1 Connect the Hardware
Important Notes:
- Unplug the power to turn off your modem, if applicable, and remove its backup battery if it has one.
- Refer to Q5 in the 'Need Help?' section for optimal Wi-Fi placement.
If your internet connection comes directly from the wall via an Ethernet cable (not through a DSL/Cable/Satellite modem), connect the Ethernet cable to the router's 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port and proceed to steps 3 and 4 to complete the hardware connection.
Connection Diagram Description: The diagram shows a modem connected to the router's 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port via an Ethernet cable. The router also has multiple 1 Gbps LAN ports.
- Connect the powered-off modem to the router's 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port using an Ethernet cable. Note: If you intend to use a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port as the WAN port, consult Q1 in the 'Need Help?' section.
- Power on the modem and wait approximately 2 minutes for it to restart.
- Connect the power adapter to the router and turn it on.
- Verify that the LED indicator is solid (red or blue) before proceeding.
2 Set Up the Network
Method ONE: Via TP-Link Tether App
- Download the TP-Link Tether app from the [App Store Download] or [Google Play Download].
- Open the Tether app and log in with your TP-Link ID. If you do not have an account, create one first.
- Tap the [Add Button] (+) in the Tether app, select 'Wireless Router' > 'Standard Routers', and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup and connect to the internet.
To enjoy a more complete service from TP-Link, bind your TP-Link ID to the router.
Method TWO: Via a Web Browser
- Connect your device to the router wirelessly or using an Ethernet cable. The default wireless network names (SSIDs) and password are printed on the label at the bottom of the router.
- Launch a web browser and enter http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.0.1 in the address bar. Create a password to log in. Note: If the login window does not appear, refer to Q2 in the 'Need Help?' section.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to set up your internet connection and register for the TP-Link Cloud service.
Enjoy the internet!
LED Explanation
LED | Description |
---|---|
Solid Orange | The Wi-Fi is off. |
Pulsing Orange | The system is starting up. |
Solid Red | No internet connection. |
Pulsing Red | The Wi-Fi is off and there is no internet connection. |
Solid Blue | The router is working properly. |
Pulsing Blue | The firmware is being upgraded, WPS connection is being established, or the router is being reset. |
Button Explanation
Button | Description |
---|---|
WPS | Press the WPS button, and immediately press the WPS button on your client device to start the WPS process. |
Wi-Fi | Press and hold the Wi-Fi button for approximately 2 seconds to turn the wireless function of your router on or off. |
LED | Press the LED button to turn the router's LED indicators on or off. |
Reset | Press and hold the button for approximately 6 seconds until the LED blinks to reset the router to its factory default settings. |
Need Help?
- Q1. What should I do if I want to use the 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port for internet service? Connect to the 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port with an Ethernet cable. During the quick network setup, select the 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port as the Internet port. Alternatively, after setup, navigate to Tools > Internet Connection > Internet Port (Tether app) or Internet > Internet Port (web management page) to change it.
- Q2. What should I do if I can't access the web management page? Reboot your router and try again. If your computer is set to a static IP, change its settings to obtain an IP address automatically. Verify that http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.0.1 (or http://192.168.1.1) is correctly entered in the web browser. Try using a different web browser or disabling and re-enabling your network adapter.
- Q3. What should I do if I can't access the internet? Log in to the router's web management page and check the selected Internet port. Power off your modem for about 5 minutes, then power it back on. If your modem has multiple Ethernet ports, ensure only the necessary one is connected. Test internet connectivity by connecting a computer directly to the modem. If issues persist, contact your Internet Service Provider. Check the Network Map page for a valid internet IP address. If invalid, verify hardware connections or contact your ISP. If valid, try setting DNS addresses to 8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary) in Advanced > Network > Internet > Advanced Settings. For cable modem users, consider using the MAC Clone feature (Advanced > Network > Internet > MAC Clone) and rebooting both devices.
- Q4. What should I do if I forget my wireless password? If the default password hasn't been changed, it's on the router's bottom label. Connect a computer via Ethernet, log in to the web management page at http://tplinkwifi.net, and go to the Wireless page to retrieve or reset it.
- Q5. How should I position my router for optimal Wi-Fi performance? Avoid placing the router in corners or closets. Keep it away from obstacles and high-powered appliances. Position it centrally at a moderate height. Keep antennas vertical when the router is on a desktop or upright when wall-mounted.
For technical support, replacement services, user guides, and more, please visit https://www.tp-link.com/support.
To connect with TP-Link users or engineers, visit https://community.tp-link.com to join the TP-Link Community.
Send suggestions to techwriter@tp-link.com.cn.
Important Usage Notes:
- Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. Contact TP-Link for service.
- Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, or hot environments.
- Use only recommended chargers and avoid using damaged chargers or USB cables.
- Do not use the device in locations where wireless devices are prohibited.
- The power adapter should be installed near the equipment and be easily accessible.