When it comes to choosing a router, the NetGear router is one of the most popular choices among many users. This is because the Californian company aims to produce the best networking hardware for its customers.
However, all routers need an occasional update, and this popular model is not an exception. Therefore, “how to update firmware on NetGear router” is a commonly asked question. To get to the bottom of it, dive into our article and learn what you should do.
How to Update Firmware on Netgear Router
The firmware is embedded software. Therefore it’s preinstalled in your router. Its main role is to control the router’s protocols and it’s responsible for the security mechanism of the router. In addition, it manages different administrative features.
Updating the firmware on a NetGear router is one of the easiest things to do. You can do this by using the Nighthawk app or with a website browser. Both ways are super simple. Additionally, both options won’t take up much of your free time.
Updating the Firmware using the Nighthawk app
To update the firmware on your NetGear router using Nighthawk, firstly, you must download the app. To do that, you can visit the official website of NetGear. When you open the site, click on “Home Solutions”, then on “Services”. That’s where you will find the app.
In addition, you can also download the app using Google Play. Just type the name of the app in the search bar. Once you find it, tap to download it and later to install it. The app functions flawlessly on both Android and iOS.
Now, let’s get back to the updating process. Firstly, you must connect your smartphone to the WiFi network of your router. Secondly, you will open the Nighthawk app. Next, you will need to enter your username and your password.
After you have signed in to the app, wait for it to load completely. Next, you must click on the image of your router that will be displayed. Then you will be able to open the “Router Settings” section. You will need to scroll down a bit until you see the option “Check For Updates”.
Lastly, just tap “Update”. Equally important to know is that once you have clicked “Update”, you mustn’t turn off your router, nor should you try to use the Internet. Let the router restart and finish updating first.
Updating the Firmware using the Website browser
If the Nighthawk app sounds too complicated to you, you can always use the website browser to update your NetGear router. To do this, you will need an Ethernet cable. This cable will connect your personal computer to your router.
After you have connected these two devices, open the web browser. Secondly, visit the official site of NetGear. Again, click on “Home Solutions” and “Services”. Following these steps, you will open the “Router Login & Setup” section.
You might have to wait a couple of seconds for the router log-in window to display. Next up, you will be able to enter your admin username, as well as your password. You should know that the default username is “Admin”. Regarding the password, it’s the same one you picked when you first logged in.
Afterward, open the “Advanced” or “Settings” section. Once opened, click on “Administration”. There you will see a “Router Update” option (or, alternatively, “Firmware Update”). Click the button to enable it. Once the router has found a new available firmware, click “Yes”.
Lastly, you mustn’t use the Internet during the updating process when using the browser. Also, you mustn’t turn off the router. Simply don’t do anything with the device. Once it restarts, it will automatically begin to update. It should only take a few minutes to complete the update.
In case of a forgotten password
Now that you know how to update firmware on NetGear router, you are aware that you will need your password to log in. However, many people tend to forget it. That’s why we have included additional advice on how to recover your password.
If you have forgotten your password, you will need to do a factory reset on the router. For that matter, you should check the back of your router. There you will find the Reset button. All you need to do is press and hold the button for a few seconds. After releasing it, the router will reset.
Lastly, you will need to log into the router again. Now you will be able to change your password and even your username. In case you want to remember it easily, simply use the default credentials to log in. This means you should type “Admin” in the User field and “Password” in the Password field.
Read more: How to Update Router Firmware
Why Do You Need to Update the Firmware?
As we mentioned earlier, the firmware is already installed software in your Wi-Fi router. In addition, precisely this software helps the router connect wirelessly with your smartphone, tablet, and your computer.
Moreover, the firmware efficiently fights against malware and viruses. This is a crucial feature because malware threats on the Internet can disrupt your online security at any moment.
What’s more, thanks to this special software, you can also adjust and manage the settings of your router. Simply said, since the firmware is an integral part of your Wi-Fi router, updating it is necessary.
So how will you know when you need to update the firmware? If you suddenly start to experience glitches while surfing online, you should check your router firmware. However, even if things seem to be operating flawlessly, you should still occasionally update its firmware.
Usually, some routers may send an automatic notification that a firmware update is required. But updating it once every five years is enough. It’s equally important to know that if too many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi router, you should make sure you update the firmware every three years.
Also read: How to Reset a Netgear Extender
Conclusion
We all want fast Internet while relaxing in the comfort of our homes. To achieve this, you must always ensure that your Wi-Fi router is functioning properly. For that matter, you must update its firmware every once in a while.
When it comes to how to update firmware on NetGear router, simply pick the most suitable way for you. You can either download the Nighthawk app or use the website browser. Whichever way you choose, you can’t go wrong.