A router is a small computer that stays on, stays connected to the internet, and is the doorway for every device in the home. Like any computer, its software, the firmware, has flaws that are discovered over time and patched by the manufacturer.

The difference from a phone: a router rarely tells you. No notification, no red badge. Many home routers run exactly the firmware they shipped with on day one, years ago.

Why this matters more than it seems

A router flaw does not need any carelessness by the owner to be exploited. Attackers scan the internet automatically for particular models and versions, then get in without ever knowing the Wi-Fi password. A compromised router can redirect DNS to fake sites, be enlisted into an attacker's network of machines, or watch the home's traffic.

A strong Wi-Fi password does not help here, because the attack comes from the internet side, not from someone standing near the house.

Checking the installed version

  • Open the router's admin page, the address is usually printed on the label underneath.
  • Look for a menu named System, Administration, Firmware, or Status. The firmware version and its date are listed there.
  • Note the exact model number, including the hardware version (such as "v2" or "v3") on the label. Firmware for a different hardware version must not be installed.
  • Compare with the latest version on the manufacturer's official site, or use the "check for updates" button if there is one.

Updating safely

The update is the one moment a router can genuinely be broken by its owner. A few habits bring the risk close to zero:

  • Download only from the manufacturer's official site, or through the router's own update feature. Not from forums or links someone sent you.
  • Connect the computer by cable when updating from a file. Wi-Fi can drop mid-process.
  • Back up the settings through the Backup menu first, so they can be restored if lost.
  • Do not pull the power until the router has fully restarted, even if the lights seem idle for several minutes.
  • Pick a quiet time. The home internet will be down for a few minutes.

Afterwards, check that the admin and Wi-Fi passwords are still as expected, and that unused features, such as admin access from the internet, are still off.

When updates stop coming

Every manufacturer stops supporting old models at some point. The signs: the latest version on the official site is years old, or the model appears on a list of discontinued products.

A router that no longer receives updates can keep working, but every new flaw stays open forever. For an ordinary home, this is one of the most sensible reasons to replace a router, stronger than speed. Other signs are covered in the guide to when a router should be replaced.

Check the firmware version every few months, turn on automatic updates if available, and update only from official sources over a cable with uninterrupted power. When the manufacturer stops releasing updates, treat that as the router's expiry date.

Frequently asked questions

How often should router firmware be checked?

Every few months is enough, or straight away after hearing of a security flaw in your router's brand. If the router offers automatic updates, leave that feature switched on.

Do I need to update the router my ISP supplied?

Usually not. Provider-owned routers and ONTs are typically updated remotely by the provider, and the update menu is often locked. What you need to check yourself is any additional router you bought.

What happens if an update fails halfway?

The router may refuse to start. So do not cut power or unplug cables during the process, and do not update over Wi-Fi when a cable is an option. Some routers have a recovery mode, but not all.