What firmware is
Firmware is the built-in software that runs a device. Your router has it, just as your phone has an operating system. It handles everything from directing traffic to the wireless encryption to the settings page you log in to.
Like any software, firmware can contain mistakes. Some are minor bugs that cause dropped connections. Others are security flaws that could let someone interfere with the router or reach devices behind it. When the maker finds one, it usually releases an updated version that fixes it.
Why updates matter
The router sits at the edge of your home network, between your devices and the internet. That position makes flaws in it more consequential than flaws in, say, a smart lamp. A router that runs outdated firmware may carry weaknesses that are publicly known, and publicly known weaknesses are the ones most likely to be tried.
Updates can also bring:
- Fixes for reliability problems, such as a connection that drops at odd times
- Better performance or wider device compatibility
- Newer security options, including improved encryption modes
- Changes that the manufacturer judges necessary for continued support
The same reasoning applies to phones and computers, as covered in the article on phone software updates. A router is simply easier to forget, since it works quietly in a corner.
This does not mean an out-of-date router will certainly be attacked. It means you are carrying more risk than necessary, and that risk is easy to reduce.
How to check your current version
The method varies by brand, but the pattern is similar:
- Log in to the router’s settings page or open the manufacturer’s or provider’s app.
- Look for a section named Administration, System, Maintenance, Advanced or Firmware.
- Find the line showing the current firmware or software version.
- Look for a button such as “Check for updates” or “Update now.”
If the router can check online, it will tell you whether a newer version exists. If not, you may need to look up your exact model on the maker’s support website, compare the version number to the latest listed, and download the file yourself. Be sure to download only from the maker’s official support page. Files from unofficial sources can be tampered with, which is why safe software downloads start with the official source.
The model number is typically printed on a label on the underside or back of the router. Note the hardware version too, since some models share a name but need different files.
Automatic versus manual updates
Many current routers can update themselves, often overnight. If yours has that option, turning it on is generally the simplest approach. It removes reliance on memory and keeps the router current without any effort.
Some people prefer manual updates so they can choose the timing, or because they want to read the release notes first. That is reasonable, as long as you actually do it. If you go manual, set a recurring reminder, perhaps every few months.
If your router is supplied and managed by your internet provider, updates may happen automatically in the background without any action on your part. Check your provider’s information or ask their support team if you are unsure.
Installing an update safely
Updating is usually painless, but a few precautions help.
- Do not interrupt it. Power loss while the router is writing new firmware can leave it unusable. Choose a time when no storms or planned outages are likely, and do not unplug the device.
- Use a wired connection when possible. A network cable between a computer and the router avoids Wi-Fi dropping out mid-update.
- Save your settings first. Many routers can export a configuration file. If something goes wrong or settings reset, you can restore them. Store the file securely, since it can contain sensitive details.
- Expect a restart. The router will usually reboot, and your internet may be down for a few minutes.
- Check things afterward. Confirm that devices reconnect, and look at your settings in case anything was reset to default, particularly a changed login or Wi-Fi password.
- Follow the maker’s instructions. If the steps for your model differ from this general outline, trust the manual.
Warning signs of a fake update
Be cautious if a pop-up on a website, an email or a text message claims your router needs an urgent update and asks you to click a link. Genuine updates come from the router’s own settings page, its official app or the provider’s account. A message that pushes you toward a download is far more likely to be one of the phishing messages or a scam. If in doubt, ignore it and check through the router directly.
When a router is no longer supported
Every router has a lifespan. After a while, the maker stops releasing updates, often called end of life. At that point, any newly found flaw stays unfixed.
Signs your router may have reached that point include:
- The support website lists no new firmware for several years
- The maker’s pages mark the model as discontinued or unsupported
- The router does not offer modern security options such as WPA3
Check the maker’s support pages for an end-of-support notice. If your router is past it, replacing it is often the most sensible option. If you rent equipment from your provider, ask whether they can swap in a newer model. Make sure to reset the old router to factory settings before returning, selling or recycling it, so your network details do not go with it.
The connected devices around it
The router is not the only device that needs attention. Cameras, speakers, plugs and televisions have firmware too, and the advice in the guide to smart device updates is worth following in parallel. A well-updated router can still sit next to a neglected gadget that is easier to compromise.