A TP-Link Deco M5 whose firmware update fails, sticks or does not appear has a short list of causes, and the update is worth doing because firmware fixes bugs in this older Wi-Fi 5 mesh. The M5 is a dual-band AC1300 system with 5 gigahertz at 867 megabits per second and 2.4 gigahertz at 400, managed by the Deco app only. The app checks for updates and installs them across the units, one after another, and the process can pause or fail if the units are not well connected or are asked to do something else at the same time.
The checks in more detail
Open the Deco app and go to More, System, Firmware Update, where the app shows the current and the available versions. Choose to update the system, and keep the phone near the units with the app open. Be patient: each node restarts, and the full process can take ten to twenty minutes, during which the internet is interrupted. Do not unplug a unit during the update.
Make sure all the nodes are online in the app before you begin, and that each has a good signal; a node that is offline or has a weak link to the main unit may fail to update. Move a distant node closer for the update, or connect it to the main unit by Ethernet temporarily. If the update will not start, restart the system by unplugging all units for thirty seconds, plugging in the main unit first and waiting for its light to be solid, then the others.
Check that the main unit has a working internet connection, since the firmware is downloaded from TP-Link. Update the Deco app, and sign out and in again. If the update fails repeatedly, wait and retry later, as the server may be busy. As a last measure, remove and re-add a stubborn node in the app, or factory reset the system and set it up again, noting your settings first. If updates still fail, contact TP-Link with the serial number and the version shown, because the M5 is an older model.
Differential
Likely causes of “TP-Link Deco M5 mesh firmware update will not install”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A node offline or weakly connected
What separates it The update stalls on one node
How to confirm Move it closer or wire it
- 2
No internet at the main unit
What separates it No update is offered
How to confirm Check the internet connection
- 3
An outdated app or a stale session
What separates it The update does not appear
How to confirm Update the app and sign in again
- 4
A power interruption during the update
What separates it The system is unresponsive
How to confirm Wait, then restart the system
- 5
A server fault
What separates it The update fails repeatedly
How to confirm Retry later or contact TP-Link
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which node stalls
- The firmware version shown
- Whether all nodes are online
- Whether the main unit has internet
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedCheck all nodes are online
ReversibleIn the app.
Start the update
ReversibleIn Firmware Update.
Be patient
ReversibleTen to twenty minutes.
Do not unplug
ReversibleDuring the update.
Restart the system
ReversibleIf it stalls.
Contact TP-Link
ReversibleIf it keeps failing.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Why update
- Firmware fixes bugs.
- All nodes
- Each node must be online and well connected.
- Patience
- The update restarts each node.
- The main unit
- It needs internet to download.
- A reset
- It is a last resort.
- TP-Link help
- Quote the serial number and version.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not unplug a unit during the update
- !Note your settings before a reset
- !Contact TP-Link if the system will not start
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I update my Deco M5?+
In More, System, Firmware Update in the app.
How long does it take?+
Ten to twenty minutes.
Can I unplug during it?+
No.
Why does the update stall?+
A node is offline or weak.
Do I lose my settings?+
No, unless you reset.