Replace your router every 5 to 7 years, or sooner if it stops receiving security updates from the manufacturer

A router that is 5 to 7 years old has usually reached the end of its useful life for security reasons, not because it stops working. Manufacturers typically release security patches for a router model for 3 to 5 years after it ships. Once patches stop coming, your router becomes a fixed target for attacks — it cannot defend itself against newly discovered vulnerabilities, and anyone on your network or within range of your Wi-Fi can exploit them.

You do not have to wait until year 5 or 7. If your router is older than 3 years and the manufacturer's website shows no updates released in the past 12 months, replacing it now is the safer choice. If you cannot find the manufacturer's support page or it does not list update dates, that is itself a sign the device is no longer being maintained.

Routers that are still receiving updates can stay in service longer, though performance may degrade. A router that works fine for basic web browsing but is no longer patched is a security liability, not a working device.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your router's manufacturer website to see when the last security update was released; if it was more than a year ago, the device is likely no longer supported.
  • A router that still powers your internet but no longer receives patches is a security risk because attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities without the manufacturer fixing them.
  • Routers typically receive updates for 3 to 5 years after release, so a device older than 5 years almost certainly will not receive new patches.
  • Replacing a router is one of the highest-impact security upgrades you can make for your home network because it controls all traffic in and out of your home.

How to check if your router is still receiving updates

Find the model number on the back or bottom of your router — it usually looks like "ASUS RT-AX88U" or "TP-Link Archer AX12". Go to the manufacturer's support website and search for that exact model. Look for a page labeled "Firmware" or "Downloads" or "Support".

On that page, you should see a list of firmware versions with release dates. If the most recent version was released within the past 12 months, your router is still being maintained. If the most recent version is older than a year, or if you cannot find any release dates at all, the manufacturer has stopped supporting this model.

Some manufacturers make this straightforward — ASUS and TP-Link both show release dates clearly. Others bury the information or do not publish it. If you spend 10 minutes searching and cannot find a clear answer, that is a sign the device is no longer a priority for the company.

Why routers older than 5 years are a bigger risk than you might think

A router is not like a laptop or phone. You do not use it directly, so you might not notice if it is compromised. An attacker who gains access to your router can intercept traffic from every device on your network — your phone, your laptop, your smart TV, your security camera. They can see passwords you type, intercept banking sessions, redirect you to fake websites, or inject malware into the files you read.

Because a router sits between your home and the internet, it is one of the most valuable targets on your network. An attacker does not need to break into your laptop if they can break into the device that controls all your traffic. And if your router is no longer receiving patches, breaking in is much easier.

The longer a vulnerability exists without a patch, the more time attackers have to discover it and build tools to exploit it. Vulnerabilities in routers are often public — security researchers publish them so manufacturers can fix them. Once a vulnerability is public and no patch exists, anyone with basic technical knowledge can use it.

What happens when you replace your router

Replacing a router means unplugging the old one, plugging in the new one, and running through a setup process that usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will need to know your internet service provider's account number or the login credentials they gave you when you signed up — this is different from your Wi-Fi password.

The new router will ask you to create a Wi-Fi network name and password. You can keep the same name and password as your old router, which means your devices will reconnect automatically. Or you can choose new ones. Either way, your devices will reconnect once you enter the password.

Most new routers come with a mobile app or a web interface that walks you through setup step by step. If you get stuck, your internet service provider's support line can usually help you get the new router online — this is a common task for them.

Routers that stop working versus routers that stop being patched

A router that powers off, does not turn on, or loses internet connection entirely has failed and needs to be replaced when ready. That is straightforward.

A router that still works but is no longer receiving security updates is a different problem. It may run fine for years. Your internet speed might be normal. You might not notice anything wrong. But because it cannot defend itself against new attacks, it is less safe than a newer router, even if the newer router is cheaper or slower.

This is the harder decision: do you replace a device that still works? The answer depends on your risk tolerance. If you do a lot of banking or shopping on your home network, or if you have smart home devices that control locks or cameras, a patched router is worth the cost. If you mostly browse the web and watch videos, the risk is lower — but it is not zero.

Budget routers versus expensive ones: does it matter for security?

A $40 router from a major manufacturer that receives regular updates is more find than a $200 router from the same manufacturer that no longer receives patches. The update schedule matters more than the price tag.

That said, cheaper routers are sometimes discontinued faster. A budget model might receive updates for only 2 or 3 years, while a mid-range model receives them for 4 or 5 years. If you are buying a new router, checking the manufacturer's track record before you buy can save you money in the long run — a router you can keep for 5 years is cheaper per year than one you have to replace in 3.

Major manufacturers like ASUS, TP-Link, Netgear, and Linksys tend to support their routers longer than smaller brands. If you are not sure which router to buy, starting with one of those names is a reasonable choice.

What to do with your old router

Do not throw it in the trash or leave it in a closet. An old router still contains your Wi-Fi password and network settings in its memory. Before you dispose of it, reset it to factory settings so that information is erased.

Most routers have a small reset button on the back. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it restarts, all your settings are gone and the device is safe to donate, sell, or recycle.

Some electronics recyclers accept routers. Check Earth911.com or call your local waste management office to find a recycler near you. If the router still works, you can also donate it to a school, library, or community center — just make sure you reset it first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just update my router instead of replacing it?

Yes, if updates are still available. Check your router's manufacturer website for the latest firmware version. Most routers have a settings page (usually accessed by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser) where you can manually read and install updates. If no new updates have been released in over a year, updating will not help — you need a new router.

Does a slow router mean it needs to be replaced?

Not necessarily. A slow router might just need to be restarted, moved to a better location, or have its Wi-Fi channel changed. But if your router is also old and no longer receiving updates, slowness is a good reason to replace it anyway. You get both better speed and better security.

What if I cannot afford a new router right now?

If your router is no longer receiving updates, the risk is real but not when ready. Unplug it when you are not using it, keep your devices updated with the latest software, and use a VPN when you do sensitive tasks like banking. These steps reduce your risk while you save for a replacement. Prioritize replacing it within the next few months.

Will a new router make my internet faster?

Possibly, depending on your current router's age and your internet plan. A newer router with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) can be faster than an older Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) router, but only if your internet service provider's speed supports it. Check what speed you are paying for first — if you have a 100 Mbps plan, a $300 router will not make it faster.

How do I know if my router has been hacked?

Signs include unexpected Wi-Fi disconnections, very slow internet, unfamiliar devices on your network, or a router that restarts on its own. You can check connected devices by logging into your router's settings page. If you see devices you do not recognize, change your Wi-Fi password when ready. If problems continue, reset the router to factory settings and set it up again from scratch.