How to Enable Automatic Router Firmware Updates

Why automatic firmware updates matter

Router firmware is the software that controls routing, security, and the Wi-Fi radios. Router makers release updated firmware to fix bugs, add features, and address security weaknesses. An automatic update setting makes the router fetch and install those releases without you having to remember to check the support page.

Keeping firmware current is part of basic network security. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED equipment is expected to support current security protections, so the router needs software updates to stay aligned with those expectations. Security guidance from organizations like NIST also emphasizes the value of staying current with software updates as part of an overall risk management routine.

For the broader picture, see router firmware updates explained.

Turn on automatic updates from the admin page

Most routers with automatic updates expose the setting on the same page where you view firmware information. Log in to the router's admin page, open the section named System, Administration, Maintenance, Firmware, or Upgrade, and look for a checkbox or toggle labelled automatic update, auto firmware update, or similar. For help getting there, see how to login to router admin page.

If the router has a companion app, the automatic update option may appear under Device Settings, System, or a section named after the router. The exact label varies by maker, but the general idea is the same: look for anything that mentions update, upgrade, or firmware.

Some routers let you schedule updates for a time when the network is less busy. If you see that option, choose a window when you are not relying on the internet for work or video calls, because the router may reboot after installing the firmware. If no schedule is offered, automatic updates typically happen when the router checks and finds a new version.

• Enable the toggle if present.
• Choose a time window if offered; updates may reboot the router.
• Save the setting and check that the page shows the current action.
• If the setting asks for a notification preference, choose one so you know when an update was applied.

Check the current firmware version first

Before enabling automatic updates, note the current firmware version. The same firmware page usually lists a version string and, in many apps, a button to check for updates. Write it down or take a mental note; after an update you can compare it to the latest release listed on the router maker's support page.

If you need to update manually first, follow how to update router firmware. Checking the version is also useful when troubleshooting: support staff ask for it, and you can confirm whether an update actually installed.

Version strings rarely look the same between makers. Some include a build number, some include a date, and some use a simple numerical series. Use the maker's support page to interpret the version and to see what changed in each release.

• If the page says check for updates and finds a newer version, you can install it before turning on automatic updates.
• After the update, return to the firmware section and confirm the version changed.
• If the router offers a release notes link, open it to see what the update contains.

Companion app versus web interface

Modern routers often include a companion app that can handle firmware updates, Wi-Fi setup, and remote management. The app may show a notification when a new firmware version is available. That is convenient, but it still depends on the app checking with the maker's update service. If the app is not installed, the admin web page remains the standard place to manage firmware.

Some routers only support firmware updates through the web interface, especially models aimed at more technical users. Others, including many mesh systems, make the app the primary way to enable automatic updates. If you are not sure which interface to use, start with the one that came with the router. The user manual or support page for your specific router will say which method it supports.

For routers that support both, the setting you change in one interface should appear in the other. If it does not, check whether the web page and the app are both showing the same current firmware version before you change anything. For more on managing router settings, see how to check router CPU and memory usage if you want a deeper look at router health.

What automatic updates do and do not do

An automatic update normally downloads the firmware, verifies it, and installs it at a scheduled time. Many routers reboot as part of the installation. If your router does not reboot automatically, plan to restart it after an update; see how to reboot router.

Automatic updates do not replace good password and network practices. Use current Wi-Fi security such as WPA3 where your devices support it, change the admin password, and review connected devices periodically. Those tasks are covered in router security basics.

A firmware update can also introduce a change that needs attention. For example, settings may be reset to defaults, or a feature may work differently. After any major update, check that your Wi-Fi name, password, and other settings are still the way you set them. If something goes wrong after an update, you may be able to roll back. See how to roll back router firmware.

If automatic updates are not available

Some routers do not offer automatic updates. If yours does not, set a repeating calendar reminder for firmware checks, subscribe to the maker's release announcements if they exist, and inspect the support page before installing. If the router is old and no longer receives updates, router support life expectancy explains when a replacement makes sense.

If you are choosing a new router, app-based mesh systems and current-generation Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 models are good places to look for automatic updates. Compare options in best mesh routers, best Wi-Fi 6 routers, and best Wi-Fi 7 routers.

If an automatic update causes a problem, check the maker's support page for recovery instructions. Some routers let you roll back to the previous firmware. If rollback is not possible, the support page may have a troubleshooting guide. See router firmware update failed for common recovery steps.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Where is the automatic firmware update option in my router?

Look in the router admin page under System, Administration, Maintenance, Firmware, or Upgrade. In a companion app, look under Device Settings, System, or a section named after the router itself. The exact label varies by maker.

Will enabling automatic updates interrupt my internet?

Many routers reboot after installing firmware, which can interrupt active sessions. If the router offers a schedule, choose a time when the network is less important to you. This is normal behavior for most automatic update systems.

How do I know which firmware version my router is running?

Open the firmware or system section of the admin page or companion app. The current firmware version is usually shown there along with a check for updates button. Compare that version to the releases listed on the maker's support page.

What should I do if my router does not have automatic updates?

Check the maker's support page for release notes, set a calendar reminder, and update manually when a new version appears. If the router no longer receives updates, it may be time to replace it; see router support life expectancy.

Are firmware updates and security updates the same thing?

No. A firmware update can include security fixes, new features, or performance improvements, and not every release is security related. Read the release notes when you can, and keep the rest of your router security routine current with router security basics.