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Is the 12-year-old FRITZ!Box 7490 still safe to use in 2026?

Why did my old FRITZ!Box just get the 7.62 update?

Owners of the veteran FRITZ!Box 7490 must take immediate action. On January 8, 2026, AVM began deploying FRITZ!OS 7.62. This release comes as a significant surprise because the hardware launched 12 years ago and official support ended previously. Receiving a maintenance update this late in a product’s lifecycle is rare in the consumer electronics industry.

Security and Stability Improvements

You should prioritize this installation for two primary reasons: stability and security. The patch notes indicate that FRITZ!OS 7.62 addresses underlying system vulnerabilities that could compromise your network.

Furthermore, the update specifically targets telephony interoperability. Users connecting via Deutsche Telekom may experience connection drops or quality issues without this patch. AVM designed these adjustments to ensure the aging hardware communicates correctly with modern provider protocols.

Verification and Sources

Technical analysts at deskmodder.de confirmed the rollout mechanics. They highlighted that while no new features are introduced, the stability fixes are essential for continued use. AVM acknowledged the update via official social media channels, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability and long-term device usage.

Recommended Action

Access your FRITZ!Box user interface immediately. Navigate to the “System” menu and select “Update” to verify your current version. If your device runs a version older than 7.62, initiate the download manually to secure your home network and maintain telephony performance.