Extender Blinking Red Asking for Netgear Firmware Update?
Usually, the red light on the Netgear extender indicates that either the power supply is insufficient or the extender is facing connection issues with the host gateway. But recently, a user approached our technical team stating that his WiFi extender is blinking red and asking for a Netgear firmware update. Although our team helped him solve the problem easily, however, many users complained about facing the same situation with the range extender. What is the relation of the red light on the range extender with a firmware update? Why the extender is asking to upgrade the firmware while flashing red? Let’s find out.
Relation Between Red Light and Netgear Firmware Update
In case you are new to the world of networking, then know that the firmware is nothing but software embedded in a WiFi device [here Netgear extender]. FYI, it consists of a set of instructions that commands the extender’s hardware to do a specific task. Taking into account the fact that the LED light is part of the extender’s hardware, it flashing the color red makes much sense in relation to the firmware update. Know that doing firmware updates via the Netgear Genie setup wizard rewrites the instructions per the latest functionalities. Therefore, if your extender is showing red light and asking for a Netgear firmware update to be performed, then fret not and do what is necessary.
Should You Do Netgear Firmware Update If Extender is Red?
From the previous section, it can be concluded that you ought to do a firmware update on the extender if it is flashing red. But, is it safe to do so? Well, you have to take care of a few things before starting the firmware update procedure. Here’s what you are supposed to do:
- Firstly, ensure that the power supply to the devices [Netgear extender, host router, and computer] involved in the firmware update process is adequate.
- Secondly, make sure that your Netgear extender is not sharing a shaky connection with the host router. You can do it by roping in a working Ethernet cable to connect both devices.
- Besides, note down the model number of your Netgear extender. You’ll need it to complete the firmware update process successfully.
Once you are certain about the aforementioned things, you can proceed with the Netgear firmware update process. The next section highlights the important steps that you need to follow to update the firmware if your extender is blinking red.
How to Do Netgear Firmware Update When Extender is Red?
- Load your favorite internet browser on the computer and locate the address bar.
- Once you reach the URL field, type mywifiext.net [for Windows OS] or mywifiext.local [for iOS].
- Press the Enter key.
- You will then be asked to input the admin info of your Netgear extender.
- So, do as prompted.
Note: Use the default admin password and username if you’ve never changed them. Otherwise, you must proceed with the updated details.
- Click Log In.
- You will now be able to see the dashboard of your wireless range extender.
- Thereafter, open a new tab.
- Look for the latest firmware version as per the model number of your extender and download it.
- Save the file at the most convenient location on your PC.
- Get back to the tab where you’ve accessed the Netgear Genie dashboard.
- Locate the Maintenance option and click it.
- Afterward, select Firmware Update.
- On the next window, click the Browse button to find the Netgear firmware update file you’ve just downloaded.
- Once found, click Upload.
- The firmware update process of your Netgear extender will get completed in a few moments and its blinking red status will get fixed.
This is to inform you that when the extender’s firmware update process is in progress, you should not unplug any device involved. Additionally, avoid switching tabs on the browser and playing games after uploading the firmware file. You must stay on the Netgear extender setup wizard. Otherwise, the firmware update process might take ages to complete or even get halted. Chances are also that the extender will keep blinking red.
Need More Help?
This is how you can do a Netgear firmware update when the extender is blinking red. We are hopeful that following the steps discussed here will help you update the firmware and turn the red color of the extender’s LED to green. On the off chance, it does not happen; know that the tips mentioned in this blog are written with the help of our professional experts. Therefore, you can contact them directly in need of any help during the firmware update procedure.