netgear router firmware update failed

When you see a Netgear router firmware update failed message, understand that you may be dealing with a simple connectivity issue or, worse faulty hardware.

Luckily, we have the solution for every possible cause.

Getting the firmware update failed message while trying to update your Netgear can be pretty frustrating. 

The error appears due to problems with your network security, computer, Internet, or your extender.

Whatever causes your Netgear router firmware update failed issue, we’ve got you covered!

When you encounter the updated failed error, the first thing you should do is restart your router. Your system may have malicious files that keep you from updating the firmware of your Netgear. If this doesn’t work, reset your router to factory settings.

For you to solve the Netgear firmware update failed issue, first, you need to know what caused it. Below are some of the most common reasons the update didn’t push through.

What Causes Netgear Firmware Update Issues

Netgear firmware update issues occur due to various reasons. The most likely culprit is damaged cables that connect your extender and router.

Make sure cables are in good condition and connected properly.

1. Connectivity Issues

Either you have a poor Internet connection or weak network security.

Your firmware update will fail if you don’t have stable Internet, your range extender isn’t configured properly, and your IP address isn’t up to date.

2. Corrupted Firmware

Your system is riddled with viruses, malware, and worms. Or, you were using a proxy or VPN server during an update and downloaded from an unreliable source.

3. Temporary Glitches

You may be dealing with minor bugs and glitches that can be cleared by restarting or resetting your Netgear router.

4. Faulty Hardware

There is damage to the device itself. In this case, you may need to return the Netgear router for replacement.

Now you know the reasons you are getting Netgear firmware update issues. Without further ado, let’s get to know the solutions.

How to Fix Netgear Router Firmware Update Failed

fix netgear router firmware update failed

If you encounter Netgear nighthawk firmware update issues, always start with a simple restart to fix it.

Only apply more elaborate solutions once you rule out minor bugs and glitches.

But, before you restart your Netgear router, check the electrical outlet in which your extender is plugged.

If you find a fault, plug it into another outlet. Restarting your router also helps flush out any temporary issues that prevent it from updating.

If the problem persists, we hope the following troubleshooting steps will help you solve it.

Solution #1: Power Cycle Your Modem, Router, and Devices

Restarting can do wonders for your devices. However, it can only do so much and may not be able to resolve every issue.

The next easiest solution you can take is to perform a power cycle. It’s a more advanced reboot, but you allow your devices to discharge.

power cycle devices

We include other devices in your network for this step since a router firmware update will need their participation.

You want to include the modem for refreshed connectivity and your computer since you’re going to use it to download the latest version of the firmware.

Here’s how to power cycle your devices:

  1. Switch off your computer, router, and modem in that order.
  2. Unplug them and wait for 2 to 5 minutes.
  3. Plug your modem first, turn it on, and wait for it to connect.
  4. Next, your router, and wait for all its lights to illuminate.
  5. Lastly, turn on your computer and other devices.
Note: After waiting for all your devices to power up, you can now attempt a firmware update on your router.

Solution #2: Disconnect Other Devices from Your Router

At the minimum, you only need your computer or laptop to update your router’s firmware. Well, you’ll also need the internet for this.

The point here is that you don’t need to plug in a lot of devices on your router to complete the update process.

devices disconnect

If you plug in multiple devices on your router, they can cause interference that can stop your device from updating.

The best way to deal with this would be to disconnect your other connected devices before performing the update.

Here’s what you should do before updating your router:

  1. Disconnect all cables plugged into the LAN ports except for your computer.
  2. Press the WiFi button on your router to disable the wireless radios.
  3. Ensure that your modem and router are connected through their WAN ports.
  4. Make sure the connection between your computer and router is secure.
Note: You can turn on WiFi and reconnect your other devices after the complete firmware update process.

Solution #3: Disable Your Router’s Firewall Temporarily

To update your router’s firmware, you’re going to need to access its web interface via your browser.

For the most part, you won’t have any issues connecting to your router. However, if you’re experiencing a hard time, you’ll want to check out your computer’s firewall.

Firewalls can keep you safe.

However, there are instances when it can disrupt some of your activities, like updating your router’s firmware. Disable it temporarily so your router can successfully download the necessary files.

Here’s how to disable your router’s firewall:

  1. Log in to your Netgear router’s web interface.
  2. Go to Security.
  3. Select Firewall, then choose Advanced.
  4. Uncheck the box opposite Enable SIP ALG.
  5. Click Apply to save your settings.
Note: Disabling your router’s firewall for an extended amount of time is not recommended. Enable it right away.

Solution #4: Switch Off Your VPN

VPNs are a great thing to use for your privacy and security.

However, when you’re playing around with your network settings, it can affect your connectivity with your local network.

turn off vpn

If you’re always using your VPN, we recommend turning it off temporarily whenever you’re going to make changes to your network.

Here’s how to turn off your VPN:

  1. Open your VPN app on the device accessing your router.
  2. If it’s connected to a server, click on Disconnect.
  3. Access your router, and perform the update.
  4. Connect to your favorite VPN server after the update is done.
Note: If you set up your VPN directly on your router, you will need to turn it off before you update the firmware.

Solution #5: Install the Last Stable Version of the Firmware

Netgear updates its routers constantly, and it’s not always the latest version that works fine.

There are instances when the latest version has bugs, which can affect your router’s performance.

If your router’s automatic update failed, and you’ve tried a lot of solutions, we recommend reverting the firmware back to prior versions.

update firmware

This is not something you’ll choose to do everyday, but, if there’s something wrong with your router that you can’t seem to put your finger in, this is a step that you can take.

Here’s how to install the previous version of your router’s firmware:

Downloading the previous firmware version:

  1. Go to Netgear.com, then click on Support.
  2. Enter your router’s model number on the search box.
  3. Select the Downloads button.
  4. At the bottom, look for Previous Versions.
  5. Download the file at the top of that list.
Note: You can find the model number of your router at the bottom of your device.

Manually installing the previous firmware version:

  1. Access your router’s web interface via a web browser.
  2. Go to the Advanced tab, then select Administration.
  3. Choose Firmware Update.
  4. Select Choose File or Browse, then locate the file you downloaded.
  5. Click on Upload to start the update process.

Note: Netgear firmware files end in .img or .chk.

Solution #6: Reset Your Netgear Router to Factory Settings

Are you still having issues with your Netgear router failing to update its firmware?

If you’ve tried everything, you can resort to resetting it back to factory settings.

Resetting your router reverts its firmware and network configurations to its original state when it rolled out of the factory floor.

reset netgear router

It’s one of the most effective steps you can take to fix just about every issue your router throws at you.

It does take a while, and you’ll need to set it up again. That’s why you only do this as a last resort, when nothing seems to work.

Here’s how to reset your Netgear router:

  1. Find the Reset button at the back of your router.
  2. Get a paperclip or pin and use that to poke the Reset button.
  3. Press and hold the button for about 7 to 10 seconds.
  4. Release the button when you see the LED lights on your router flash.
Note: You’re going to need to set up your WiFi network again since a reset will essentially delete all of your router’s saved data.

There you go! Updating your router’s firmware is usually a straightforward process.

If you still can’t get your router to update, contact Netgear customer support for assistance.

Your router could be suffering from a major malfunction that will need repair or even replacement.

Read Next: Netgear Router Not Accepting Password?

Bottom Line

Now that you know the causes of your Netgear router firmware update failed and how to fix it, all you need to do is execute these solutions.

You should be able to get it to update in no time as long as you follow these steps closely.