Update your router firmware regularly

Log into your router's admin panel and install the latest firmware. Manufacturers release updates that fix bugs, patch security vulnerabilities, and can improve wireless performance and stability.

Steps

1. Find your router's admin page: Open a browser and navigate to your router's IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 -- check the label on the router).
2. Check the current firmware version: Look under Administration or System Info in the admin panel.
3. Download the update: Visit the manufacturer's support page for your model and download any newer firmware version.
4. Install the firmware: Upload the file through the admin panel's Firmware Update section. Do not power off the router during the update.
5. Reboot and verify: The router restarts automatically. Confirm the new version number in the admin panel.

Tips

• Many modern routers (especially mesh systems) support automatic firmware updates -- enable this if available
• Schedule updates during low-usage hours since the router briefly goes offline
• If your router is more than 5 years old and no longer receives updates, consider replacing it with a Wi-Fi 6 or 6E model for meaningful speed and coverage gains