How to update router firmware

What is router firmware and why should you update it?

Firmware is the built-in software that controls how the router works. Put simply, it’s the router’s «operating system», just like the one on a smartphone or computer. It’s what decides how to distribute Wi-Fi amongst devices, how to protect the network, and what to do when the signal weakens.

Manufacturers periodically release new versions of the firmware. Updates usually:

• fix bugs that cause the router to freeze or lose connection;
• address any security vulnerabilities that have been identified — which helps protect your network from unauthorised connections;
• improve compatibility with new smartphones, laptops and smart devices;
• and sometimes add new features or speed up your Wi-Fi connection.

In other words, a firmware update is like a regular MOT for a car: the chassis is the same, but the car runs more smoothly and safely.

When to update the firmware

If your router is working without any issues, there’s no need to rush, but it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s website every few months. However, the following signs are a reason to update immediately:

• your internet connection drops out or «freezes» for no apparent reason;
• you have to restart your router every week or more frequently;
• new devices have difficulty connecting to the Wi-Fi;
• the manufacturer has reported a security vulnerability in your model.

If your internet connection drops out too often, first check that the problem isn’t with your line or your subscription plan.

Preparing for the update

The process itself takes a few minutes, but how well you prepare determines whether everything will go smoothly. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re eager to press that long-awaited button.

1. Find out the exact model and firmware version. This information is printed on a sticker on the underside of the router: for example, «Model XYZ, Ver. 2.0. The version is just as important as the model name: it’s like shoe sizes — the model is the same, but the last is different. Firmware from version 1.0 may not be compatible with version 2.0.

2. Only download the firmware from the manufacturer’s official website. Find your model on the support page and select the correct hardware version (and region, if the website offers this option). Files from dubious websites may contain malicious code or simply «brick» your router. Whilst you’re at it, read the update description: the manufacturer usually states what has been fixed and whether any additional steps are required.

3. Check whether you can access the router’s settings. These can be opened in a browser via an address that usually looks like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The exact address, username and password are listed on a sticker or in the manual. If the administrator password has been changed, you’ll need to know it: it isn’t necessarily the same as the Wi-Fi password.

4. Save your current settings. The router’s menu includes a backup function (look for the words «Backup» or «Save Settings»). Save the resulting file to your computer. It’s like taking a photo of the furniture layout before a renovation: if anything changes, you’ll know how it used to be.

5. Make a note of your internet connection details. After an update, some routers ask you to re-enter these details, such as the MAC address and network settings. If you can’t remember them, look them up in your contract with your internet service provider (if this information is included in the document) or in your online account, or check with technical support.

6. Connect your computer to the router using a cable and ensure it is properly powered. A wired connection won’t drop out in the middle of an update, as can happen with Wi-Fi. However, it’s best not to take any chances with the power supply: if the router switches off whilst the firmware is being written, it may no longer switch on. During power cuts, connect it to a power bank or a mini UPS — we covered this in detail in our article on powering a router from a power bank. Otherwise, it’s best to postpone the update until the power supply is stable.

Another rule for fibre broadband subscribers. The optical network terminal (ONT), which converts the signal from the fibre-optic cable, is usually configured by your provider, and you should not attempt to «reflash» it yourself. This advice specifically applies to your Wi-Fi router, which is connected to the ONT. If you are unsure exactly which device you have at home, please call Maxnet technical support.

Method 1. Updating via the web interface (automatically)

This is the simplest option if your router can check for new versions automatically. You won’t need to download anything: the router will connect to the manufacturer’s server itself.

1. Open your router’s settings. Enter its IP address into your browser’s address bar and log in using the administrator username and password.
2. Find the updates section. Its name depends on the manufacturer: look for items such as «Firmware», «Firmware Update», «Updates» or «Software Updates»; these are often hidden under the «System» or «Administration» section.
3. Check the current firmware version. Make a note of it or take a screenshot: you’ll need to compare it after the update.
4. Click «Check for Updates». The router will check whether a newer version is available.
5. Read the changelog, if available, and confirm the update by clicking «Update» or «Upgrade».
6. Wait for the process to complete. The router will download the file, install it and then restart automatically. The Wi-Fi connection will be temporarily lost, and the indicator lights may flash or go out — this is normal. The whole process takes a few minutes, depending on the model.

The main rule at this stage is not to touch anything. Do not switch off the power, do not press any buttons on the casing, and do not restart the device until it has finished running on its own.

If there is new firmware available on the manufacturer’s website but the router says there are no updates, this is not an error. It is simply that the automatic check may not work for your model. In that case, use the second method.

Method 2. Manual update (from a file)

You’ll need to use this method if there’s no automatic check, or if it doesn’t find any updates. It takes a little longer, but it’s still straightforward.

1. Download the firmware file from the official website. Double-check the model, hardware version and region.
2. Unzip the archive if the file is in ZIP format. You should upload the file itself to the router, not the archive.
3. Open the router’s settings and go to the update section («Firmware», «Upgrade» or similar). Look for an option such as «Local Upgrade» or «Manual Update».
4. Click «Browse» (or «Choose File») and select the extracted file. Before proceeding, check its name: a mistake at this stage is far more costly than taking an extra minute to check.
5. Click «Update», «Upload»or «Upgrade». The router will check the file. If it is compatible, the update will begin. If an incompatibility message appears, stop and double-check the model and version.
6. Wait for the router to reboot. Just as with the first method, do not switch anything off or press any buttons until the Wi-Fi signal reappears.

What to check after the update

Once the router has switched on, give it a minute or two to boot up, then:

• connect to the Wi-Fi and open a few websites;
• go to the settings and check the firmware version number: it should match the one you downloaded or saw in the description;
• check whether the Wi-Fi network name and password have changed. If a network with the factory name from the sticker has appeared instead of your own, the settings have been reset;
• make sure that any settings you changed yourself are working: guest network, parental controls, port forwarding;
• check that devices which only connect to the 2.4 GHz band are working properly: smart bulbs, smart sockets, and smart vacuum cleaners.

If the settings have been reset, do not rush to restore them from a saved file: following major updates, the old file may be incompatible. First, check the firmware description to see if restoration is supported; if not, enter the settings manually. If, after the update, the problem only affects one phone or laptop, delete the saved Wi-Fi network on that device and reconnect.

What to do if something goes wrong

Even if you’ve followed the instructions, problems may arise during the update: the router might take a long time to come back online, fail to accept the firmware file, or not provide a Wi-Fi signal after rebooting. Don’t rush to press every button in sight or try the update again straight away. First, give the device time to complete the process, then determine at which stage the problem occurred.

• The Wi-Fi didn’t appear straight away. Wait a few more minutes. Restarting or resetting the settings shouldn’t be your first step.
• The update finished with an error. Check the model, firmware version and region. You’ve probably downloaded the wrong file.
• The router won’t switch on or keeps restarting. Do not unplug it from the mains several times in a row. Many models have a Recovery Mode, but the way to enter it varies, so look for instructions specific to your model.
• You want to revert to an older version. Not all routers offer this option, and sometimes it disappears after an update. Check the manufacturer’s support page for details.

Resetting to factory settings (the «Reset» button) erases your settings but does not repair damaged firmware. Therefore, do not use this option indiscriminately, especially if the router has stopped booting following a failed update. If standard recovery methods do not help, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or contact specialists.

Updating the firmware does not guarantee that all internet problems will disappear, as the cause of disruptions may be faulty hardware, line issues or network settings. However, up-to-date firmware helps to keep the router in good working order, fix known bugs and strengthen the security of your home network. The key is to download files from the official website, carefully check compatibility and not interrupt the update process. And if you’re unsure about what you’re doing, it’s better to consult specialists than to risk damaging the device.