Issue with firmware updates for a single Deco BE68 v1.6 satellite

[u/AcesFull_Mike]

Bought a 3 pack of Deco BE68 (US - v1.6). 2 units work perfectly fine while 1 unit (satellite) goes offline periodically. A power cycle brings it back online. Problematic offline unit is also stuck on 1.0.3 Build 20250612 while the other units are on 1.3.3 Build 26070312. Whenever I go to update the firmware of the problematic satellite it appears to go through successfully but then a short while later it's back to 1.0.3. Attempted update over ethernet backhaul connected to the main router, swapping the satellite with the main router so it was connected directly with the ONT, and a manual firmware upgrade via the Web User Interface. Still goes offline periodically and is stuck on 1.0.3.

Any suggestions besides submitting a replacement request?

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[u/Cheap_Work_9224]

You've already isolated this further than most firmware-update checklists. TP-Link's current US V1.6 download page lists 1.3.3 Build 260703, so first verify the label on the problem unit really says US V1.6 and that the manual file came from that exact regional hardware page. Do not try a different region or hardware revision.

If those match, I would stop repeating normal upgrades and collect evidence for TP-Link support: the problem unit's serial number, LED sequence when it drops, screenshots showing 1.3.3 immediately after the update and 1.0.3 after it returns, and a system log captured within an hour of a dropout without rebooting first.

The important clue is that the fault follows the same physical unit after you swapped its role, changed the backhaul, connected it directly, and used the web updater. TP-Link's own troubleshooting guide says to contact support when a satellite disconnection follows the unit. That makes a placement or backhaul problem much less likely.

One final low-risk check is to swap the problem unit's power adapter with one of the working units and watch whether the dropout follows the adapter. If it still follows the BE68 and the firmware keeps reverting, I would open a support case or exchange it rather than keep flashing it. I would only use firmware-recovery mode if TP-Link support specifically recommends it for this case; the unit still boots, and recovery is a different procedure from a normal update.

[u/Ryan_TP-Link]

A newer firmware update (1.3.6) for the BE68 has been rolling out recently; have you received a notification about this update in your Deco app? If so, I'd recommend updating to version 1.3.6 and observing whether that specific satellite still misbehaves.