How to Update a Linksys Router

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

The operating system that your router runs on is called "firmware". Each router make and model has firmware that was specifically made for it. From time to time, router manufacturers offer firmware updates on their website or from within the router's web console.

Why would you want to update your router?

Router updates are provided to add new security features, fix vulnerabilities, or other enhancements like performance upgrades.

Your router should only be upgraded to a firmware that was made for your specific make, model and version. Some firmware updates are specific to certain regions. Upgrading to the wrong firmware version may damage your router and void the warranty.

Do not upgrade through wireless connection unless the router is limited to only a wireless connection.

Turning off power during the upgrade process may cause permanent damage to the device.

2. Check the Model and Version of Your Linksys Router

The label on the underside of the router will contain all the info we need to proceed, such as the model number and version of the router. If there is no version number beside the model number, this means it is version 1.

3. Download Linksys Firmware

1. Open a web browser on your device and type in this link into the address bar.: http://support.linksys.com
   

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2. In the search box, type the model number for your router. (For this example, we will be using WRT54G as the model number.)
   

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2. Select your router from the search results.
   

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2. Click on the Downloads/Firmware button on the next page.
   

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2. A list of hardware versions will be presented.
   

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2. Click the latest hardware version. The latest versions will often say "No firmware/driver download available." If you see this, click the next version until a firmware download is available.
   

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2. Eventually you will find an available firmware download. Click the Download link.
   

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2. Your router should only be upgraded to a firmware that was made for your specific make, model, and version. Some firmware updates are specific to certain regions. Upgrading to the wrong firmware version may damage your router and void the warranty.
3. Agree to the End User Licence Agreement.
   

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2. The download file should have a ".bin" extension, though it might also come as ".bix," ".trx," ".fim," ".rmt" or ".ggl."
   

Take note of the file download location:

• Windows OS - files typically download to your Downloads folder.
• Mac OSX - files typically download to the Downloads folder in the Dock.

4. Login

1. Open a new web browser. (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox etc.)
2. In the address bar, type 192.168.1.1 then press Enter on the keyboard.
   

1. You will be asked to enter the router's username and password to log in.
   
2. The default credentials are typically:
3. Username: admin
4. Password: leave blank
5. In the event that you can't access the router's web based setup page, you've forgotten the network's wireless security key or you are troubleshooting a connectivity issue, you may need to reset the router to its default factory settings.

5. Update Linksys Router

1. Click on Administration.
   

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2. Click Firmware Upgrade.
   

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2. Click Choose File.
   

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2. Locate and select the file Linksys Firmware file that you downloaded earlier, then open it.
   

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2. Click Upgrade and wait for a few minutes.
   

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2. Once it is done, you will a screen that tells you that the upgrade is successful.
   

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2. Click Continue to return back to the router's page.
3. Your router firmware is now up to date.