided gateways are typically updated automatically by the ISP.

Is it safe to update router firmware?

Yes, in normal circumstances. Always download firmware only from the official manufacturer website. Do not interrupt the router during a firmware update — a power outage mid-update can brick the device. The update typically takes 2–5 minutes and the router reboots automatically.

What happens if I don't update my router firmware?

Unpatched routers are vulnerable to known exploits. Attackers can use them to intercept traffic, redirect DNS queries to malicious servers, enlist the router in botnets, or gain access to your local network. Several major router vulnerabilities in recent years have allowed remote code execution without any user interaction.

How to Update Your Router Firmware

Router firmware is the operating system running on your router. Manufacturers release updates to patch security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, improve performance, and occasionally add new features. Most people never update their router firmware — which means millions of home networks are running software with known, publicly documented security holes.

Updating takes about 5 minutes and the router reboots automatically. Your settings are preserved.

Why It Matters

Routers are high-value targets because they sit between every device in your home and the internet. A compromised router can intercept all your traffic, redirect you to fake login pages, block security updates from reaching your devices, or form part of a botnet used to attack other systems. Unlike Windows or macOS, routers do not prompt you to update — you have to do it yourself, or enable automatic updates.

Notable router vulnerabilities in recent years have included remote code execution without authentication, DNS hijacking bugs, and credential theft — all on unpatched routers from major consumer brands.

NETGEAR — Firmware Update

Automatic (recommended): Log in at 192.168.1.1 → Advanced → Administration → Firmware Update/Router Update. Check the box for Check for Updates Automatically and set a schedule.

Manual check: Same path, click Check. If an update is available, click Download and Install. The router will update and reboot — takes about 3 minutes. Do not power it off during this process.

Manual file upload: Go to netgear.com/support, search your model, download the latest firmware file (.zip or .img), then in the admin panel click Browse under Upload, select the file, and click Upload.

TP-Link — Firmware Update

Automatic: Log in at 192.168.0.1 → Advanced → System → Firmware Upgrade. Click Check for Upgrade. If available, click Upgrade. To enable automatic updates, go to Advanced → System → Automatic Updates.

Manual: On tp-link.com/support, search your model number (printed on the router's label), download the latest firmware. In the admin panel, go to Advanced → System → Firmware Upgrade → Manual Upgrade, click Browse, select the file, and click Upgrade.

Important for TP-Link: Download firmware specifically for your hardware version. The hardware version (e.g., "V4") is on the label. Flashing wrong-version firmware can brick the router.

ASUS — Firmware Update

Automatic: Log in at 192.168.50.1 → Administration → Firmware Upgrade. Enable Automatically check and update to new firmware.

Manual: Click Check in the Firmware Upgrade page. If an update is found, click Upgrade. For manual file upload: go to asus.com/support, download the firmware for your exact model, then click Browse in the admin panel, select the file, and click Upload.

ASUS also offers beta firmware (labeled "release candidate") for advanced users who want new features before the stable release. Only install beta firmware if you are comfortable with potential instability.

Linksys — Firmware Update

Auto-update: Log in at 192.168.1.1 → Administration → Management → enable Automatic Firmware Upgrade.

Manual: Go to Administration → Firmware Upgrade → click Check for Updates. Alternatively, download the latest firmware from linksys.com/support, then click Browse, select the file, and click Start Upgrade.

D-Link — Firmware Update

Log in at 192.168.0.1 → Tools → Firmware Update. Click Check Online Now to check automatically, or download the firmware from support.dlink.com, select the file, and click Upload.

ISP Gateways — Usually Automatic

ISP-provided gateways (Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T, Verizon, Cox) are typically updated automatically by the ISP without any action required from you. The ISP pushes updates remotely, usually overnight. You may occasionally notice your gateway rebooted — that is usually a firmware update being applied.

You generally cannot manually update firmware on an ISP gateway — the ISP controls the firmware. If you are concerned about firmware currency, call your ISP and ask what version is current on your device. To confirm your device version: log into the gateway admin panel and look for a Firmware Version field in the status or about section.

Firmware Update Safety Rules

Never interrupt a firmware update. If the router loses power mid-flash, it can be bricked (permanently inoperable). Use a wired Ethernet connection, not WiFi, when updating — if WiFi drops during the update, the process could fail.

Download only from the official manufacturer website. Third-party firmware downloads are a major malware vector. Always go directly to netgear.com, tp-link.com, asus.com, linksys.com, or dlink.com.

Match the firmware to your exact model and hardware version. Many routers have multiple hardware revisions with the same model name. Flashing firmware for the wrong hardware version can brick the device. The hardware version is on the label on the bottom of the router.

Your settings are preserved during normal firmware updates. A firmware update is not a factory reset. WiFi names, passwords, port forwarding rules, and all configuration are retained. The only exception: if the manufacturer specifically notes that a major version update requires a reset, do so after backing up your config.

What Version Are You On?

To find your current firmware version, log into your router admin panel and look for the firmware or software version number — usually on the main status page or in Administration → About. Then compare it to the latest version on the manufacturer's support page for your model.

If your router model is more than 3–5 years old, check whether the manufacturer still releases updates for it. Older routers that no longer receive firmware support are a security risk — consider replacing a router that has been end-of-life for more than a year, especially if it is connected directly to the internet.

Third-Party Firmware (Advanced)

Some routers support open-source third-party firmware like DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato. These provide more features, longer update support, and sometimes better performance than stock firmware. They are best suited for technically experienced users — a failed flash can brick the router, and you lose the manufacturer warranty.

If your router's official firmware support has ended, third-party firmware can extend its useful life significantly. Check the DD-WRT and OpenWrt compatibility tables for your specific model before attempting installation.