TP-Link Deco not connecting to internet? Well, this read covers everything you must know!
TP-Link Deco is an excellent way to extend your home’s Wi-Fi network, regardless of whether you have a wireless router or only a modem.
The connection is simple, but sometimes your Deco may be “offline” for one reason or another, and in this guide, you’ll find all the solutions.
Whenever your TP-Link Deco is not connecting to the internet, you must first soft reset the device and re-attempt the correct setup procedure. Next, reinstall the TP-Link Deco app, verify the Ethernet link, and factory reset Deco.
Let’s continue with the correct steps to install a TP-Link Deco!
How to Set Up TP-Link Deco Correctly?
There are two fundamental ways to set up a TP-Link Deco mesh network.
You can use one of the Deco’s as a primary router, but if you already have one, you need to use the Access Point mode method.
Everything you need must be included in the TP-Link packaging, so let’s unwrap!
Here’s what you will need for your TP-Link Deco:
Method #1 Connect to Wireless Router
If you already have a wireless router, you don’t need to dedicate one of your Deco’s to serve as a router, and you can entirely set up the mesh network.
The steps are elementary, so let’s begin:
- Connect the power adapter of your Deco to an outlet.
- Connect the other side of the A/C cable to your Deco.
- Wait until the blinking light changes from amber to blue.
- Connect the Ethernet cable to a yellow port of the router.
- Then, connect the Ethernet cable to a port on the Deco.
- Download, open, and sign in to the TP-Link Deco app.
- Identify your Deco by selecting the correct Deco model.
- Continue with the on-screen instructions (already done).
- Create the Wi-Fi by inserting your name and password.
- Connect to the already existing network you’ve created.
Note: To extend your TP-Link mesh system, tap “Add Another Deco” in the app!
Method #2 Connect to a Network Modem
If you have a modem with no wireless router, use one of your Decos as a primary router, from where all other Decos will connect.
The steps are simple, so let’s check how it’s done correctly:
- First, power OFF both your Deco and modem devices.
- Download, install, and sign in to the TP-Link Deco app.
- Connect one of your Deco’s to the modem via Ethernet.
- Connect to an outlet and turn on your Deco and modem.
- Turn on your mobile device’s Bluetooth from the options.
- Wait until the Deco’s light starts to pulsate in a blue color.
- In the app, select your Deco model and continue ahead.
- Follow the on-screen prompts in the TP-Link Deco app.
- Your smartphone will detect your Deco and connect to it.
- Finally, you’ll be prompted to assign a room and name.
Tip: To add more Deco’s and extend your wireless coverage, tap “Add Another Deco.”
TP-Link Deco Not Connecting to Internet – Instant Solutions
Tip: We recommend familiarizing yourself with the TP-Link Deco indications/buttons.
1. Power Cycle Your TP-Link Deco
The first and easiest step would be to power cycle your TP-Link Deco, which should solve most of your problems with the device’s connection.
If you already see the Wi-Fi SSID, and you’re able to connect, but there is no internet, perhaps a system reboot will be enough to resolve this problem.
- To power cycle, your TP-Link Deco, unplug the power adapter from the outlet and the power connector from your Deco for 60 seconds.
When you turn on the TP-Link Deco, the operating system will reboot from scratch, and you will be able to test whether the internet is now working.
If not, continue reading for further solutions!
2. Verify the Broadband Connection
The Wi-Fi of your TP-Link Deco may be accessible by your devices, but when your main router or modem is not supplying internet, the Wi-Fi of your Deco will be “empty.”
When this happens, you will be able to connect, but you’ll be offline until your broadband connection is fully restored.
Here are a couple of tips to verify that your broadband connection is intact:
- Test the router’s internet via an Ethernet-connected device.
- Use a free online speed test tool to determine the stability.
- Power cycle the modem/router by unplugging it from power.
- Secure the Service and Ethernet cables to your router/Deco.
- Reach out to the ISP for assistance if you don’t have internet.
Pro Tip: To quickly check if your router/modem is online, check the “Internet Light.”
3. Reinstall the TP-Link Deco App
One of the reasons your TP-Link Deco can’t connect to the internet is incomplete setup due to a problem with the mobile app.
So, one of the quickest and most effective ways to restore the app’s functionality would be to perform a clean reinstallation on your iOS or Android mobile.
How to Reinstall TP-Link Deco on Android/iOS?
- Locate the icon of the TP-Link Deco app.
- Press and hold the icon of the application.
- On Android, drag the icon to the Trash Bin.
- On iOS, select the “Remove This App” tile.
- Then, open Google Play or the App Store.
- Download and install the TP-Link Deco app.
- Sign in to the account and re-try the pairing.
When the TP-Link Deco app is cleanly re-installed on your mobile device, scroll up and try the connection process freshly.
Remember that your TP-Link Deco must be blinking in blue before you can connect the device to your router or modem.
Tip: Verify that the TP-Link Deco app is up to date.
4. Update the TP-Link Deco System
If the mobile app is recognizing your TP-Link Deco but can’t connect to the internet, then you must attempt the manual firmware upgrade.
Just because the Deco’s Wi-Fi is offline, it doesn’t mean that the device is not receiving internet from the router, meaning that it can be updated.
Here’s how to update TP-Link Deco in easy steps:
- First, open the TP-Link mobile app and sign in.
- Then, scroll down and tap on the “System” tab.
- From there, tap on the “Update Deco” section.
Note: You must see “Your Deco-Home Wi-Fi System is currently up-to-date. Enjoy!”
5. Test with Another Ethernet Cable
Perhaps your TP-Link Deco is not connecting to the internet because of a fault with the Ethernet cable connection.
There are two possibilities:
- The Ethernet cable is not connected correctly.
- The Ethernet cable is interrupted and/or faulty.
You must reconnect the current Ethernet cable first and verify that the port on your router’s side is plugged into one of the LAN “yellow” ports.
On the other Ethernet cable’s end, you must connect to one of the two Ethernet ports, and if the TP-Link Deco is offline, switch to the other input port.
Note: The Ethernet cable must use the standard RJ45 connector.
6. Factory Reset Your TP-Link Deco
If your TP Link Deco cannot connect to internet from your router/modem, the unit has to be factory reset so you can begin the setup process fresh.
When you turn on the Deco for the first time, you will see a blinking amber light, indicating that your unit is currently turning or resetting.
The TP-Link Deco light must turn to blinking blue, which means that the device is ready for the setup process.
However, if the light on your Deco does not turn to blinking blue, TP-Link advises the factory reset process.
Here’s how to factory reset TP-Link Deco in easy steps:
- First, look at the bottom of the Deco for a Reset button.
- Info: On all models, the reset button is in a small hole.
- Acquire a thin and sharp object that can reach within.
- Verify that the TP-Link Deco is connected to an outlet.
- Press and hold the Reset button for about 15 seconds.
- The indicator should change to an orange blinking light.
- Wait until the TP-Link Deco starts to flash in blue color.
When your TP-Link Deco is reset, you may scroll up and follow the steps shown earlier to set up the device and connect to the internet.
Quick Recap:
Hence, whenever TP-Link Deco not connecting to internet you must verify that the setup process has been completed correctly.
The next thing to check is the availability of your broadband connection, and in case everything works but Deco is offline, perform a reset.
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Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.