July 18, 2025, 8:11 am | Read time: 3 minutes
AVM has started rolling out the new Fritz!OS 8.20. The first model to receive the update is the Fritzbox 7590, which, according to the manufacturer, includes over 40 new features. These include an expanded online monitor, a new fail-safe feature called “Fritz Failsafe,” improved energy-saving options, and extensive smart home enhancements.
According to AVM, the update will be distributed to more devices in the coming weeks, usually in batches. Users should activate the auto-update function on their Fritzbox. However, they can also manually check in the settings to see if the new firmware is available. The innovations of Fritz!OS 8.20 are not only evident in the range of functions; the manufacturer has also made some improvements to the user interface.
Fritz!OS 8.20 Brings Fritz Failsafe and New Network Analysis
One of the biggest innovations is “Fritz Failsafe.” With this, AVM introduces an automatic fail-safe feature that establishes an alternative internet connection in case of problems with DSL, cable, or fiber connections. This is done via a backup device connected through a WAN, LAN, or USB port. Options include a second Fritzbox, a mobile broadband stick, or a smartphone in tethering mode.
The online monitor gets new evaluation periods with Fritz!OS 8.20. Users can now view internet usage for the past two weeks, filter by top consumers and individual devices, and thus analyze their network load more precisely. The selection of devices for monitoring has also been simplified and can be done directly in the monitor.
In line with this, the new “Energy Efficient Ethernet” function allows unused network ports to be operated in a targeted energy-saving manner. Both WAN and LAN ports can be configured individually without affecting the performance of active ports. This is particularly useful for devices with low bandwidth requirements, such as smart home bridges.
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More Comfort and Control in the Smart Home
The update to Fritz!OS 8.20 also brings extensive smart home enhancements. For example, the Fritz!Smart Energy 250 can now read feed-in data from digital electricity meters, such as those from balcony power plants. AVM has also simplified the integration of new devices into the mesh system. The four-button Fritz!Smart Control 440 now supports color and temperature control of lights and the activation of routines triggered by events like calls or temperature changes.
Fritz!Repeaters should be easier to integrate into the WLAN mesh. According to AVM, users can also activate multiple repeaters simultaneously without needing a button press or re-entering a password.
Read also: Why is the Fritzbox actually called Fritzbox?
Another small innovation is available for users who use a storage device integrated into the network. For them, Fritz!OS 8.20 introduces a new upload sharing feature that allows folders to be shared via Fritz!NAS with a link, without needing a user account. This makes it easier to upload and download files.
The parental control now displays all access profiles and devices clearly on one page. The number of online tickets has been increased from ten to twelve.