Wondering why the TP Link Powerline adapter keeps disconnecting? Stay with us to know!
The Powerline adapters are not like the regular WiFi extenders. These devices use the A/C line of your home to communicate with each other.
They are less likely to be interfered with but there are other factors that can impact their connection, which will make your WiFi drop…
When the Powerline adapter keeps disconnecting, begin with simple troubleshooting such as power cycling adapters and router/modem.
In case that doesn’t work, proceed with advanced steps such as disabling the power-saving mode or performing a factory reset.
Why Do Powerline Adapters Keep Disconnecting?
- An incorrect TP-Link adapter installation process or pairing.
- The distance between the adapter and WiFi device is too great.
- Fault with the router/modem to adapter connection (Ethernet).
- WiFi interference from the Adapter to your receiver device.
- A TP-Link adapter operation fault or software-related issue.
TP-Link Powerline – Simple Installation Guide!
There is not much that could go wrong, besides the installation process as well as some factors that also impact the WiFi connectivity on your devices.
Since the installation is the most fragile step, let’s begin with an easy guide on how to establish the correct TP-Link Powerline setup.
1. Power On and Connect Adapter #1
The first step is simple. Connect Adapter #1, which is often called the “main adapter” or “base” to a power adapter, very close to your router/modem.
Then you need to connect the base to the router via an Ethernet cable. Typically, the smaller TP-Link powerline unit is the main adapter.
Note: The Ethernet cable plugs into one of the “yellow” ports on the network router!
2. Power On and Connect Adapter #2
The next step is to connect Adapter #2, called the “extension”, which uses the home electrical system (A/C line), to communicate with Adapter #1.
The internet data transmission works by sending high frequencies and they do not interfere with your home’s electrical installation.
3. Pair the Powerline Adapter Units
First, press the “Pair” button on the main adapter for 1 second, and within 60 seconds, press the “Pair” button on the extension adapter.
The process of pairing could take up to 2 minutes to complete and when ready, the top LED lights on both units will flash as an indication.
Note: An indication of a good connection is when the top 2 lights on both units flash regularly!
TP Link Powerline Adapter Keeps Disconnecting – Solutions!
Tip: Refer to the steps above, when you’re asked to re-attempt the pairing.
1. Power Cycle Both Adapters!
The first and simplest solution is to power cycle both TP-Link Powerline adapters by unplugging them from the power outlet for a few seconds.
If you’re unsure how to follow the steps below:
- Disconnect Adapter #1 from the power outlet.
- Disconnect Adapter #2 from the power outlet.
- Unplug the Ethernet cable from the main unit.
- Wait for 60 seconds and reconnect Adapter #1.
- Tip: Connect directly to the outlet (no extenders).
- Connect Adapter #2 to the respective outlet.
- Wait for both units to sync and start working.
Next, on your mobile or connection device, toggle ON and OFF the WiFi feature and then try to reconnect to the wireless network from the TP-Link adapter.
Test whether the connection drops and if yes, continue with the next step.
2. Connect from Close Proximity
One of the best possible ways to identify whether the WiFi signal from the extension adapter is being impacted by interference is by connecting from close proximity.
If you’re using a laptop or computer, simply take your smartphone and go next to the Powerline adapter.
- Test whether the WiFi will keep disconnecting when standing near the adapter!
If not, then there is any sort of wireless interference. Try to identify any Bluetooth or IR signal devices, as well as microwaves and baby phones.
In addition, remove any casing from your phone that could be impacting the WiFi connection and test for the disconnects again.
If the disconnects are still there, let’s continue with the next step!
3. Uplift your Internet Connection
Sometimes the reason is not because the extension adapter’s WiFi is weak or interfered with, instead, the culprit is sometimes with the network router.
Any inconsistencies in your internet that are later supplied from the router to the base adapter, will reflect on the extender’s WiFi.
Here are a few tips and tricks to uplift your internet connection easily:
- Disconnect unused devices from the extension adapter.
- Reboot your network router to optimize the internet flow.
- Connect the Ethernet cable to another LAN router port.
- Don’t use VPN on your device connecting to the adapter.
- Disable the 4G (cellular) on your WiFi-connected device.
Pro Tip: On your WiFi connection device, open the WiFi options and “Forget” the Powerline adapter, then connect again freshly.
4. Reduce the “Electrical Noise”
Whenever the TP LinkPowerline adapter keeps disconnecting while in use, it’s due to the so-called “electrical noise”.
This is a complex electrical consequence, which happens due to a coupling of electrical signals in circuits where they are not welcome since they cause issues.
- Main Causes of Electrical Noise?
The main causes of electrical noise are high-consumption devices such as washing machines, microwaves, and heaters.
Pretty much any appliance above 3kW of electrical consumption can interfere with the signal of your TP-Link adapter, especially when connected in the same room.
- How to Reduce Electrical Noise?
Considering the nature of the Powerline and the way the main unit communicates with the extension adapter, electrical noise is a danger to avoid.
One way to avoid electrical noise is to simply keep high-consumption devices connected on a different A/C line (different room).
Tip: The fastest way to test is to connect your extension adapter to a bedroom or a room where there are a minimal number of A/C-connected devices.
5. Check for Adapter Overheating
Whenever the Powerline adapter is disconnecting only when there is a device plugged into the adapter, you need to check for overheating.
The power socket on the Powerline is meant for low-consumption devices such as chargers, lamps, and small appliances.
Connecting high-consumption devices, for example, a 3 kW+ heater into the power socket of the Powerline, might lead to overheating.
When the adapter overheats, the WiFi will surely drop and presumably come back online later when the adapter cools down.
Info: There are other sources of overheating besides overpowering the adapter’s socket such as direct sunlight, nearby heat conductors, and more…
6. Disable the *Power-Saving Mode*
The power saving mode is only available on TP-Link Powerline adapters and it’s enabled by default.
This feature lowers the power consumption and basically puts the adapter to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity, which is probably why the adapter keeps disconnecting.
Acquiring the tpPLC Utility:
To disable the power-saving mode, you’ll need the tpPLC utility, which is software for Windows or macOS and can be downloaded from the official TP-Link Website.
Then you need to download tpPLC as per your operating system and open the utility tool on your computer.
Note: The computer must be connected to the router that is hooked up with the main adapter!
Disabling “Power-Saving”:
- Open the tpPLC utility tool on your computer.
- Hover your cursor over “Advanced” and click.
- Then go to “Mode” and locate “Power Saving”.
- Click on the respective toggle to disable it.
Tip: We recommend power cycling the TP-Link main adapter after these steps!
7. Factory Reset the Powerline!
The factory reset is the most powerful method, against any issues with the adapters and both units must be reset for a fresh start.
The process is simple and the downside is that you’ll have to perform the pairing again when the process is over.
Here’s how to factory reset a TP-Link Powerline adapter in easy steps:
- Locate the Reset button pinhole near the Ethernet port.
- Use a sharp object such as a paperclip or a toothpick.
- Reach inside and hold the Reset button for 10 seconds.
- Wait until all lights turn off and then on as an indication.
Note: If you can’t find a Reset button pinhole, press the hold the “Pair” button for 12 seconds, which resets some TP-Link Powerliner adapter models
Quick Recap:
When TP Link Powerline adapter keeps disconnecting, first power cycle both adapters and unplug high-power consumption devices from their sockets.
In case that doesn’t help, disable the power-saving mode with the tpPLC tool and perform a factory reset.
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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.