TP-Link AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Portable Router

Quick Installation Guide

Model: TL-WR1512X

Appearance

The TP-Link AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Portable Router is a compact, rectangular device with a matte white finish. It features a prominent mesh-like grille pattern on the front and sides for ventilation. The top has indicators and buttons.

Ports:

Power Port (USB-C): For connecting the power adapter.
USB 3.0 Port: For connecting 3G/4G/5G USB modems, mobile devices, or USB storage.
LAN Port: For connecting wired devices (PCs, etc.). Can also function as a WAN port.
WAN Port: For connecting to a modem or other internet source. Can be manually set as a LAN port.

Buttons:

WPS/Reset Button: A small, recessed button.
Action Button: A larger, distinct button.

LED Indicator: A small LED light indicates the router's status.

LED Indication

Status	Indication
Blinking Blue	The router is starting up / being upgraded / establishing the WPS connection.
Solid Blue	The router is connected to the internet or the main network, or the WPS connection is successfully established.
Solid Red	The router has started up but is disconnected from the internet.
Blinking Red	The router is being reset. Do not power off your router.

Interface Description

Port	Description
WAN Port	As a WAN port (by default): For connecting it to your modem, the Ethernet outlet, or for other internet services. As a LAN port (need to set manually): For connecting your PC or other wired devices to the router.
LAN Port	For connecting your PC or other wired devices to the router.
USB 3.0 Port	Use this USB 3.0 port to connect your 3G/4G/5G USB modem, mobile device, or USB storage device to the router.
Power Port	For connecting the USB-C charger provided in the package. To avoid potential damage, it is recommended to use the provided power adapter or a 5V/3A adapter that meets the certification and voltage standards.

Button Description

Button	Description
Action Button	The customizable action button offers you a physical shortcut to control a variety of functions, including Wi-Fi, LED and VPN Merge.
WPS/Reset Button	Press the button for 1 second and immediately press the WPS button on your client to start the WPS process. Press and hold the button for about 6 seconds until the LED blinks red to reset the router to its factory default settings.

Set Up Your Router

Method ONE: Via the Tether App

1. Download the Tether app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or scan the provided QR code [Scan QR code to download Tether app].

[Download on the App Store] [Get it on Google Play]

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 '+' button in the Tether app and select 'Add a Router'. Note: Due to Tether app updates, your actual user interface and pathway may differ from those depicted here.

Options include 'Add a Router' (to create a new Wi-Fi network) and 'Add a Range Extender' (to extend an existing wireless network).

*Router network mode compatibility in the Tether app may vary between app versions.

4. Choose how you would like to connect your router to the internet. Then follow the steps to complete the setup:

Connect via Ethernet: The router gets internet via an Ethernet cable connected to the existing wired network.
Connect via Wi-Fi: The router gets internet via an existing public Wi-Fi and turns it into a private network.
Connect via USB Tethering: The router gets internet via a USB cable connected to a mobile device (with a SIM card inserted).
Connect via a USB Modem: The router gets internet from a USB modem (with a SIM card inserted).

Note: If you want to use it in Access Point/Extender Mode, go to More > Operation Modes to switch the mode as needed. For Client Mode, follow Method TWO to switch the mode on the web page.

Enjoy 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

1. Power on the router.

2. Wait until the router's LED turns solid (blue or red) before moving on.

3. Connect your device to the router (wireless or wired).

Wireless: Connect your device to the router's Wi-Fi. The default wireless network names (SSIDs) and wireless password are printed on both the Wi-Fi info card and the label at the bottom of the router.
Wired: Turn off the Wi-Fi on your device and connect to the LAN port of the router with an Ethernet cable.

4. 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, please refer to Q1 of Need Help? in this guide.

New Password: [Input field]

Confirm Password: [Input field]

[Let's Get Started Button]

5. Choose how you would like to connect your router to the internet. Then follow the steps to complete the setup:

Connect via Ethernet: The router gets internet via an Ethernet cable connected to the existing wired network.
Connect via Wi-Fi: The router gets internet via an existing public Wi-Fi and turns it into a private network.
Connect via USB Tethering: The router gets internet via a USB cable connected to a mobile device (with a SIM card inserted).
Connect via a USB Modem: The router gets internet from a USB modem (with a SIM card inserted).

Note: If you want to use it in Access Point/Extender/Client Mode, exit the quick setup, and click Change Mode on top of the page, then select the mode as needed.

Enjoy the internet! To enjoy a more complete service from TP-Link, bind your TP-Link ID to the router.

Network Modes

The router supports various network modes to suit different scenarios:

Network Mode	Recommended Scenarios	I Want to...	Requirements
Router (Default Mode)		Share the internet with more wireless devices when the wired network is limited to one device at a time.	An existing wired network provided by a modem or other network device.
3G/4G/5G USB Modem	During Travel (e.g., hotel, airport, cafe, cruise ship, RV, camp, etc.)	Share a 3G/4G/5G USB modem's data with other devices.	A 3G/4G/5G USB modem (with a SIM card inserted).
USB Tethering	During Travel (e.g., hotel, airport, cafe, cruise ship, RV, camp, etc.)	Share a mobile device's cellular data with other devices.	A mobile device (with a SIM card inserted). A USB cable.
Hotspot		Turn an existing public Wi-Fi into a private network (wired and wireless).	A public Wi-Fi.
Access Point	At Home (e.g., home, office, etc.)	Turn an existing wired-only network into a wireless network.	An existing wired network provided by a router, switch, etc.
Range Extender	At Home (e.g., home, office, etc.)	Expand an existing Wi-Fi network for better Wi-Fi coverage.	An existing Wi-Fi network.
Client	At Home (e.g., home, office, etc.)	Connect a wired-only device, such as a smart TV, media player, or game console, to a Wi-Fi network.	An existing Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi Information

The default wireless network names (SSIDs) and wireless password are printed on the label at the bottom of the router.

A Wi-Fi info card is included in the package. When you set new SSIDs, Wi-Fi passwords, login account info, and more, please write them down on the card for convenient management.

Example Wi-Fi Info Card Details:

Default SSIDs: TP-Link_XXXX, TP-Link_XXXX_5G
Wireless Password/PIN: XXXXXXXX
Your Login Account: [Field for user to fill]

[Scan QR code to join the default Wi-Fi network]

Secure Surfing with VPN Encryption

The router supports VPN Server and VPN Merge.

VPN Merge: By setting up a VPN Merge, the device connected to the router can directly access the VPN server for remote office and cross-regional access. At the same time, your personal information is encrypted and protected.

VPN Server: With VPN Server, external devices can access the VPN server, including remote desktops, NAS, printers, cameras, and other devices in the home network.

Setup:

Via Tether App: Go to More > Advanced Settings > VPN Server/VPN Merge.
Via Web: Log in to the web management page of the router and go to Advanced > VPN Server/VPN Merge.

Features: [Encryption Icon] [Better Adaptability Icon] [More Devices Icon] [Remote Network Icon] [Auto Connect Icon] [Two Functions Icon]

(Note: Icons represent security, flexibility, device support, remote access, automatic connection, and dual functionality.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. 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 is correctly entered in the web browser. Alternatively, enter http://192.168.0.1, http://192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.254 (for RE/Client modes) in the web browser.
Use another web browser and try again.
Disable and enable the network adapter in use.

Q2. What should I do if I forget the router's web management password?

If you are using a TP-Link ID to log in, click 'Forgot Password?' on the login page and then follow the instructions to reset it.
Alternatively, refer to FAQ > Q3 to reset the router. Then visit http://tplinkwifi.net to create a new login password.

Q3. How do I restore the router to its factory default settings?

With the router powered on, press and hold the Reset button for 6 seconds until the LED blinks red to restore the factory default settings.

Q4. What should I do if there is no internet access?

Check if the internet is working normally by connecting a computer/phone directly to the current network. If it is not, contact your internet service provider. If you're in a hotel room or on a trade show, the internet may be limited and requires that you authenticate for the service or purchase the internet access.
If you are using a cable modem, power off your modem for about 5 minutes, then power it on and check the internet. If your modem has more than one Ethernet port, keep other ports unconnected.
Log in to the web management page, and go to the Network Map page to check whether the internet IP address is valid or not. If it's valid, go to Advanced > Network > Internet, click Advanced Settings, select Use the Following DNS Addresses, set the primary DNS to 8.8.8.8, and set the secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4. If it is not, check the hardware connection or contact your internet service provider.

Q5. What should I do if I forget my Wi-Fi password?

If you have not changed the default wireless password, it can be found on the label of the router.
Connect a computer directly to the LAN port of the router using an Ethernet cable. Log in to the router's web management page at http://tplinkwifi.net, and go to the Wireless page to retrieve or reset your wireless password.

Q6. What should I do if my wireless signal is unstable or too weak?

It may be caused by too much interference.

Set your wireless channel to a different one.
Choose a location with fewer obstacles that may block the signal between the portable router and the main AP. An open corridor or a spacious location is ideal.
Move the router to a new location away from Bluetooth devices and other household electronics, such as cordless phones, microwaves, and baby monitors, to minimize signal interference.
In Range Extender mode, the ideal location to place the router is halfway between your main AP and the Wi-Fi dead zone. If that is not possible, place the router closer to your main AP to ensure stable performance.

Q7. What should I do if I cannot enter the captive portal when the router is set to Hotspot mode?

If the portal login page didn't open during the Quick Setup process, connect your smartphone or computer to the router, then open any website, and you will be redirected to the portal login page.
If some public hotspots limit the number of devices each customer can access by MAC address, do the following: 1. Connect a smartphone to the public hotspot's Wi-Fi. Find the smartphone's MAC address on its Wi-Fi list, and write the MAC address down. 2. Log in to the web management page of the router and go to Advanced > Network > Internet > Router MAC Address. Select Use Custom MAC Address, enter the MAC address that your smartphone uses to connect to the public hotspot's Wi-Fi, and click SAVE.

Q8. What should I do if I want to change the router's network mode?

1. Log in to the web management page of the router and go to Advanced > System > Operation Mode or click Change Mode on top of the page.

2. Select your desired network mode, and click SAVE. Then follow the instructions to complete the settings.

Safety Information

Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity or hot environments.
Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. If you need service, please contact TP-Link.
Do not use damaged charger or USB cable to charge the device.
Do not use any other chargers than those recommended by TP-Link.
Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.
The adapter shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

Please read and follow the above safety information when operating the device. TP-Link cannot guarantee that no accidents or damage will occur due to improper use of the device. Please use this product with care and operate at your own risk.

Declarations of Conformity

TP-Link hereby declares that the AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Portable Router is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of directives 2014/53/EU, 2009/125/EC, 2011/65/EU and (EU) 2015/863. The original EU Declaration of Conformity may be found at https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/ce.

TP-Link hereby declares that the AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Portable Router is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. The original UK Declaration of Conformity may be found at https://www.tp-link.com/support/ukca.

For technical support, replacement services, user guides, and other information, please visit https://www.tp-link.com/support, or simply scan the QR code.