Is My Router Still Getting Security Updates? How to Check

Find your router’s exact model and hardware version on its label, then look it up on the manufacturer’s end-of-life list. If it is listed, it will not get security fixes again, and the FBI and NSA both advise replacing it. If it isn’t listed, open the router’s app or admin page, install any pending firmware update, and turn on automatic updates.

This is an explainer based on manufacturers’ published support policies and US government guidance. Policies differ by brand and region, so check your own model rather than relying on a general rule.

Why do security updates matter for a router?

Your router sits between every device in your home and the internet. When researchers or attackers find a flaw in its software, the fix arrives as a firmware update. A router that no longer gets updates keeps every flaw found after that date.

The FBI described this in a public service announcement on May 7, 2025. It said that when a router reaches end of life, the manufacturer is “not actively supporting the hardware,” so there are no more software updates or security patches. It warned that criminals were exploiting such routers with a malware family called TheMoon, which it said “allows cyber actors to install proxies on unsuspecting victim routers,” routing other people’s criminal traffic through them. The FBI advised replacing end-of-life routers and turning off remote administration.

The NSA’s home network guidance, published in February 2023, says routers “should be updated to the latest patches, preferably through automatic updates,” and “should also be replaced when they reach end-of-life (EOL) for support.”

How long do manufacturers support routers?

Two details make a difference:

• The clock usually starts when the model stops being sold, not when you bought it. Netgear’s three years runs from the last sale date, which can vary by country or region. A router bought near the end of its sales life may have little support left.
• Eero’s dates are published per model. Its table runs from March 11, 2030 for the eero Pro and eero Beacon to October 31, 2031 for most newer models, including the eero 6, eero 7 and eero Max 7 lines. Eero says that after updates end, “your eero device will still work and can still provide wifi,” but without guaranteed security fixes.

How do I check my router?

1. Find the model and hardware version. It’s on the label on the bottom or back. Netgear says that if no version is shown, the product is version 1. ASUS also points to the label and the box.
2. Search the maker’s list.
   • Netgear: search the End of Service Products page by model number. Netgear also offers end-of-service alerts if you register your product.
   • ASUS: check the End-of-life product list. ASUS notes that end-of-life status can vary by region.
   • TP-Link: check the TP-Link End of Life Products list, and note that dates vary by region.
   • eero: find your model’s date on the eero Software Security Updates page.
3. Check the firmware date. In the router’s app or admin page, look for the firmware version and an update option. Install anything pending.
4. Turn on automatic updates if your router offers them. Apple’s router guidance recommends setting routers to install firmware updates automatically. Eero installs updates automatically and lets you choose a preferred time under Settings, Software updates, Preferred update time.

For provider-supplied gateways, ask the provider. They typically manage firmware for their own equipment.

What if my router is no longer supported?

Plan to replace it. In the meantime, reduce the risk:

• Turn off remote administration. The FBI says to “disable remote management/remote administration, save the change, and reboot the router.”
• Change the admin password to a strong, unique one. The FBI recommends passwords of 16 to 64 characters.
• Turn off features you don’t use, such as WPS and UPnP. See should you turn off WPS and UPnP.
• Move smart home devices to a separate network if the router supports one. See guest networks for smart home devices.

When you buy a replacement, check how long the maker supports its routers before you choose. Our router hardening checklist covers the settings to change on day one, and our guides to Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E and router vs. mesh help with the choice. Under the FCC’s 2026 router rule, previously authorized models can still be bought; see our news report on TP-Link and the FCC for the current state of that rule.

Fact-check notes

Bottom line

Check your router’s model on its maker’s end-of-life list today, and turn on automatic updates. If it’s no longer supported, switch off remote administration and plan a replacement. When you buy the next one, add the maker’s update policy to the spec sheet you compare.