To update router firmware, connect a computer to the router (ideally by Ethernet), enter the router’s IP address in a browser or open the maker’s app, log in as administrator, and open the Firmware, Update or Maintenance page. Click Check or Update, or upload the file for your exact model and hardware version from the official support site, and do not power off the router until it reboots.
Key Takeaways
- Router firmware updates fix flaws and security vulnerabilities and can improve performance, according to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
- The router’s address is the Default Gateway on Windows (shown by the ipconfig command) and the Router entry under System Settings > Network > Details > TCP/IP on a current Mac.
- Download firmware only from the manufacturer’s official site, and match the exact model, hardware version and region.
- Never turn off the power or unplug the Ethernet cable while firmware is installing.
- Apple announced in 2018 that it was discontinuing all AirPort routers; AirPort Utility is still the tool for checking their firmware.
Updating the firmware of your router can help you boost the connectivity and maintain a secure router. CISA notes that firmware updates enhance product performance, fix flaws and address security vulnerabilities, so installing the latest version helps keep a home network running properly and securely.
Many routers have a built-in update checker, but it may not complete the whole process automatically. If you use an Apple AirPort router, open AirPort Utility (in the Applications > Utilities folder on a Mac), select the base station and click Update if the button appears next to the version number. Apple announced in 2018 that it was discontinuing all AirPort products and leaving the router market.
How to Upgrade Your Router’s Firmware
Router firmware updates are as vital as updating the software on your computer or phone. A firmware upgrade provides you security improvements and brand new features. If you have used the same wireless router for several years, the manufacturer may well have released firmware updates since you set it up, so it is worth checking.
Unlike computer software, which usually updates itself through a built-in updater, many routers still need a few manual steps in their web interface. Some newer models, such as TP-Link’s cloud-enabled routers, can install updates from the web interface or a phone app without a manual download.
Finding the Address of the Router (Windows)
- Check the actual router for the address. You may access the router by entering the IP address in the web browser. Majority of the routers have their IP addresses printed on the sticker that is fixed at the bottom. If you see that your router doesn’t have this or you don’t have access to the main router, here are the instruction you should follow.
- On older Windows versions, open the Start menu and type ‘network status’ to open the ‘View network status and tasks’ window. On any current Windows version, a faster method is to open Command Prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter: according to Microsoft, ipconfig without parameters displays the IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, subnet mask and default gateway for every network adapter.
- Click the name of the present connection in the top right hand side corner. This will have an icon that indicates the kind of connection that you’re using, Ethernet or Wi-fi. Ensure that you’re connected to the network of the router.
- Click the ‘Details’ button in the window that appears on screen. This will give you a list of all the entries.
- Find the IPv4 Default gateway entry. The IP address that is listed is the IP address of the router. Take down a note and skip down to the section called ‘Installing Router Updates’.
Finding the Address of the Router (Mac)
Check the physical router to get the IP address
You will access the configuration page of the router by entering the IP address in the web browser on the computer. Most of the routers have this address printed at the bottom. If your router doesn’t have the sticker, here are the steps to follow.
- In case you are using an Apple AirPort router, check out the section given below.
- Click the Apple menu and choose ‘System Settings’ (called ‘System Preferences’ on older macOS versions).
- Next click on the Network button as this will display all your network connections.
- Choose your active connection in the left frame as this will give a green indicator that will say ‘Connected’ underneath. Ensure you’re connected to the network of the router.
- Click ‘Details’ (the ‘Advanced’ button on older macOS versions).
- Click TCP/IP (you may need to scroll) and look for the ‘Router’ entry; that is the IP address of the router. Apple’s current path is Apple menu > System Settings > Network > your network service > Details > TCP/IP.
Installing Router Updates
- Connect to the router through Ethernet. There are some routers that don’t allow access to the configuration page when you’re connected through Wifi. Connecting through Ethernet will let you make sure that you can access the configuration tools properly.
- Enter the IP address of the router in the address bar of the web browser. You will easily find the address by following the steps given above. Enter the address just as if you were visiting the webpage.
Enter the Login Details
When you think of opening the configuration page, you will be given a chance to enter the login details. In case you don’t have the saved details, you can try out few common defaults.
- On some older routers the username or password was blank, so leaving the fields empty may work. Check the router’s label and manual first: in the UK, for example, connectable products sold since the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime took effect on 29 April 2024 must have a password that is unique per product or set by the user.
- On older models, enter ‘admin’ as the username and leave the password blank. If that doesn’t work, try ‘admin’ as the password.
- Take a look at the make and model of your router at routerpasswords.com. Third-party lists like this can be out of date, so the router’s manual or the manufacturer’s support site is the more reliable source for default login details.
- In case this information doesn’t work or you can’t figure out how to log in, you may reset the router by holding and pressing the physical Reset button that you find at the back. This erases all the settings of the router, disrupting the wireless network in case you altered the default settings. You can then use the default login; change the administrator password straight away, as CISA advises, to protect the router from attacks that use default credentials.
Open the ‘Firmware’, ‘Router Upgrade’ or ‘Update’ page.
The name of this page will be different for all router manufacturers. The location varies but you may easily find it in ‘Utilities’, ‘Administration’ or ‘Maintenance’ section.
Click the ‘Check’ button to check if there are any updates
There are several routers that have a button to check whether or not there is a new version of the firmware of the router.
Download the current firmware files if there is a link
Depending on the router, you’ll be given a link to the most recent firmware version and the router will also be able to download the latest version on its own.
Visit the support site of the manufacturer
When there is a new version of the firmware, but you don’t have any links, you have to download the firmware from the manufacturer. You may grab these files from Support section of the sites. Search for the manufacturer’s official support site, and download firmware only from the official site for your region, since regional versions can differ. For instance, if you search for ‘Netgear support’, you will reach the netgear.com/support link.
Enter the model of the router in search of the support site
You can easily find the model number of the router at the top of the configuration page. Enter the model number into the manufacturer’s website search bar.
Finally, find the latest firmware file for your exact model and hardware version, extract it if it comes as a ZIP file, and upload it through the router’s firmware upgrade page. Do not turn off the power or disconnect the Ethernet cable during the upgrade, and wait until the router has rebooted and the update has been applied.
Why Should You Update Router Firmware?
Router firmware is the built-in software that runs a router’s networking, Wi-Fi and security features. According to CISA, firmware updates enhance product performance, fix flaws and address security vulnerabilities, and CISA’s home Wi-Fi guidance adds that routine updates protect against known vulnerabilities.
Every device on a home network connects through the router, so its security matters for all of them. Updating the router is one part of basic home network security, alongside a strong Wi-Fi password and turning off features you do not use. See our guide on how to protect your WiFi connection for the other steps.
Before You Update: A Quick Checklist
- Find the exact model and hardware version. Both are usually on the router’s label. TP-Link warns that the wrong firmware can damage the device and void the warranty.
- Back up your settings. If the router offers a backup or save-configuration option, use it; TP-Link recommends backing up before an upgrade.
- Use a wired connection. Connect by Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi so the upload is not interrupted.
- Pick a quiet time. The internet connection drops while the router reboots, so update when nobody is on a call or download.
- Know your admin password. If you have lost it, a reset restores factory settings; our guide on how to reset a router properly explains what that erases.
Ways to Update Router Firmware Compared
| Method | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic updates | The router checks for and installs updates on its own, where the model supports it | Most home users | Confirm the setting is actually turned on |
| Check button in the web interface | Log in at the router’s IP address and click Check or Update on the firmware page | Routers that can download firmware themselves | Do not close the page or power off mid-update |
| Manufacturer’s phone app | For example, TP-Link’s Tether and Deco apps: More > System > Firmware Update | App-managed and mesh systems | The phone must be on the router’s network |
| Manual file upload | Download the file from the maker’s support site, extract it and upload it on the firmware page | Older routers without online checks | Exact model, hardware version and region must match |
| AirPort Utility | Select the base station and click Update next to the version number | Apple AirPort Extreme, Express and Time Capsule | Apple discontinued AirPort products in 2018 |
How to Turn On Automatic Router Updates
CISA notes that some routers allow automatic updates. Where the option exists, it usually sits on the same Firmware, Update or Administration page used for manual updates, or in the router’s app. Turning it on means security fixes install without anyone remembering to check.
For AirPort base stations, Apple’s AirPort Utility can check for updates each time it opens, or automatically at an interval such as weekly.
Common Mistakes When Updating Router Firmware
- Interrupting the update. TP-Link’s instruction is not to turn off the power or disconnect the Ethernet cable during a firmware upgrade.
- Using the wrong file. A file for a different hardware version or region can damage the router.
- Downloading from unofficial sites. Only the manufacturer’s support site, or the router’s own update check, should be trusted for firmware.
- Keeping the default password. After any reset, set a new administrator password; our secure password generator can create a strong one.
- Leaving remote management on. CISA advises turning off remote management to stop unauthorized people from accessing and changing the router’s configuration.
What If There Are No New Updates?
If the update check says the firmware is current, nothing more is needed. If the manufacturer has stopped releasing updates altogether, the router no longer receives security fixes. In the UK, the PSTI regime requires manufacturers to publish the minimum period for which security updates will be provided, with an end date, which makes it easier to see how long a router will be supported.
CISA also recommends asking your internet service provider for an upgrade, or considering a new router, if yours only supports older encryption such as WEP, WPA or WPA2 TKIP. Our roundup of the best Wi-Fi routers covers current options, and once a new router is running you can change the Wi-Fi password to something strong and unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my router firmware?
Router firmware should be updated whenever the manufacturer releases a new version. Turning on automatic updates, where the router supports them, is the simplest way to stay current; otherwise, check the firmware page or app regularly.
Will updating router firmware delete my settings?
Whether settings survive a firmware update depends on the router, so back up the configuration first if the router offers that option; TP-Link recommends a backup before upgrading. A factory reset, by contrast, erases all of the router’s settings.
Can I update router firmware over Wi-Fi?
Some routers allow it, especially through the manufacturer’s app, but a wired Ethernet connection is safer. TP-Link recommends a wired connection, and some routers do not allow access to the configuration page over Wi-Fi at all.
What happens if the power goes off during a firmware update?
Manufacturers such as TP-Link warn against turning off the power or disconnecting the cable during an upgrade, because an interrupted update may not install correctly. If the router does not start normally afterwards, contact the manufacturer’s support team.
How do I find my router’s IP address?
On Windows, run ipconfig in Command Prompt and read the Default Gateway; on a Mac, open System Settings > Network > Details > TCP/IP and read the Router entry. Our guide to finding your router’s IP address covers other devices.
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