Manually updating firmware version or use the genie?

plemans
Guru - Experienced User
Feb 21, 2023
Genie isn't the best at updating firmware.

Also, when we see corrupt firmware issues, it tends to be from when people auto-update or use the app/wifi for updating. The most stable route is when you update manually. We see the least amount of errors/issues that route.
- xqcow
  Aspirant
  Feb 21, 2023
  thanks for the context! will do the update manually
michaelkenward
Guru - Experienced User
Feb 21, 2023
xqcow wrote:

thanks for the quick response! any insights to why do it manually?

Because the automate checks, the genie and mobile apps, can miss updates. There are several reasons why this can happen, including sloppy coding at the Netgear end.

The most reliable option is to check for the latest version on the support pages for your device. If there is new firmware, install it manually.

How do I manually upgrade firmware to my NETGEAR router? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

Experienced users like to do this anyway. It is more reliable, does not rely on WiFi, which can crash mid update. Manual updates also do not require a "live download" that can also go wrong in the middle of the process.

With a manual update and a wired connection you already have the firmware file and are not at risk of WiFi problems.

seems like a big jump in version (34 -> 80) (but then again idk why genie is not showing the latest available version

That large leap can be one reason why updates do not show up. There can be intermediate updates that require seeing an earlier version. This isn't common, but some updates make significant changes to the device.

You can try the latest version. If that works, great. If not go for something half way between your current version and the new one.

Repeat the process until you get to a version that works for you.
- xqcow
  Aspirant
  Feb 21, 2023
  thanks for the detailed steps! will update it manually

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Manually updating firmware version or use the genie?