How Do I Update My NETGEAR Extender to a New Router?

Netgear Wi-Fi extenders can be updated quickly; there are three methods for installing the latest firmware: manually, via Netgear Genie Wizard and via Nighthawk App. This guide explains how to update your Netgear extender using each method. Also, at the end of the post, you will learn a few tips to make the firmware update error-free.


How to Update Netgear Extender Manually?

1.      Connect PC to Extender

Start by connecting PC to WiFi extender via SSID or LAN cable. Go into the PC’s Wi-Fi Settings and choose the extender’s WiFi network name. Connect it by typing the security key.

2.      Download Latest Firmware

Go into the web browser and search MYNETGEAR. Choose the first result you see. Enter your account details and access the dashboard. Open the Support tab and click on Firmware. Search your specific model and download the latest version in your PC.

3.      Access to Netgear Genie

After downloading the file, access the Netgear Genie interface in connected PC. Visit the mywifiext.net and access the dashboard like you have done at the time of Netgear WiFi extender setup. Go into the settings and select the Firmware tab.

4.      Update Firmware

Paste the downloaded Firmware file here by clicking ‘Browse’ button. Then, click INSTALL button. Wait until the process completes to 100%. After that, click ‘Reboot’. In a few minutes, the extender starts again. Now, you can connect to the updated extender.

Besides manual method to update your Netgear extender, there’s one more way to update it that doesn’t require you to login to your MyNETGEAR account.

How to Update Netgear Extender Firmware in Genie?

1.      Access Netgear Genie Wizard

Connect PC to extender network and reach mywifiext login page in PC’s browser by using mywifiext.net or 192.168.1.250. Enter the admin credentials and access the Genie wizard. If you haven’t changed any Netgear WiFi extender setup default admin credentials.

2.      Check for Latest Update

Go into the Settings and choose the Firmware Update tab. If you can’t find the settings, then navigate Maintenance and select Firmware Update. Here, click Check Online or Check button to find the latest version of extender firmware.

3.      Update Firmware

If the firmware update is available, click DOWNLOAD. A file will start downloading and after that paste the file in the same tab and choose INSTALL button. The Update process will start, but wait until the process reaches 100%.

Click UPDATE button to restart the device and after few minutes you can connect to updated extender network.

You can enable automatic updates for your Netgear extender through the Nighthawk app on your phone.

How to Set “Netgear Extender Update” Automatically?

Download Netgear Nighthawk App

If you don’t have the Netgear Nighthawk app in your mobile phone, download it from the Play Store or App Store. Then create Netgear account on the app by signing up. You have to provide Email ID, name and password to sign up into the app. A verification code will be sent to your registered email. By using that code, you will able to create the account and access to the app.

Open and Access Nighthawk App

If you have already installed the app and have Netgear account, then open the app and access it by using the admin credentials. In the dashboard, tap ‘Extenders’ option to open the product management. 

Set to Auto Updates

Tap Network Map icon and then select the extender image to open the settings. Tap three dots on the top of the screen. Choose ‘Update’ option. Check the automatic updates option.

Your extender is now set for automatic updates. It will update itself whenever a new firmware is available.

Troubleshooting Tips

·       You must use an updated web browser with disabled ad-blocker feature to update Netgear WiFi extender firmware.

·       Never turn off your WiFi extender or PC during the firmware update of the Netgear extender.

·       To download the firmware file, the computer must be connected to the internet, so be sure your extender is connected to the router and receiving internet.

·       Make sure PC is connected to WiFi extender network, because you can reach mywifiext interface login page only when your device is connected to extender’s network.

·       Reset the extender if update keeps on getting stuck and unable to complete the process to 100%.

Let’s learn quickly how to reset Netgear extender.

How to Reset Netgear Extender?

To reset the extender, press and hold the RESET pinhole button with a paperclip or pen for approximately 10 seconds. Release the button to initiate the reset. After the reset, you must do the Netgear WiFi extender setup process again.

Conclusion

Updating your Netgear Wi-Fi extender's firmware is an easy process, typically completed within minutes. We've explained three simple methods for downloading and installing the latest firmware update successfully. 

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