TP-Link Deco Dropping Connection?

Are you wondering why the TP-Link Deco dropping connection? Stay with us to find out!

The reason why the TP-Link Deco unit keeps losing connection constantly could be related to improper positioning of the Deco satellites or outdated firmware.

This guide will help uncover underlying issues with your Deco installation and restore stable connectivity in the installation.

If your TP-Link Deco satellites or main Deco keeps dropping connection, relocate the Deco satellites and power cycle the primary router. If the issue lasts, re-configure the DNS server and undergo a “Quick Setup”.

Why Does Deco Keeps Disconnecting?

Here’s what could cause the Deco mesh network to lose connectivity:

Wireless interference between the central Deco or the satellites.
Outdated firmware of the Deco network or the Deco mobile app.
Improperly configured DNS server for your Deco mesh network.
Insufficient distance between the router and the Deco satellites.

Keep reading further to explore solutions for the Deco network’s connectivity issues!

TP-Link Deco Dropping Connection? – (Proven Solutions)

Tip: Follow the steps consecutively!

1. Power Cycle the TP-Link Deco

The first step against persistent losses in the central Deco unit’s connection is to conduct a power circulation of the hardware.

The power cycle is a strongly recommended solution for issues with the A/C supply and potential functionality errors of the central Deco or satellites.

Here’s how to perform a power cycle on the central Deco unit:

Disconnect the Deco’s power cable from the A/C.
Unplug the other end of the adapter from the Deco.
Wait for ~60 seconds while the unit is discharging.
Securely reinstall the power adapter on both ends.
Wait until the Deco’s network becomes fully online.

Pro Tip: Power cycle each Deco satellite hosting the Wi-Fi network to eliminate issues!

2. Update the TP-Link Firmware

Updating the firmware is an effective solution when TP-Link Deco keeps dropping connection.

The latest software update provides necessary hotfixes to underlying issues in the system and will resolve connectivity issues in the networking performance of the TP-Link Deco.

Note: You can check the version of the TP-Link firmware via the TP-Link app!

Method #1 Update Deco Via the TP-Link App

Open the TP-Link app on a mobile device.
After that, go to More and then to System.
Select Update Deco and start the process.

Method #2 Update Deco Via the Website

Go to “TP-Link’s Download Center” and select the model.
Select and download the latest firmware that’s on the list.
Unzip the downloaded file and save the firmware file “bin.”
Then, go to the “TP-Link Management Page” on the site.
Navigate to “Advanced” → “System” → “Firmware Upgrade.”
Finally, select “Browse” and choose the installed update file.

Remember that the Deco updates are not automatic and must be performed manually by the user each time TP-Link releases a new update.

If the update procedure fails or the TP-Link Deco equipment won’t detect an update, verify that your device is connected to the internet.

Tip: Use a cellular connection for updating, if necessary!

3. Configure the DNS Server

The DNS connection of your Deco router allows for establishing an external server connection and securing the network’s domain name.

An incorrect DNS value or inactive DNS could result in constant connection losses between the Deco router and the installed Deco satellites.

Here’s how to configure the DNS server from the settings:

Open the Deco app on your mobile device.
Navigate to the “Internet Connection” tab.
Select “IPv4 Connection” → “DNS Server.”
After that, set the “DNS” feature to “Manual.”
Input a primary and secondary DNS value.

You can use one of the following DNS settings for the Deco router:

Working DNS Servers for TP-Link Deco
DNS:	Primary	Secondary
Google	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4
Quad 9	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112
OpenDNS	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220
Cleanbrowsing	185.228.168.9	185.228.169.9

Warning: Not assigning a DNS server to your Deco mesh network will disallow many features of the WAN connection and reduce your devices' security.

4. Reduce the Usage of the Network

A dramatically high network usage can cause all paired devices to lose connection for extended periods of time whenever there’s not enough bandwidth left.

So, the next step is to reduce your utilization as much as possible to determine if the devices’ connectivity will improve.

Tips to Reduce Bandwidth Utilization On TP-Link Deco:

Unpair Wi-Fi or Ethernet devices that are not actively used.
Limit the use of streaming devices connected to the network.
Avoid using desktop versions of websites on mobile devices.
Stop downloading, uploading, or seeding online content data.
Check whether any of your connected devices are updating.

How to Stop “Background App Refresh” (iOS & Android)?

Devices running in the background of your device can take up a significant amount of bandwidth by syncing information and downloading data constantly.

So, here’s how to turn off this option:

On Android, go to “Settings” → “Data Usage” → “Restrict Background Function”
On iOS, go to “Settings” → “General” → “Background App Refresh” → “App” → “OFF”

You can track the performance of the Deco network on connected devices at speedtest.com while attempting to reduce the utilization.

The free online tool displays the network’s current download and upload speed, allowing you to detect how fast the data can be transferred.

Tip: Any inconsistencies in the internet will be reflected as a “lag” during the speed test!

5. Inspect the Connecting Device

Devices connected via Ethernet and Wi-Fi can lose connection to the Deco network whenever there are setup issues.

This step will help you detect and resolve connectivity faults with devices paired to the network using wireless and wired methods.

What to Do If Deco Drops Connection On Ethernet?

Verify that the Ethernet connection is secured on both ends.
Connect the device to an alternative port on your Deco unit.
Use an alternative Ethernet cable to establish the connection.

What to Do if Deco Drops Connecting On Wi-Fi?

Re-activate the “Wi-Fi” setting in the connecting device’s settings.
Update the firmware of the connecting unit and reboot the system.
Reset the network settings of the connected device and pair again.

Note: If using Ethernet, confirm that the cable has clicked on both ends!

6. Correct the Satellite’s Position

The internet might go out in particular ends of your home if the TP-Link satellite responsible for covering that area is positioned improperly or gets intercepted.

So, the next step is to adjust the position of all TP-Link satellites in your home to produce a stable Wi-Fi network and coverage.

Wireless interference is the primary suspect for losing coverage or connection throughout your home.

The interference can be resolved if you avoid placing the satellite in particular places that could disrupt or block the signal.

Avoid the following when repositioning the Deco satellite:

Positioning the nodes in covered and tight places.
Positioning the nodes too far from the main router.
Keeping metallic objects close to the Deco router.
Installing TP-Link Deco nearby reflective surfaces.
Keep large appliances near your TP-Link Deco.
Having RF or IR transmitters near the Deco/router.

Note: Remember that interference only applies if the nodes are connected wirelessly!

7. Disable any VPNs and Proxy Servers

Active VPN and proxy connections can heavily reduce the performance of your network in terms of connectivity speed and coverage.

All external connections of the TP-Link Deco network can be managed through the Deco mobile app, allowing you to improve connection speeds instantly.

Here’s how to manage the external connections of the central Deco through the app:

Open the Deco app on your mobile device.
Select “More” and then go to “Advanced.”
Tap “VPN” first and set the feature to “Off.”
Go back to “Advanced” and enter “Proxy.”
Review all applied proxy servers on Deco.
Select a server individually and toggle it off.
Repeat for all existing Deco proxy servers.
Finally, save the changes and exit the tab.

Tip: Do not re-activate any of Deco’s external services until further notice!

8. Restore the Deco to Factory Defaults

If Deco keeps disconnecting without active VPN or proxy servers, it’s time for a factory reset!

Sadly, on Deco, you can’t save your settings before the reset, so we recommend taking screenshots of the application settings so you can configure them later without much thought.

Follow the steps below to perform a factory reset on the Deco unit:

First, locate the Reset button on the central unit.
Press and hold the button for at least 10 seconds.
Release the button after the LED starts flashing.
Wait until the LED of the Deco turns to solid blue.
Set up your Deco by using the TP-Link Deco app!

Tip: Contact TP-Link Customer Support for further help with your Deco equipment!

Quick Recap:

Hence, when TP-Link Deco drops connection, first check if the problem is not with the broadband and reposition your Deco.

Also, update the Deco firmware, switch to another DNS server, inspect your connection device, and factory reset the problematic Deco unit.

Finn Wheatley

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.

TP-Link Deco Dropping Connection? – (Instant Solutions)