Netgear Router Firmware Update: A Brief Guide

Generally, router firmware update is an important aspect of the enhanced performance of your networking device. Similarly, Netgear users ignore or mostly remain unaware of the Netgear router firmware update. If it is not updated then they face issues like log-in/setup, or security issues. Additionally, if you want to have advanced features in your network gateway then Firmware update is much more important. 

Moreover, if the firmware update for Netgear router is not performed on time, then internal glitches, network disruptions, or no internet issues occur. Also, it hampers the speed of the networking device. Therefore, the upgrading of the router firmware is necessary whenever it is available. So, to make it easy for you, here in this post, we share methods and steps to upgrade the Firmware. Continue reading to know more.

Netgear Router Firmware Update

Necessities to Upgrade Netgear Router Firmware

Before you start with the router’s firmware upgrade process, then must ensure to have a few of the essentials with you, such as:

internet
connection

Nighthawk router

router/
Modem

Web/IP
address

Nighthawk app

Nighthawk
app

Admin credentials

Admin
Credentials

Computer -Smartphone

Computer/
Smartphone

Netgear Router Firmware

Why is a Netgear Router Firmware Update Necessary?

However, updating the Firmware is essential for improved functioning of your Netgear router. Similarly, there are certain reasons behind updating the firmware upgrade, which include:

  • Fixes the bugs & glitches
  • Adds the latest features to your router
  • Protects the network from vulnerabilities
  • Enhances the router’s performance & speed
  • Removes network interruptions

How to Update Netgear Router Firmware Efficiently?

Moreover, you are now aware of the primary reasons why we need to upgrade the firmware of the Netgear gateway. In the same vein, there are two methods to carry out the firmware update for Netgear router. One is using the web address and another is through the app procedure.

In addition, you can proceed with the Manual or the automatic option to perform the Netgear firmware update. Similarly, if you want to update and find the most compatible version with your router model, then the manual update method may probably be the best. Hence, to explore these processes, follow the steps in the section:

Update Netgear Router Firmware Manually Using Web Address

  • First of all, ensure the availability of adequate power supply to your router.
  • Next, connect the computer/laptop to the Netgear router network.
  • Here, download the recent and compatible version of the Firmware file from the site.’
  • Ensure the firmware file should be compatible with your router’s model.
  • Again, store it in your computer’s storage folders.
  • Afterward, launch the web browser and type the routerlogin.net web address or 192.168.1.1 IP address.
  • Now, to access the web management interface of your router, mention your admin credentials on the login window that prompts you.
  • Further, click on Settings>Administration>Firmware Upgrade.
  • It can also be through ADVANCED > Administration > Router Update, depending on the router model you have.
  • Further, tap the Choose or Browse>Upload” option.
  • Click the Open or Choose tab to pick the file that you downloaded earlier.
  • Do not power off your router and do not perform any other activity while the firmware uploading is in process.
  • Finally, your router gets updated to the latest version of the Firmware.
Netgear Router Firmware Update Via Web Interface
Netgear Router Firmware Update Using the App

Upgrade Netgear Router Firmware Via the Nighthawk App

  • To begin with, open the Nighthawk app and access the admin account by entering a valid username & password.
  • After logging in, you reach the Setup wizard of the networking device.
  • Here, tap on your router’s image and then tap on the Router Settings.
  • After that, scroll down the screen and click on the Check for the Updates.
  • If a Firmware Upgrade is available, then tap on the Update.
  • Further, follow the on-screen instructions that appear on the mobile screen.
  • At last, reboot your device and you are done with the Netgear router firmware update.

Automatic Firmware Update Through the Web GUI

  • Firstly, make sure that your Netgear device has a sufficient power supply.
  • Now, connect the router network to the computer/laptop using a wired or wireless connection.
  • Now, launch a web browser and type routerlogin.net or 198.162.1.1 IP address in the URL bar.
  • Next, log in by typing your username and password on the Netgear login window.
  • Further, you will be directed to the smart Home dashboard of your router.
  • Now, hit Advanced or Settings >Administration tab>Firmware Update/Router Update.
  • Click on Check and then YES if Firmware Update is available.
  • Here, firmware downloading starts, so wait patiently till the Firmware procedure is completed.
  • Lastly, power cycle the networking device and check that it runs with the latest firmware.
Automatic Netgear Router Firmware Update

How to Fix Updating Netgear Router Firmware Failed?

Sometimes, the users face problems when they are proceeding with the Firmware Update for Netgear Router. However, the issues may occur due to an unstable network, incorrect login details, shutting off the computer/laptop while the process is ongoing, and more.

Therefore, these errors are not permanent and quite easily can be resolved by following some easy methods. Here, we explain the easy solutions to resolve the issues of Netgear Firmware Update. Let’s take a glance:

  • First of all, ensure that the router is plugged in and powered ON.
  • Always download the compatible Firmware version according to the model of the router that you are using.
  • Power Cycle the router to fix the network issues and the router’s internal glitches.
  • Avoid performing any activity or not turning off your computer/laptop/smartphone while the Firmware update process is running.
  • Check whether you have a stable internet connection. If you face issues with the wireless network, then use a wired connection.
  • Temporarily disable the security extensions while Updating Netgear Router Firmware.
  • Clear the unnecessary cache and cookies and refresh your web browser.
  • If there are continued network issues, then contact your ISP authorities.
  • Remove the signal barriers such as EMV devices, furniture, mirrors, etc.
  • If it continues to have issues then Factory Reset the Netgear Router.

If you need more help, stay with us!

To check the firmware update on your Netgear router, access the web interface by using the web address. Then visit the Advanced/Administration Settings>Check for Update/Firmware Update.

To download the Netgear router firmware file, visit the site and select your router model here or enter the serial number of the router. Tap on the recent and compatible firmware file that appears to you and follow the further instructions.

Yes, you can proceed with the Automatic router firmware upgrade that is possible using the web address or the app method.

Access the admin panel of the router and visit the router settings. Here, look if the window prompts for the upgrade, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure.

Not necessarily. If you face issues with your networking device like continuing connectivity issues, corrupted or incompatible firmware files, etc.

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