Routers from different vendors may have different UIs, but the actual process for updating the firmware is more or less the same. you’re able to normally use the router’s auto-update feature to update the firmware at the press of a button. For those who want to flash a specific firmware version, I’ve also covered the manual update steps.
Before You Begin
A common query I hear regardingfirmware updatesis whether they’re even necessary. The industry’s usual outlook on firmware is, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Firmware updates going wrong and bricking devices are a common occurrence, so it’s not something you do unless you have a specific reason to.
But the thing is, there are many scenarios where updating is actually necessary. You might befacing networking issues(possibly due to hardware causes). A new update might’ve patched a major vulnerability, or perhaps it introduced some new functionality. These are valid reasons to update.
However, if the new firmware has only fixed some minor bugs not relevant to you, updating isn’t really necessary. I recommend checking the firmware changelogs on the router manufacturer’s site to make the best decision in your specific case.
If you do decide to proceed with the update, please keep a few things in mind:
Update Router Firmware Automatically
Most modern routers have anauto-update featurethat’s useful for updating to the latest version with minimal effort on your part. I’ll demonstrate how you’re able to use this from an Archer A7 router’s web interface. The steps will mostly apply to other routers as well.
Manual Router Firmware Update
If you want to flash custom firmware like DD-WRT, or an older stock firmware version, you canuse the manual update optionas shown below.
What If the Firmware Update Fails
Your router will stop working after a failed firmware update. But this doesn’t necessarily mean the device is permanently bricked. Check if the router’s LEDs are still working. If the LEDs don’t work and the device shows no signs of power, you’ll have to get it checked by a technician.
But if the LEDs are blinking with a different color like orange or red instead of the usual white/green, it means your router has entered the emergency mode. You can use the firmware restoration utility provided by your router manufacturer to flash the firmware again.
Even if the color doesn’t change, as long as the power LED at least lights up, that’s a good sign. In this case, you can try the firmware rescue first. If it doesn’t work, take the device to a repair center.
