TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Router Quick Installation Guide

1 Connect the Hardware

Before you begin: Unplug the power from your modem (if applicable) and remove its backup battery. Place the router horizontally with antennas oriented vertically.

If your internet connection comes directly from a wall Ethernet port (not via a DSL/Cable/Satellite modem), connect that cable to the router's WAN port and proceed to steps 3 and 4.

1. Connect the powered-off modem to the router's WAN port using an Ethernet cable.
2. Power on the modem and wait approximately 2 minutes for it to restart.
3. Connect the power adapter to the router and turn it on.
4. Verify the hardware connection by checking the router's LED indicators:
   • Power LED: Should be solid On.
   • 2.4GHz LED: Should be solid On.
   • 5GHz LED: Should be solid On.
   • Internet LED: Should be solid On.

Note: If the 2.4GHz and 5GHz LEDs are off, press and hold the WPS/Wi-Fi button on the back of the router for more than 2 seconds. Both LEDs should then turn solid.

2 Set Up the Network

You can set up your network using the TP-Link Tether app or a web browser.

Method ONE: Via TP-Link Tether App

1. Download the TP-Link Tether app from your device's app store (iOS or Android). You can scan a provided code for easy access.
2. Open the Tether app and log in with your TP-Link ID. If you do not have an account, create one first.
3. Tap the [Add Button] (+) in the Tether app, select "Router" > "Wireless Router", and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup and connect to the internet.

Method TWO: Via a Web Browser

1. Connect your device to the router wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable. The default wireless network names (SSIDs) and password are printed on the label located at the bottom of the router.
2. Launch a web browser on your device. Enter http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter.
3. Create a strong password for your router's web management page when prompted.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the internet connection setup and register for the TP-Link Cloud service.

Enjoy the Internet!

Button Explanation

• WPS/Wi-Fi Button: Press for 1 second to initiate WPS pairing with a client device. Press and hold for over 2 seconds to enable or disable the router's wireless function.
• Reset Button: Press and hold this button until the Power LED blinks to restore the router to its factory default settings.
• LED Button: Press this button for 1 second to turn the router's LED indicators on or off.

USB Applications

The router's USB port allows you to share files and media with multiple devices on your network. For more information on USB applications, visit https://www.tp-link.com/app/usb.

• Local Storage Sharing: Share files from a connected USB drive with devices on your home network.
• Media Server: Stream media content from the USB drive to your computer and smart devices.
• Remote Access: Access your USB drive's content from outside your home network.

Need Help?

Q1. What should I do if I can't access the web management page?

• Reboot your router and try again.
• If your computer has a static IP address, configure it to obtain an IP address automatically.
• Ensure you have entered the correct address in your web browser: http://tplinkwifi.net, http://192.168.0.1, or http://192.168.1.1.
• Try using a different web browser.
• Disable and then re-enable your computer's network adapter.

Q2. What should I do if I can't access the internet?

• Reboot both your modem and your router, then try again.
• Connect a computer directly to your modem using an Ethernet cable to check if the internet connection is working. If it is not, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• Log in to the router's web management page, navigate to the "Network Map" page, and check if the Internet IP address is valid. If it is, go to "Advanced" > "Quick Setup" to reconfigure. Otherwise, verify your hardware connections.
• For cable modem users: Log in to the router's web management page, go to "Advanced" > "Network" > "Internet" > "MAC Clone". Select "Clone Current Device MAC" and click "SAVE". Then, reboot both the modem and the router.

Q3. What should I do if I forget my wireless password?

• If you haven't changed it, the default wireless password is printed on the label at the bottom of the router.
• Connect a computer directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Log in to the router's web management page at http://tplinkwifi.net and navigate to the "Wireless" page to retrieve or reset your wireless password.

Q4. What should I do if I forget my web management page password?

• If you used a TP-Link ID to log in, click the "Forgot password" link on the login page and follow the instructions to reset it.
• Alternatively, press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router until the Power LED blinks. Then, visit http://tplinkwifi.net to create a new login password.

Safety Precautions

• Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, or hot environments.
• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device.
• Only use recommended chargers.
• Do not use a damaged charger or USB cable.
• Do not use the device in locations where wireless devices are prohibited.
• Ensure the adapter is installed near the equipment and is easily accessible.