Updating router firmware fixes bugs or security glitches within the networking device and additionally improves your Wi-Fi experience. While most TP-Link products automatically check and upgrade it, you also have the option to do this manually.
Although performing afirmware updateis relatively easy,doing thiswrongfully can void the router’s warranty or even cause permanent damage. It’s always recommended to do it manually or use a wired connection if it’s an online upgrade. Also, you should avoid powering off your devices when the update is in progress.
The easiest way to update the firmware on any TP-Link router is to search for the necessary one online. There’s a dedicated button that lets you identify whether your device requires an upgrade.
For demonstration, we’ve used the Archer C7 model. Nonetheless, the step-by-step guide in this section should be similar to all the other TP-Link routers as well.
Open Router Management Interface
Before starting the firmware update, you need to firstaccess your router’s settingsusing the default gateway. Here’s a complete guide on how to access your Wi-Fi router’s settings:
Navigate to Firmware Upgrade Section
Every router dashboard has a dedicated Firmware Upgrade option, where you may perform both manual and online updates. To navigate here, kindly follow the below instructions:
Check & Update Firmware
Finally, you may check whether there’s an available firmware update for your TP-Link router. If a new version is available, a dedicated option pops up that lets you upgrade it:
The online method to update firmware may be unavailable on some TP-Link models. Also, aninternet issue in the middle of the upgrade may cause corruption.The best way to overcome this is by manually updating the firmware.
For this, you need to first check the hardware version, backup your current configuration, and download the appropriate zip file from TP-Link’s official website. Below is the step-by-step guide on how to do just that.
Check Hardware Version
Hardware version is an important factor to consider when updating the router firmware. Installation of the wrong filemay void the warrantyof your TP-Link router and in the worst case, it may permanently damage the device.
Well, checking the hardware version is possible from the back label and the engraved characters of your TP-Link device. A much simpler technique is to find it from the management interface:
