Many of us tend to ignore firmware/software updates, and there are no differences when it comes to router firmware updates. Like software updates, router firmware updates also ship with security features and other additions. Depending on the situation, ignoring router firmware updates can have deadly consequences for privacy and security.
Here are a few solid reasons why you should never ignore router firmware updates, no matter which router you use.
What is a Router Firmware Update?
Before we discuss further, I want to clarify what a firmware update for a router is.
Just like other devices, your Wi-Fi router also requires a particular software code to function correctly. And this is what helps your router to navigate data packets and other services properly.
A firmware update is almost the same as a software update. However, firmware updates do not contain fully blown software revamps compared to a Windows update or an iOS update. In most cases, a firmware update for your router will include security patches, performance improvements, and, most importantly, bug fixes.

This means that these devices are polished and secured further through firmware updates. Even though your Wi-Fi router is a hardware-first device, it cannot work without proper software. Therefore, a router firmware update becomes a necessity for seamless operation of the Wi-Fi router.
Why & When You Should Update Router Firmware
First, we shall talk about why you should update router firmware.
The most significant reason for updating your router firmware is security updates. As I mentioned earlier, firmware updates come with a variety of security enhancements, including bug fixes and overall improvements. These updates can protect your device from potential threats and other difficulties while setting up and using your network.
The second reason for updating router firmware is a performance boost. As you understand, developers are continuously working on improving how your router handles network data and routing. Most of the time, router firmware also contains performance upgrades that are rolled out gradually. By installing these updates, you increase your chances of maximizing the performance of your router hardware.
Third, but not least, is the consideration of compatibility. With the increasing number of internet-connected devices, developers aim to enhance the router’s compatibility to work seamlessly with these devices. Therefore, the additional compatibility features provided through firmware updates are another reason to install them in a timely manner.
Wondering when to update router firmware? Here are some pointers:
We can categorize router firmware updates into two sections.
First, we have important router firmware updates that address a specific issue. In these cases, you will likely receive a notification from the router manufacturer. In these instances, you must update the router firmware as soon as you can. Avoiding these updates can expose your router and network devices to threats.
Second, we have gradual firmware updates that manufacturers roll out. While these contain security updates and bug fixes, they don’t always fix urgent issues. Therefore, you may not lose much if you install such router firmware updates a day or two later.
Yet, it is never safe to delay a firmware update.
When NOT to Update Router Firmware
Though we say that router firmware updates are urgent, some instances warrant a delay in installing them.
- It could be that you are talking about an untested router firmware update. These updates may contain additional bugs that may compromise the stability of your Wi-Fi router.
- You also have to pay attention to unstable updates that are rolled out through the developer’s beta or nightly channels. In these cases, you may have access to additional features, but you might face reliability issues such as with the signal strength and uptime.
- Last but not least, you should also pay attention to the compatibility concerns that an update may bring. If you think that a particular update is going to create a compatibility issue within your network, it is better to stay away from that specific update.
It can be a little tricky to tell these two updates apart. Therefore, I recommend checking community forums and other platforms to make the right decision.
How to Update Router Firmware
Here’s a quick guide on updating router firmware:
- Make sure that you are running an old version of the router firmware. You can do this by logging on to the router admin panel and navigating to System Information.
- On some models, you can find an option for Firmware Update on the same page itself. However, you may have to download the firmware update file from the official website separately.
- Before you proceed with the firmware update process, back up your information and follow the steps mentioned in the user manual. Alternatively, you can check the official guide from the maker.

- Once you have downloaded the firmware update files, go to the Router Dashboard, navigate to the System Settings area, and choose Update Firmware.

- When asked, upload the firmware file from your computer. Alternatively, if the router can self-update the firmware, you have to wait for a minute or two.
- Wait while the router completes the update process. Depending on the model, a firmware update may take anywhere between one minute and an hour. Make sure you stay patient during the period.

More importantly, ensure that the device receives a constant power supply during the period. Loss of power during the update process may brick the device and cause functional errors.
Best Practices for Updating Router Firmware
Here are a few additional points to keep in mind while updating router firmware. Some of the features may not be available on specific models, and you have to use discretion accordingly.

- The first point is not to miss important router firmware updates. As I said, you get notifications from your manufacturer in case of vital updates. But if you are looking for performance improvements, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the official website or community forums.
- Regardless of where you find the update, make sure you go through the release notes. These notes contain almost everything about the firmware update, including all the changes that it may bring. In this way, you won’t install anything that you actually need.
- As I said earlier, make sure that you back up all crucial settings before you proceed with an update. In most cases, firmware updates do not make system-level resets. However, if you require a factory reset, a backup will make things easier.
- You should also make sure that you download the updated files from the official websites. Doing this will reduce the potential security threats that you may come across during the process.
With these ideas in mind, you can seamlessly update router firmware and feel good while doing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
A router firmware update is a piece of software update that contains bug fixes, security improvements, and performance-boosting updates. These are rolled out by the Wi-Fi router manufacturer, and you can install them automatically or manually.
In most cases, you should update your router firmware as soon as an update is available. However, if you think there are compatibility issues or stability concerns with a particular update, you can delay it until a better update is available. In both cases, make sure that you download the update from only the official website.
In many cases, updating router firmware software will improve Wi-Fi performance because the performance of your Wi-Fi network is partly software-based as well. In many cases, companies will try to improve speed and performance at a gradual rate.
If you don’t update your router firmware, you run the risk of coming across security issues and compatibility concerns. If the update was supposed to address a particular problem, you might come across some other issues in terms of privacy as well.
Like all other software updates, firmware updates can also fail, and they are common. In these instances, you may have to factory reset your Wi-Fi router using the hardware button that you can find on the rear side.
Conclusion
I hope this guide was helpful in addressing your queries about firmware updates and understanding the reasons why you should never ignore router firmware updates, regardless of the size of your network.
As you see, ignoring these updates can land you in trouble in terms of security and privacy.
5 Comments
Hi Pavan, just read through your piece on router firmware updates, and I gotta say, it’s spot on. Most folks don’t realize how critical these updates are, not just for squeezing out better performance but also for keeping those nasty security threats at bay. I remember this one time I put off updating my router for months, and wouldn’t you know it, I started having issues left and right. Speeds dropping, connection hiccups, you name it. Learned my lesson the hard way, so now I’m all about staying on top of these updates. It’s like you said, ignoring them is a no-go, especially in today’s world where everything’s connected.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jake! It’s great to hear that you’re now staying on top of updates.
That’s pretty interesting, Jake. I heard that sometimes updates can mess up your settings. Did you ever have trouble with that, or is it pretty straightforward?
While firmware updates can occasionally reset some settings, most modern routers either retain your custom settings or allow you to easily back them up before updating. It’s always a good idea to review the release notes before updating to see if any specific settings might be affected. That way, you can avoid any surprises!
Hey Kris, good point. I did run into that once, but it’s usually smooth sailing. Just make sure to back up your settings before you hit update, and you’ll be fine.