TP-Link lists three ways to update a Deco. The Deco app works for every model: More, System, Update Deco; the app shows whether you are current and guides an update. If an update fails, reboot the main Deco, move the satellite closer to the main Deco and try again. The web page method needs a download from tp-link.com for your exact model and hardware version, extract the BIN file from the zip, go to tplinkdeco.net, choose Advanced, System, Firmware Upgrade, browse to the file and click Upgrade; some models do not yet support the web page.
The upgrade utility applies only to the Deco M5 and Deco M9 Plus V2. After any update, wait about five minutes for the reboot; a solid green or white LED means success, and a pulsing green or white LED means the Deco is upgrading.
The checks in more detail
If release notes say the update resets settings, back up your configuration first. TP-Link also asks that every Deco run the latest firmware before you troubleshoot disconnects. Do not unplug a unit mid-update. If a satellite will not update, check it is online and near the main Deco. Back up your settings before an update if the release notes say the upgrade will reset them, and do the update at a quiet time of day. After the reboot, check that every unit shows solid white or green and that the app shows the new version on each unit. Keep a note of the firmware version after each update. If a problem starts right after an update, that date and version are exactly what TP-Link support needs to see.
Differential
Likely causes of “TP-Link Deco mesh wifi firmware update will not install”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A satellite too far away
What separates it The update fails because a satellite is too far away from the main Deco
How to confirm Move the satellite closer to the main Deco, and try the update again
- 2
An offline unit
What separates it The update is skipped because one of the units is offline
How to confirm Bring the offline unit back online first, since every unit has to receive the update
- 3
The wrong firmware file
What separates it The web update fails because the firmware file does not match the hardware
How to confirm Match the model and the hardware version before you download the firmware file
- 4
An interrupted update
What separates it The unit reboots oddly because an update was interrupted partway through
How to confirm Wait five minutes for the unit to finish, and then retry the update
- 5
An old app
What separates it There is no update option because the Deco app is out of date
How to confirm Update the Deco app to the newest version, and then look for the option again
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The Deco model and hardware version
- The firmware version before and after
- The message that the app shows about the update
- What the light on the Deco does during the update
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedOpen Update Deco
ReversibleOpen Update Deco by tapping More, then System, and then Update Deco in the app.
Install
ReversibleInstall the update by following the steps that the app shows on the screen, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Wait five minutes
ReversibleWait five minutes for the reboot, since the Deco restarts itself after the update, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Check the LED
ReversibleCheck the light afterwards, which should be solid green or white when all is well.
Retry if it fails
ReversibleRetry if it fails, after moving the satellite closer to the main Deco, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Use the web page if needed
ReversibleUse the web page if needed, at tplinkdeco.net, on the models that support it, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Update every unit
ReversibleUpdate every unit in the network, before you do any other troubleshooting, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Utility
- The upgrade utility applies only to the Deco M5 and M9 Plus V2.
- Web page
- Some Deco models do not yet support the web management page.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Deco BE63 mesh, Deco XE75 mesh, Deco X55 mesh.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the update fails after moving the satellite and rebooting the main Deco, contact TP-Link support
- !If a unit stays pulsing green, wait, then power cycle
- !If your settings were reset by the update, restore them from your backup
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
App, web page and utility updates.
Firmware feature notes.
Main, satellite, client and random reboot fixes.
Every LED color and pattern by model.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I update a Deco?+
More, System, Update Deco in the app.
What does pulsing green mean?+
Firmware upgrading on X and BE series.
Is there a web method?+
Yes, at tplinkdeco.net on supported models.
Which models have the utility?+
Deco M5 and Deco M9 Plus V2.
Do all units update?+
Yes, update every unit in the network, since units on different versions can misbehave.
Can I update in AP mode?+
Update Deco works in both modes.