What Happens When You Don’t Update Your Router? It’s Worse Than You Think
You diligently update your phone. You keep your apps fresh. You may remember to update your smartwatch.
But when was the last time you thought about updating your router? For most people, the honest answer is… never.
That unassuming little box sitting quietly in the corner of your home? It's often the most overlooked, yet potentially weakest, link in your entire digital life. Let's delve into what truly happens when you ignore your router and why putting off those updates is a risk you really shouldn't take.
Outdated Firmware = Open Door for Hackers
Your router runs on firmware—specialized software that dictates its entire operation, from how it manages your internet connection to how it secures your home network. When that firmware becomes outdated, it's not just a minor inconvenience; it's a serious security vulnerability.
Here's why:
Known vulnerabilities remain unpatched: As security researchers discover flaws in older firmware, manufacturers release updates to fix them. If you don't update, your router remains susceptible to these well-known exploits.
Hackers can exploit loopholes: Cybercriminals actively scan for devices with outdated firmware, as these offer easy entry points to gain unauthorized access to your network.
Entire home systems become exposed: Once a hacker controls your router, they can potentially access anything connected to your network—your smart TVs, security cameras, computers, and even your smart home devices.
Consider this: In 2021, a significant variant of the infamous Mirai botnet managed to compromise over 600,000 routers globally, all because they hadn't been updated and were vulnerable to just a few common flaws. Your router is your digital front door; if it's unlocked, everything inside is at risk.
Slower Speeds and Unstable Connections
Beyond the security nightmares, neglecting your router's firmware can directly impact your everyday internet experience. An old firmware version might:
Mismanage wireless channel selection: Routers need to intelligently choose the least congested Wi-Fi channels. Outdated firmware might stick to busy channels, leading to interference and slow speeds.
Fail to optimize for newer Wi-Fi devices: Modern phones, laptops, and smart devices use the latest Wi-Fi standards. Older firmware might not communicate efficiently with them, leading to suboptimal performance.
Crash under multiple connections: As more devices connect to your network and demand more bandwidth, old firmware might struggle to keep up, causing the router to become unstable or even crash.
This often results in frustrating symptoms like random disconnects during important video calls, endless buffering when you're trying to stream, or surprisingly poor Wi-Fi coverage in areas of your home that used to be perfectly fine. In some surprising cases, a simple router firmware update can genuinely double your effective internet speed just by improving its radio calibration and network efficiency.
No Support for Modern Security Standards
Are you still relying on Wi-Fi security standards like WPA or WPA2? Without consistent updates, your router might not be able to support WPA3—the latest and most robust Wi-Fi encryption standard.
What does this mean for you?
Easier password cracking: Older encryption methods are more susceptible to brute-force attacks, making it easier for someone to guess or crack your Wi-Fi password.
More vulnerable to "man-in-the-middle" attacks: These attacks allow hackers to intercept data passing between your devices and the internet. WPA3 offers stronger protections against such threats.
Incompatibility with newer devices: Some newer devices are designed with higher security standards in mind and might not connect optimally (or at all) to older, less secure networks.
Hackers don't always need to target your individual devices. They often look for the weakest link, and an unpatched router running outdated security protocols is a prime target.
Compatibility Problems with New Devices
Have you ever brought home a shiny new phone, tablet, or smart home gadget, only to find it struggles to connect properly, or even at all, to your Wi-Fi network?
Often, the root cause isn't the new device, but your router's outdated software. It simply can't understand or efficiently utilize new networking protocols, such as:
Wi-Fi 6 / 6E compatibility: Newer devices benefit immensely from Wi-Fi 6's speed and efficiency, but your router needs updated firmware to properly communicate.
IPv6 networking: The internet is slowly transitioning to IPv6. Older routers might not handle it well, causing compatibility issues with services or devices built for the new standard.
Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS): This allows routers to use less congested Wi-Fi channels (often those shared with radar). Without updated DFS support, your router might be stuck on crowded channels.
The result is frustrating: you invest in the latest tech, but you're stuck with old headaches because your network's foundation isn't keeping up.
How to Update Your Router (It’s Easier Than You Think)
The good news is that updating your router is often far less daunting than it sounds, especially with modern devices. Most contemporary routers now support automatic updates—you just need to enable them.
Here’s a general guide:
Log into your router's admin panel: Open a web browser and type your router's IP address into the address bar. Common addresses are 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. You'll need the admin username and password, which are often on a sticker on the router itself.
Navigate to the "Firmware" or "Advanced" section: The exact location varies by brand (TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, Asus, etc.), but these sections are usually where firmware updates are found.
Look for an update option: You might see a "Manual Update" button (which requires you to download the firmware file from the manufacturer's website first) or, ideally, an option to enable auto-updates. Select the latter if available.
Reboot if needed: After the update, your router will usually restart automatically.
Important consideration: If your router is over 4-5 years old, it's often a better investment to consider replacing it entirely. Most manufacturers stop releasing firmware updates for older models after a certain lifespan, leaving them permanently vulnerable.
FAQ
Q: How often should I update my router? A: If your router doesn't have an auto-update feature, you should manually check for and apply updates at least every 3-6 months. For crucial security patches, you might want to check more frequently.
Q: Can a router virus infect my phone or laptop? A: Yes, absolutely. If your router is compromised, malware can hijack its DNS settings, redirect your internet traffic to malicious sites, or even launch attacks against devices connected to your network. This can lead to your phone or laptop becoming infected without you ever directly visiting a harmful website.
Q: Should I use my ISP’s router or buy my own? A: Buying your own router generally gives you much more control over firmware updates, advanced features, speeds, and overall network security. You're not beholden to your ISP's update schedule or their often-basic provided hardware. If you buy your own, ensure you choose a reputable brand that offers consistent firmware updates and good customer support.
Your router is your digital front door, guarding everything connected to your home network. Keep it locked, keep it strong, and make sure you update it like your digital life depends on it. Because in many important ways, it truly does.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute technical advice. Router features, update processes, and security vulnerabilities can vary significantly by manufacturer and model. Always refer to your specific router's documentation or the manufacturer's support website for accurate instructions and critical security advisories. WhatInToday.com does not endorse any specific product or service mentioned.
