If you don’t know how to enable the Linksys Velop bridge mode, this guide is just for you!
The Linksys Bridge Mode is an amazing feature that allows users with networking requirements to create an Access Point or combine two routers.
There is much more behind Bridge Mode, so this guide will cover everything you need to know and how to enable Bridge Mode quickly.
Let’s learn more and find out how it’s done!
What is Bridge Mode Linksys Velop?
If you’re setting up the Linksys Velop mesh system and you don’t want to deal with two separate networks, you can enable Bridge Mode.
The feature will essentially allow you to use two routers simultaneously, and all connected devices on the network will be able to communicate smoothly.
Linksys Bridge Mode Requirements?
To set up a Bridge Mode on your Linksys Velop system, you would need the following:
If you have everything listed below available, then you’re ready to enable and start using Bridge Mode.
However, the bridge mode has a few downsides, so we recommended learning more.
Important – Non-Supported Features!
Some of the networking features are not supported when the Bridge Mode is enabled, so let’s take a quick look at what you’ll lose access to:
- Parental Controls
- Safe Browsing
- Device’s Priority
- Custom IP Address
Note: The Bridge Mode can be disabled anytime!
How to Set Up Linksys Velop Bridge Mode via Linksys App?
Important: Your Linksys router must already be set up with the mesh system!
1. Connect the Mobile to Wi-Fi
The first step is to connect your mobile device to the Wi-Fi network of the Linksys router, where you will enable Bridge Mode.
We recommend temporarily disabling the mobile data to avoid auto-bouncing from Wi-Fi to cellular because your wireless connection is slow or inconsistent.
Continue reading when your mobile is connected to Wi-Fi and has internet access!
2. Download the Linksys App
The Linksys app is available for Android and iOS in the Google Play Store or the App Store.
You can download the app for free, and you only need to have an existing Linksys account to sign in and proceed with enabling Bridge Mode.
- To download the Linksys app for Android, click here.
- To download the Linksys app for Apple, click here.
Note: If you already have the app installed, go into the app store and verify that you’re using the latest firmware build.
3. Plug Secondary to Main Router
When working in Bridge Mode, the secondary router must always stay connected to the main Linksys router via an Ethernet cable.
This is why if you have multiple routers, you’ll need more than one Ethernet cable to receive service and connect your devices.
You must use one of the “LAN” ports on the Linksys main router to connect the secondary unit via a wired connection (Ethernet cable).
So, plug the other side of the cable into the available Ethernet port on your secondary network device.
Reminder: Verify that your main Linksys router is working before proceeding!
4. Enable Linksys Bridge Mode
When everything is set up and ready, enabling Bridge Mode through the Linksys app is the final step you must undertake.
Here are the steps to enable Bridge Mode in the Linksys app:
- First, open the Linksys app on your mobile.
- Tap on the menu icon to access the settings.
- Then, go to Advanced Settings from the list.
- Next, tap on “Internet Settings” to advance.
- Select “Connection Type” → “Bridge Mode.”
- When you’re ready, press the “Save” button.
- Confirm by selecting “Enable Bridge Mode.”
Note: While the changes are being saved and applied, your devices might temporarily unpair from the Wi-Fi and lose internet access.
How to Set Up Linksys Velop Bridge Mode via Website?
If you don’t want to use the Linksys application, you can enable Bridge Mode easily through a computer, laptop, or mobile web browser.
So, here are the steps:
1. Connect Computer to Network
The first and most important step is to connect the computer or browser-enabled device to the Linksys router that you’ll be enabling the Bridge Mode on.
If you’re using a computer or laptop, you can bypass the Wi-Fi connection and use an Ethernet cable to connect to the network.
Only when the device is connected to your main Linksys router and has internet access can you proceed with the next step.
2. Locate the Default Gateway IP
To access your Linksys router’s settings through a web browser, locate the Default Gateway IP Address assigned to the router.
You can find the IP address on a Windows machine by opening the Command Prompt (CMD) and typing “ipconfig.”
This will visualize all the addresses, one of which is the Default Gateway that you must copy and save for the next step.
3. Log In to Your Linksys Router
When you have the IP address of your Linksys router, you need to sign in to the control panel by using a web browser on your connected machine.
You can use any browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari.
When you open the web browser, follow the steps below to sign in:
- In the browser’s URL, insert the Default Gateway.
- Or, insert “192.168.1.1” or “http://myrouter.local/”
- Sign in by using the default admin/admin details.
- When you see the Linksys dashboard, you’re in.
If you can’t sign in using “admin” for username and password, the details have been changed.
If you can’t find the correct login credentials, you’ll need to factory reset your router and set up the Linksys Velop mesh system to be able to sign in.
Tip: If an ISP technician configured the Linksys router, acquire your login details by calling them!
4. Enable the Linksys Bridge Mode
When you’re on your Linksys router’s dashboard, it’s time to enable Bridge Mode from the settings.
If you have never seen the Linksys control panel, we’ve prepared some handy steps:
- From the Linksys dashboard, go to “Connectivity.”
- Next, you must access the “Internet Settings” tab.
- Then, you must select “Edit” and “Bridge Mode.”
- Finally, click “Apply” followed by “OK” to confirm.
When you’re ready, we recommend entering the “Network Administration” from the setting to check whether the Bridge Mode is activated.
There, you’ll also be able to discover the new IP address of the router and whether everything works correctly.
Reminder: After activating the Bridge Mode, your router and devices might temporarily unpair from the network and reconnect automatically.
5. Connect the Routers in the Setup
When you’re ready, and the Bridge Mode is activated, the final step is to ensure that the routers are connected via Ethernet cable.
For this purpose, you’ll need an extra Ethernet cable that connects the secondary router to an available “LAN” port on your Linksys primary router.
If you encounter problems such as no internet access, or the Bridge Mode is not enabled, we recommend performing a power circulation on the router.
When you’re ready, go back into the “Network Administration” tab and check if the Bridge Mode is enabled and if the setup works.
How to Disable Linksys Bridge Mode?
That was how to set up bridge mode on Linksys Velop router so let’s learn how to disable it!
If you don’t like that many features will be disabled after enabling the Bridge Mode, you can continue using your Velop system ordinarily.
You can quickly disable the Bridge Mode from the Linksys application or through the control panel of your Linksys router.
- To disable Bridge Mode, go to “Advanced Settings” → “Internet Settings” → “Connection Type” → “Disable Bridge Mode.”
If you face any difficulties restoring the regular operation of your Linksys router, we recommend rebooting the setup.
Also, you can always contact Linksys Customer Service for additional help and guidelines about the Bridge Mode device’s functionality.
Quick Recap:
To enable the Linksys Velop bridge mode, use the Linksys app or the control panel of the primary Linksys router.
Then, go to “Advanced Settings,” select “Internet Settings,” and enable the Bridge Mode from the “Connection Type” section.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.