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If your NETGEAR router is unusable (bricked) or experiences other problems during or after a firmware update, you can use TFTP on your computer to upload firmware to your router remotely.

These instructions are specific to Apple macOS computers. For Microsoft Windows computers, see How do I upload firmware to my NETGEAR router using a TFTP client on Microsoft Windows?

You might want to try to upload firmware to your router via TFTP if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Router is unusable (bricked) after a firmware update
  • Router doesn’t boot properly
  • Power LED is blinking or solid amber
  • Firmware update attempts fail
  • Unable to access router web interface
  • Router does not assign DHCP addresses to clients

Important: Uploading firmware to your router via TFTP requires more networking and computer knowledge than updating from the router web interface. Read through all of the following instructions before proceeding. If you do not understand any step of the process, contact NETGEAR technical support and do not proceed.

To upload firmware to your NETGEAR router using TFTP on Apple macOS:

  1. Download the ZIP file containing your router’s firmware update file from the NETGEAR Download Center.
  2. Extract the ZIP file to your desktop.
    The firmware file format is either .img or .chk.
  3. Using an Ethernet cable, connect your computer directly to your router.
  4. Set your computer to use a static IP address:
    1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar.
    2. Select System Preferences > Network.
    3. In the sidebar, select your Ethernet or LAN adapter.
    4. Click Advanced > TCP/IP.
    5. In the Configure IPv4 drop-down, select Manually and enter the following values:
      • IPv4 Address: 192.168.1.10
      • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
      • Router: 192.168.1.1
    6. Click OK > Apply to save the configuration.
  5. Configure the macOS Terminal to connect to your router:
    1. Open the macOS Terminal app.
    2. Type cd and drag the folder containing the firmware file to the Terminal window, then press Enter.
      You can also manually enter the path to your desktop, such as Users/<user name>/Desktop, with your macOS user name in place of <user name>.
    3. Type tftp 192.168.1.1 and press Enter.
    4. Type binary and press Enter.
    5. Type put <firmware file name> with the actual firmware file name in place of <firmware file name>.
      For example, you might type put RAX50-V1.0.2.90_2.0.54.chk if you are uploading firmware to a RAX50.
      Caution: Do not press Enter until you are instructed to do so!
  6. Unplug all other Ethernet connections from your router, leaving only your computer connected.
  7. Turn your router off for 10 seconds.
  8. Turn your router back on.
  9. Wait for the Power LED to light orange and start flashing.
  10. When the Power LED is flashing, return to the macOS Terminal app and press Enter to execute the put command and initiate the firmware upload.
    The upload might take a few minutes.
  11. If the firmware upload is successful, a message displays in the Terminal confirming the number of bytes sent and the time elapsed.
    If the firmware upload fails, repeat steps 7-10.
  12. Wait about 4 minutes for the router to finish storing the firmware into its flash memory.
    When finished, the Power LED turns solid white and the wireless LEDs light up.
  13. Return your network settings in macOS to the previous settings.
Last Updated:07/07/2025 | Article ID: 000064624

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