Network technician helping fix an Eero firmware update loop

Steve H.

Expert ★★★★★ 27,853 satisfied customers

Specialities: Mesh Wi-Fi (eero), router/modem troubleshooting, ISP issues, DHCP/IP reservations, DNS, bridge mode/double NAT, firmware updates, smart home connectivity

Eero stuck updating — why the firmware update keeps looping (eeroOS, app, ISP, gateway)

Technician avatar Technician
Hey! We’ll fix your Eero firmware update loop and get the network stable again (no more “stuck updating”, random reboots, or “update failed”). Quick questions so we don’t guess:
• Which Eero model(s) do you have (eero, eero Pro, eero 6/6+, Pro 6E, Max 7, etc.) and how many nodes in the mesh Wi-Fi?
• Is the “main” unit a gateway eero connected to the modem by Ethernet, or do you have another router in front (possible double NAT)?
• What exactly happens: the app shows Updating eeroOS forever, the network drops during update, the gateway keeps restarting, or the update says “failed” then tries again?
• Any ISP setup like PPPoE, modem/router combo, or bridge mode changes recently?
Once we know that, we’ll do the fastest path: stabilize internet → power cycle in the right order → retry update → soft/hard reset only if needed.
Customer
I’ve got an eero Pro 6 as the gateway and two extra nodes. Since last night it keeps saying it’s updating firmware, then the whole eero mesh goes down, comes back for a minute, and repeats. In the eero app it either shows “Updating…” forever or “Update failed” and then it tries again. It feels like a firmware update loop.
Technician avatar Technician
Yep — that’s a classic eero stuck updating pattern. An eeroOS update loop usually comes from one of these:
• The gateway loses internet mid-download (ISP hiccup, modem issue, flaky Ethernet) → update fails → retries.
• Power or overheating causes the gateway to reboot while applying firmware (especially in tight cabinets).
• App/session problems (phone hops Wi-Fi/cellular, VPN enabled) causing “update failed” even if the nodes are trying.
• Network topology conflicts: another router in front, “smart” firewall, or a modem/router combo not truly in bridge mode → intermittent WAN during update.

We’ll go step-by-step and keep it safe: first stabilize the gateway’s WAN, then make the update succeed once — not endlessly retry.
Customer
The gateway eero is plugged into my ISP modem/router combo. I didn’t set bridge mode — it’s just how the installer left it. My phone has a VPN sometimes. The LED on the eero flashes white during the loop. What should I do first to stop the constant disconnects?
Technician avatar Technician
Perfect — we’ll start with the fast wins that fix most Eero firmware update loop cases.

Step 1 — Make the update environment “clean” (2 minutes)
1) On your phone: turn VPN OFF temporarily and disable any “Private DNS” / ad blockers for the update.
2) Keep the phone on the same network and close/reopen the eero app so it refreshes the update session.

Step 2 — Power cycle in the correct order (this matters)
1) Unplug the modem/router combo power for 60 seconds.
2) Unplug the gateway eero power for 60 seconds.
3) Plug the modem/router back in first and wait until it’s fully online (solid “internet” light).
4) Plug the gateway eero back in and wait 5–10 minutes (it may flash while re-establishing WAN and downloading eeroOS).

This clears stuck WAN sessions and fixes “update failed” loops caused by shaky internet or a stale modem lease.
Customer
I did the power cycle and it stayed up a bit longer, but it still tried to update again and the mesh dropped. In the app it says “Retry update”. Do I press it, or should I do something with the nodes first?
Technician avatar Technician
Good question — for an eero update stuck situation, we want the gateway eero stable first. Nodes will follow once the gateway is on the correct firmware.

Step 3 — Confirm the gateway’s WAN is solid before retry
• Check the Ethernet cable from modem/router → gateway eero. If you have a spare, swap it (bad cables cause random WAN drops during firmware download).
• If your modem/router has multiple LAN ports, try a different port.
• Make sure the gateway is not in a hot/closed spot (overheating can trigger reboots right when firmware applies).

Step 4 — Retry update once, then leave it alone
In the eero app, tap Retry update and then don’t force-close the app repeatedly. Let it run 10–15 minutes. The LED may flash while the eeroOS firmware installs. Constant app-refreshing can make it look “stuck” when it’s actually applying the update.
Customer
It still looped. The gateway goes offline, then comes back, and the other nodes show offline too. Could the modem/router combo be causing double NAT? Also, I saw the LED go red once during the update cycle.
Technician avatar Technician
Yes — an ISP modem/router combo can absolutely contribute. Double NAT by itself doesn’t always break updates, but “router features” sometimes do: firewall filtering, parental controls, or unstable WAN renewals.

Step 5 — Reduce topology conflicts (quick checks)
• If the ISP device is a router, see if it supports bridge mode. Bridge mode often makes the gateway eero the only router (cleaner WAN, fewer random drops).
• If you can’t bridge it, at least disable “smart security” filtering temporarily and ensure the gateway eero is on a normal LAN port (not guest/VLAN).

Step 6 — Do a safe “soft reset” on the gateway eero
A soft reset refreshes the gateway’s internal state without wiping your whole network like a factory reset.
• Press and hold the reset button on the gateway eero until the LED changes (then release).
• Let it reboot fully, then try the update again from the eero app.

If the LED went red, that often indicates loss of internet/WAN at that moment — which lines up with an update loop caused by unstable WAN.
Customer
If I soft reset, will it delete my network settings? I have a lot of devices, port forwards, and smart home stuff. I really don’t want a full factory reset unless it’s the only fix.
Technician avatar Technician
Totally fair — and you’re right to avoid a full wipe unless needed.

Soft reset vs hard reset (important)
• Soft reset: designed to recover from glitches (like a stuck update) and typically keeps your network configuration intact.
• Hard reset / factory reset: wipes the eero and you’d set up the network again (last resort).

Step 7 — If the loop continues, isolate the update to the gateway
Sometimes a node with a weak connection causes the mesh to destabilize during firmware rollout. Quick test:
1) Unplug power from the two non-gateway nodes.
2) Leave only the gateway eero online (connected to modem).
3) Retry the firmware update and let it finish.
4) After the gateway is stable, plug nodes back in one at a time so they update cleanly and rejoin the mesh Wi-Fi.
Customer
I unplugged the nodes and the gateway finally updated without dropping! Now when I plug the other nodes back in, one of them keeps flashing and takes forever to come online. Could a node be stuck in its own firmware update loop?
Technician avatar Technician
Exactly — once the gateway is updated, the next most common issue is a single node struggling to rejoin and apply the same eeroOS firmware.

Step 8 — Bring that node close for a clean update
• Plug the problem node in near the gateway (same room) to improve signal during the update handshake.
• If you use Ethernet backhaul, confirm the cable/switch is working; a flaky switch port can cause “online/offline” flapping.

Step 9 — Soft reset the node if it won’t settle
• Do a soft reset on that node (reset button until LED changes, then release).
• Give it time to rejoin and download the update from the gateway.

Once it’s stable, move it back to its normal spot. If it only fails in its original location, it’s a placement/signal issue rather than a firmware problem.
Customer
After moving it closer and soft resetting, it came online and updated too. Is there anything I can do to prevent future update problems? I don’t want my eero to get stuck updating again.
Technician avatar Technician
Yes — a few tweaks make eero firmware updates far less stressful:

Prevent the next Eero firmware update loop
• Keep the gateway on a stable outlet (avoid loose power strips) and in a cool, open area (heat = reboots during updates).
• If you use an ISP modem/router combo, consider enabling bridge mode so the gateway eero is the only router (fewer WAN resets and fewer “update failed” errors).
• Avoid running updates while using a VPN or aggressive DNS filtering on the management phone.
• If one node is far away, consider better placement or wired backhaul — weak links are the #1 reason a single node stalls during firmware rollout.
• When the app prompts for an update, do it when you can leave the network alone for 15–20 minutes (no constant power cycling).

If it ever starts looping again, the fastest fix is the same: stabilize WAN → update gateway alone → then nodes one-by-one.
Customer
That worked. The update finished, no more reboot loop, and the mesh has been stable for hours. Thanks for the step-by-step help!
Technician avatar Technician
Summary: To fix an Eero firmware update loop, first stabilize the internet (modem → gateway power cycle, swap Ethernet), then retry the update once. If it keeps failing, soft reset the gateway and update the gateway eero alone (unplug nodes). After the gateway is updated, bring nodes online one-by-one (move a stuck node closer and soft reset if needed). Not sure if your ISP modem/router needs bridge mode or if you’re dealing with double NAT? Open the chat and an expert will guide you step by step.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix for an Eero firmware update loop: power cycle the modem/router first, then the gateway eero, disable VPN on the phone, and retry the eeroOS update once. If it still fails, unplug all nodes and update the gateway alone; then plug nodes back in one at a time. Use a soft reset on any eero stuck updating, and only factory reset as a last resort.


Why Eero gets stuck in a firmware update loop

Most eeroOS update loop problems happen when the gateway loses WAN during download or reboots while applying firmware. Common triggers include ISP modem/router instability, bad Ethernet cables, overheating, VPN/DNS filtering on the management phone, or topology conflicts like double NAT. In multi-node setups, a far node with weak backhaul can also stall the rollout and make the whole mesh Wi-Fi look like it’s “constantly disconnecting”. The fix is to stabilize WAN, update the gateway first, then bring nodes back online one-by-one.

How to confirm the update is really fixed

After the update finishes, check the eero app for the current firmware version across all nodes. Then run a simple stability test: leave the network up for a few hours, start a video stream, and watch whether devices stop dropping Wi-Fi. If only one area goes offline, focus on node placement or Ethernet backhaul; if the entire network drops again, re-check the modem/router, bridge mode, and the gateway’s WAN link.

Eero stuck updating — quick troubleshooting tips

Most update loops are fixed by stabilizing WAN and updating the gateway first.

Quick path: turn off VPN, power cycle modem → gateway, swap the Ethernet cable, then retry the update once. If it fails again, unplug nodes and complete the update on the gateway eero alone. Move a stuck node closer to the gateway and soft reset it so it can rejoin and pull the eeroOS firmware. If your ISP modem/router combo is flaky, bridge mode often prevents repeat disconnects during updates.

Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. For advice specific to your home network, eero model, ISP modem/router, and firmware version, please consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech before making decisions.

Understand what these prompts mean


Getting Started Is Easy

Ask for help, 24/7

Members enjoy round-the-clock access to 12,000+ verified Experts, including smart home support, techs, mechanics, vets, and more.

Expert will respond in minutes

We match you with an Expert who specialises in mesh Wi-Fi, eero firmware updates, and ISP/modem issues. Talk, text, or chat — whichever you prefer.

Save time & money

No scheduling hassles or expensive home visits. Fixing eero update failures and Wi-Fi disconnects online can save you time and money.

FAQ

Why is my eero stuck updating and disconnecting?

An Eero firmware update loop usually happens when the gateway loses internet during download, reboots while applying firmware, or a node stalls the rollout. Fix it by stabilizing WAN (modem + Ethernet), updating the gateway first, then bringing nodes back online one-by-one.

Should I update the gateway eero or the nodes first?

Always prioritize the gateway eero. If the update keeps failing, unplug other nodes, complete the gateway firmware update, then plug nodes back in so each can update and rejoin the mesh cleanly.

Will a soft reset delete my eero network settings?

A soft reset is meant to recover from glitches like a stuck update and typically keeps your configuration. A factory reset wipes the device and is a last resort if the eero won’t recover.

How do I prevent future eero update failures?

Keep the gateway cool and on stable power, avoid VPN/DNS filtering during updates, ensure the modem/router is stable (bridge mode can help), and improve node placement or wired backhaul so nodes don’t stall during firmware rollout.

Sources

Matt Verified Icon
Matt ● replies in < 1 min
Technician Expert
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Trusted by 27,000+ customers
Avatar
Alex · Expert's Assistant