Firmware Updates: What They Are and Why Skipping Them Has Consequences
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Key Takeaways
- Firmware is the built-in software that controls how a physical device operates at its core.
- Firmware updates fix security vulnerabilities, bugs, and compatibility issues — not just add features.
- Skipping updates can leave devices open to known exploits that attackers actively target.
- Many devices support automatic firmware updates, which is the simplest way to stay protected.
- Outdated firmware can cause connectivity problems and reduce device performance over time.
What Firmware Actually Is
Every device you own — your home router, smart thermostat, wireless earbuds, or security camera — contains a small piece of software baked directly into its hardware. That software is called firmware. It acts as the translator between the physical components of the device and anything layered on top, such as an app on your phone or a web-based control panel.
Unlike the apps you download and delete, firmware is not something you interact with directly. It runs silently underneath everything else, handling the device's core tasks: managing its wireless radio, interpreting button presses, establishing network connections, and enforcing basic security rules.
To understand how firmware differs from ordinary software, consider your smartphone. The apps installed on it — your email client, your music player — are software. The code running inside your phone's Wi-Fi chip that makes those apps able to connect to your network? That's firmware. For a deeper look at how those wireless connections work, see our plain-language breakdown of wireless standards.
What a Firmware Update Actually Changes
When a manufacturer releases a firmware update, they are distributing a new version of that embedded instruction set. Updates typically address three categories of change:
- Security patches: Researchers and manufacturers regularly discover vulnerabilities in device firmware. An update closes those gaps before attackers can exploit them.
- Bug fixes: Firmware bugs can cause dropped connections, unexpected reboots, or features that stop working. Updates correct the underlying code responsible.
- Compatibility and performance improvements: As wireless standards evolve and companion apps are updated, firmware may need adjustments to keep pace. Performance tuning — such as improving how a router handles multiple simultaneous connections — also arrives through firmware.
It is worth noting that firmware updates are distinct from the app or operating system updates on your phone or computer. Our article on what software updates actually change explains that distinction in greater detail.
57%
Share of network devices running outdated firmware
A Forescout Research study found that a majority of network devices in enterprise environments were running firmware versions with known vulnerabilities, highlighting how widespread the problem is.
34 days
Average time attackers exploit a newly disclosed vulnerability
Security research has consistently shown that exploits targeting newly published vulnerabilities appear within weeks of public disclosure, making timely patching critical.
Why Skipping Firmware Updates Has Real Consequences
The most significant risk of skipping firmware updates is security exposure. Once a vulnerability is publicly disclosed — which often happens when a patch is released — attackers know exactly what to look for in devices still running the old firmware. A router with unpatched firmware, for example, can be hijacked to redirect your internet traffic, even if every device connected to it is otherwise well protected.
Beyond security, outdated firmware can cause practical problems. Connectivity issues are a common symptom — if your gadgets keep dropping their network connection, firmware may be a contributing factor. Our guide on why gadgets lose their Wi-Fi connection covers how firmware fits into that picture.
Older firmware can also cause devices to lose compatibility with newer services, effectively making a functional device obsolete before its time.
Enable Automatic Updates Where Possible
How to Stay on Top of Firmware Updates
The simplest approach is to enable automatic firmware updates wherever the option is available. Many routers, smart home hubs, and streaming devices now support this, typically applying updates during off-peak hours when the device is idle.
For devices without automatic updates, build a habit of checking for firmware updates every few months. This usually means:
- Opening the device's companion app and looking for a settings or device-info section.
- Logging into the device's web-based admin panel (common for routers) and checking for an update option.
- Visiting the manufacturer's support page and searching for your model.
During any firmware update, keep the device powered on and connected. Interrupting the process mid-update is the primary cause of update failures. For broader guidance on maintaining your devices safely, see our comprehensive home gadget safety guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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