Firmware, in layman’s terms, is software that is embedded in every Netgear WiFi router. If not updated on time, the performance of your device can get degraded instead of getting upgraded. Therefore, make sure that you never ignore pending firmware update. Despite keeping this in mind, if you are still not able to update the firmware of your Netgear wireless router, walk through this article.
Here, we have highlighted some of the most common reasons behind the Netgear router firmware update failure issue. Not just that, but we have also shed light upon the troubleshooting hacks to help you fix it. Thus, scroll down and read on.
Why Are You Not Able to Update Router Firmware?
- Technical Glitches
Technical glitches are one of the biggest reasons why you are unable to update the firmware of your Netgear router successfully.
To get rid of these glitches, you should consider rebooting your wireless device. Here is how you can go about the process:
- Disconnect all your WiFi-enabled devices connected to the Netgear router.
- Turn off your Netgear wireless router and unplug it from its wall socket.
- Wait for a couple of seconds.
- Then, plug your Netgear router back into its wall socket and turn it on.
- Do not forget to reconnect your WiFi-enabled devices to the Netgear router.
Even after rebooting your Netgear wireless router, are you still not able to perform firmware update by accessing the Netgear router login page? Well, if that is the case, then continue reading.
- Unstable Ethernet Connection
The status of the connection between your Netgear wireless router and the existing modem depends on the Ethernet cable connecting them. If the Ethernet cable is free of cuts, the connection between your devices will be good. However, if the Ethernet cable is worn out or damaged, then you are in trouble.
To troubleshoot the issue, it is recommended that you either get the Ethernet cable replaced with a new one or connect your devices wirelessly.
- Too Much Gap Between Devices
Is your Netgear wireless router placed away from the existing modem? If yes, then it looks like you found another reason why you are unable to perform Netgear router firmware update.
Therefore, unplug your Netgear router from the wall socket it is currently plugged into and plug it into the one located near the modem.
Now, try to update the firmware of your device using the Netgear Genie app.
- Wrong Login Credentials
In order to perform Netgear router firmware update, you need to access the Netgear Genie smart setup wizard. And to access the wizard, it is important that you use the correct username and password.
However, many users don’t do that. If you have made the same mistake, rectify it right away. Not sure about the default login credentials? Consider referring to the Netgear user manual.
Bonus: Perform Factory Default Reset
If not even a single troubleshooting hack mentioned above helped you fix the Netgear router firmware update failure issue, it is advised that you reset your device. Are you uncertain about the process?
Well, in that case, walk through the guidelines highlighted below:
- Find the Reset button located on your Netgear wireless router.
- Once found, take a pointy object and press the Reset button using it.
- Wait for a couple of seconds.
Now, set up your Netgear router either via the Manual method or the Genie app.
Note: If you have performed Netgear WiFi extender setup at home and are facing the same issue with your extender, then the same troubleshooting hacks discussed above will attend to your needs.
Wrapping Up
Not being able to update the firmware of their Netgear wireless routers can really leave users frustrated. They are neither able to enhance the performance of their devices nor are they able to add the latest security features.
However, if you carefully walk through the hacks mentioned in this post, trust us; there is nothing that can stop you from getting rid of the Netgear router firmware update failure issue.
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