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Updating your router's firmware can enhance connectivity and bolster device security. Installing the latest updates ensures your network remains secure and operates efficiently. Most routers come with built-in update-checking programs, which may or may not automate the entire process. For Apple AirPort routers, you can use the AirPort Utility to check for updates.
Steps
Find the Router's Address (on Windows)
Locate the address on the router. You can access the router by entering its IP address into a web browser. Most routers have a label with information, including the IP address, on the bottom of the device. If your router lacks a label or you can't access it directly, follow the steps below.
- Refer to the next section if you're using a Mac.
Open the Start menu and type "network status". The "View network status and tasks" window will appear.
Click on the current connection name at the top right. This option displays the icon of the connection you're using (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.).
- Ensure you're connected to the router's network.
Click the "Details" button on the newly opened window. A list of items will appear.
Look for the IPv4 Default Gateway entry. The IP address listed here is your router's IP address. Note it down and proceed to the router update section below.
Find the Router's Address (on Mac)
Locate the address on the router. You can access the router by entering its IP address into a web browser. Most routers have a label with information, including the IP address, on the bottom of the device. If your router doesn't have a label or you can't access it directly, follow the steps below.
- If you're using an Apple AirPort router, refer to the AirPort router update section below.
Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences". The System Preferences window will appear.
Click the "Network" button. All network connections will be displayed.
Select your connection from the left panel. A green dot will appear next to the option, and the status will show as "Connected".
- Ensure you're connected to the router's network.
Click the "Advanced" button. A new window will open.
Click the "TCP/IP" tab and look for the "Router" entry. This is the IP address of your router.
Install Router Updates
Connect to the router using an Ethernet cable. Some routers are configured to block access to the configuration page over Wi-Fi. Using an Ethernet cable ensures you can properly access the configuration tools.
Enter the router's IP address into your web browser's address bar. You can find this address by following the methods described above.
- Enter the router's IP address just like you would for any website.
Enter your login credentials. When accessing the configuration page, you'll be prompted to log in. If you haven't saved this information, try some common default combinations:
- Leave both fields blank. Many routers don't require a username or password.
- Try using "admin" as the username and leave the password field blank. If that doesn't work, try "admin" as the password.
- Look up the router's manufacturer and model at routerpasswords.com. Default login details may appear.
- If the defaults don't work and you can't figure out how to log in, reset the router by holding the physical Reset button on the back. This will erase all settings and may disconnect Wi-Fi (if you've changed any default network settings). You can then use the default login credentials.
Open the "Firmware", "Router Upgrade", or "Update" page. The page name varies depending on the router manufacturer. Its location may also differ, but it's typically found under "Administration", "Utilities", or "Maintenance".
Click the "Check" button to search for new updates. Many routers have a dedicated button to check for the latest firmware updates.
Download the latest firmware file if a link is provided. Depending on your router, you may be given a direct link to the latest firmware version, or the router might download it automatically.
Visit the manufacturer's support page if no link is available. If a new firmware version exists but no link is provided, download it from the manufacturer's website. These files are usually found in the Support section of the homepage.
- Search for the support page online. For example, searching "Netgear support" will lead you to netgear.com/support.
Enter the router's model number into the search bar on the support page. You can find the model number at the top of the configuration page. Input this number into the search bar on the manufacturer's website.
Locate the latest firmware files for your device. Depending on your router model, there may be a single firmware update, multiple files, or none at all. Download the most recent file based on the release date or version number. Typically, the file will be downloaded in ZIP format.
- Ensure you do not download an older version than the one currently in use. You can check the current version on your router's firmware update configuration page.
Extract the contents of the ZIP file. Once the firmware file is downloaded, double-click the ZIP file to open it, then click 'Extract' to unzip the contents. Usually, you will find a file with an unfamiliar extension.
Upload the file to your router. Return to your router's firmware update configuration page, click the 'Choose File' button, and navigate to select the recently extracted file. Then, click the 'Upload' button on the router's configuration page.
Wait for the update to be applied. After the file is uploaded, the firmware update process will begin. A progress bar will appear, and the update may take 3-5 minutes to complete. The network will temporarily disconnect as the router resets itself.
Reset the router if the update fails. If the firmware update does not work and you cannot connect to the router, manually reset the router and try again. Hold the Reset button on the back of the router for 30 seconds to restore factory settings. You will need to reconfigure your network if you previously changed any default settings.
Updating Your AirPort Router
Launch the AirPort Utility from the Utilities folder. This application enables you to modify the settings of your AirPort router. The Utilities folder can be found within the Applications directory.
- For iOS devices, you can download AirPort Utility from the App Store.
- AirPort Utility is exclusively available for Mac OS X and iOS devices.
Click on the base station and enter your password. A red number next to the base station icon indicates a new update is available, but this indicator will only appear after you input your password.
Click the 'Update' button to download and install the latest update. This button will only appear if an update is available. Click 'Continue' when prompted to confirm the update.
Wait for the router to complete the update. This process may take a few minutes to finish. During the update, your network connection will be temporarily interrupted.
Tips
- Download the firmware update reminder app provided by your manufacturer.
Warnings
- Failing to update your firmware may leave your firewall vulnerable to attacks.
