Dealing with Firmware Update Issues On Your Netgear Router

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Managing Firmware Update Issues for Netgear Routers

Managing firmware update issues for Netgear routers is crucial to keep your router secure, stable, and performing optimally. Firmware updates often include bug fixes, security enhancements, and new features. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to manage firmware update issues for Netgear routers:

1. Check for Firmware Updates:

Open a web browser on a computer connected to your Netgear router.

Enter the router's IP address in the address bar (usually http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.0.1) and press Enter.

Log in with your router's admin credentials.

2. Locate Firmware Update Section:

Once logged in, navigate to the "Advanced" or "Maintenance" section. The exact wording may vary depending on your router model.

3. Check Current Firmware Version:

Find and check the current firmware version of your router. This information is typically displayed on the same page.

4. Check for Firmware Updates:

Look for an option like "Check for Updates," "Firmware Upgrade," or "Check Now." Click on it to initiate a search for available firmware updates.

5. Download the Firmware Update:

If an update is available, download it to your computer. Make sure to save it in a location you can easily access later.

6. Backup Router Settings:

Before proceeding with the firmware update, it's a good practice to back up your router's current settings. Look for an option to export or save the current configuration. This way, you can restore your settings if anything goes wrong during the update.

7. Perform the Firmware Update:

In the router's web interface, navigate to the "Firmware Update" section again.

There should be an option to upload the firmware file you downloaded earlier.

Select the file and click "Upload" or "Apply."

8. Wait for the Update to Complete:

The router will now start the firmware update process. This may take several minutes, and the router may reboot during the process. Do not interrupt this process.

9. Factory Reset (If Necessary):

If you encounter issues after the firmware update, such as connectivity problems or instability, you may need to perform a factory reset.

To reset your router to factory settings, there is usually a small reset button on the router's back or bottom. Use a paperclip or a pin to press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. The router will reboot to its default settings.

10. Reconfigure Router Settings:

After a successful firmware update or factory reset, log in to your router's web interface again.

Restore your saved settings if you backed them up earlier.

Reconfigure your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password, port forwarding rules, and any other custom settings.

11. Monitor Router Performance:

After updating the firmware and reconfiguring your router, monitor its performance for a few days to ensure that the update resolved any previous issues and that there are no new problems.

Contact Support.Com

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below, or Contact Support.Com for Personalized Assistance.

1. Introduction: Router Firmware Upgrade Issues

If your router is not functioning well after a firmware upgrade, you can restore its factory settings. This will replace any user-defined settings with factory defaults.

Resetting your router will clear all your home networking settings and will change all of your settings back to the defaults.

2. Netgear Router: Check Model Number

The router's model number and version number, are printed on the product label, located on the bottom or back panel of your NETGEAR device.

3. Netgear Router: Factory Reset

Resetting your router will clear all your home networking settings and will change all of your settings back to the defaults.

1. Ensure that your router is on.
2. Locate the Restore Factory Settings or Reset button on the back of your router.
   

1. Press and hold the Restore Factory Settings or Reset button for about seven seconds using a paper clip or similar object.
   

1. Release the Restore Factory Settings or Reset button and wait for your router to reboot.
2. The power light will stop blinking and you will see a solid light.
3. The factory default settings should now be restored.
4. Once it fully reboots, you can use the default username and password printed on the bottom or the back of the router to connect your device.
   

5. Netgear DGN2000 or DG834Gv5 Router: Factory Reset

Resetting your router will clear all your home networking settings and will change all of your settings back to the defaults.

These models do not have a Restore Factory Settings or Reset button.

1. Press and hold the Wireless On/Off and WPS buttons simultaneously for about six seconds until the Power LED blinks red.
   

1. Release the Wireless On/Off and WPS buttons.
2. Wait for the router to reboot. The factory default settings are restored.

The default credentials are:

• Username: admin
• Password: password