TD-W8961N V4 Hardware failure after update 2026-01-27 for version 5
I have version 4 of the TP-Link TD-W8961N modem, but I noticed that after the update on 2026-01-27 for the TD-W8961N V5 model, I have a major problem. After my modem turns off, it needs to be set up again in order to reconnect to the Internet service provider. In fact, if my modem turns off, it needs to be factory settings every time. The latest hardware update that you posted on the site in 2021 is not at all similar to the latest update of my modem. And its update is Build 210914. If this issue has a solution or needs an update, please advise.
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Hello @shahri ,
Thanks for getting back to us.
It appears that the wrong firmware version was sent to the modem, causing it to enter an auto-reset. Here are some Recovery Steps that may help:
1. Factory Reset the Router: Use a pin to press and hold the reset button on the router for about 10 seconds until all the lights turn on momentarily.
2. Use the Original Power Adapter: Ensure you're using the original power adapter with the correct specifications for your router.
3. Try a Different Power Outlet: Plug the router into a different electrical socket or use a surge protector.
4. Do NOT attempt a firmware update while the router is in a continuous reboot/reset cycle.
If the suggestions above don't help, it is recommended that you contact Local Technical Support or a retailer directly for further assistance.
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Hello @shahri ,
Thanks for contacting our community.
Make sure you're looking at the correct hardware version (V4, not V5), as the firmware for different hardware versions is not interchangeable.
Please check if there's a firmware update available specifically for your V4 model on the TP-Link website.
Best Regards.
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@Joseph-TP Hi Joseph. No, the firmware version 4 of the TD-W8961N V4 modem model is the latest update for 2021-04-02, version 210205. Now when I checked my modem, I found that the active firmware update of my modem is 210914. I will send you a screenshot of the additional information. I must say that I was unable to update the modem with the version posted on the site. I emphasize again that this error occurred after the last update that came for v5. I contacted the support of the internet service provider and they said that everyone who has my modem specifications has this problem and this is a disaster.
link 1 Update site
Unfortunately, I was unable to upload the image. If needed, please provide an email address so I can send it.
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@Joseph-TP Today I turned off the modem for 20 seconds and turned it on. I went into the modem router settings. I noticed that all the settings I had made for the modem had changed. This happens after turning off the modem, which I explained to you in previous messages. In the Interface
Setup> internet <ATM VC ,Encapsulation,PPPoE/PPPoA section, all these settings were either changed or deleted.
And the only way I have found to solve the problem after every modem shutdown or power outage is to do Quick
Start and reset the settings. I can't even restore the Interface
Setup settings because the modem keeps flashing after shutdown and accessing the router settings with the browser is interrupted even though I'm using a LAN cable, and I can only fix it with the modem's reset button.
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@shahri I can't believe TP Link isn't giving me an answer to solve my problem.
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@johnnhake3 My firmware version has been 3.2.0 Build 210914 Rel.24052 since the day I purchased it. And the latest update is not installed on the site.
Maybe the firmware version is determined by the geographical location. Can't support provide a new update for version 4? My problem started when version 5 was updated. Can you please inform them to provide an update for version 4. Maybe the problem of all buyers of this modem series will be solved.
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@johnnhake3 I even wanted to go to the GPL programmer's repair center to downgrade the hardware. But the GPL Code Center doesn't support this modem at all.
If you are from the company team, please request a new update to support v4 to fix the issue. Because I emailed them in the contact us section but didn't get a response.
Maybe this problem also occurred for versions 3-2-1. This modem is not so old that it can be forgotten.
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Hello @shahri ,
Thanks for getting back to us.
It appears that the wrong firmware version was sent to the modem, causing it to enter an auto-reset. Here are some Recovery Steps that may help:
1. Factory Reset the Router: Use a pin to press and hold the reset button on the router for about 10 seconds until all the lights turn on momentarily.
2. Use the Original Power Adapter: Ensure you're using the original power adapter with the correct specifications for your router.
3. Try a Different Power Outlet: Plug the router into a different electrical socket or use a surge protector.
4. Do NOT attempt a firmware update while the router is in a continuous reboot/reset cycle.
If the suggestions above don't help, it is recommended that you contact Local Technical Support or a retailer directly for further assistance.
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Yeah, this doesn’t really sound like a hardware failure to me. It’s more likely something went wrong with the firmware. The TD-W8961N has different hardware versions, and V4 and V5 are not interchangeable. If your router somehow got firmware meant for V5, it can cause exactly this kind of behavior, settings not saving, needing a reset every time it restart, etc. I’d first double check what firmware is actually on your TP-Link TD-W8961N and make sure it’s the correct one for V4. If it’s not, try flashing the proper V4 firmware again manually from TP-Link’s site.
If you already have the right firmware and it’s still doing this, then either the firmware install is messed up or the device is just starting to fail. Sadly these older routers don’t always recover well once things go off like this. At that point, it might not be worth fighting with it too much anymore.
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