TP-Link router keeps disconnecting from internet? If that’s the case, know that there are different methods to fix this problem and restore your TP-Link internet connection.
So, in this guide, we’ve prepared only the top-working methods, so let’s review the solution right away!
When the TP-Link router keeps disconnecting, you should first restart your router, check for outages, and test the internet by connecting the modem to your PC.
Let’s move further and unwrap more information!
Why Does My TP-Link Router Keep Disconnecting? – Reasons
There are many different possibilities for dropping connections from your TP-Link router.
So, before troubleshooting, we recommend checking all the possibilities for better understanding.
Here’s everything that can make your TP-Link router drop connection:
TP-Link Router Keeps Disconnecting from Internet – Fixed
Now that you have identified the possible causes, we can move further.
So, below is a detailed guide with the proven troubleshooting steps to resolve your TP-Link router disconnection issue.
1. Power Cycle the Router and Modem
Sometimes, the culprit is a temporary bug that might restrict the Wi-Fi router from establishing a network connection with the modem.
Therefore, we recommend the power circulation method on your devices to clear out all problematic bugs and help establish a stable and consistent link.
Implement these steps to power cycle your TP-Link network equipment:
- Unplug the router and modem from the wall.
- Disconnect the A/C cable from both devices.
- Wait 5 minutes while devices are unplugged.
- Reconnect the power of both your equipment.
- Wait for the “internet” LED light to start blinking.
- Test the consistency of your TP-Link internet.
Wait until the router boots up and establish a connection with the modem.
Once you see the internet service light on the router, test the internet.
How to Test Internet Consistency?
It’s straightforward if you have a hardwired Windows computer to your TP-Link router.
You must click on the “Start Menu,” type “CMD,” and enter the Command Prompt.
From there, you only need to type the command “ping 8.8.8.8 -t” to start continuously pining Google’s DNS server.
Tip: Following the replies, you can see how long it takes for the internet to be sent and received, and any missed packets will appear as “Timed Out.”
2. Bypass the Wi-Fi Router (For Testing)
If rebooting your devices doesn’t help, you should manually test your internet connection by connecting your computer to the modem.
This simple approach will help you identify whether the problem comes from the TP-Link router, modem, or the connecting device that you use.
To bypass your router and test your broadband directly, follow these steps:
- Unplug the internet cable from the router.
- Connect your PC directly to your modem.
- Open an online browser on the computer.
- Search for anything and check the internet.
If the TP-Link internet is working fine on your computer without dropping, simply re-connect the router back to the network via internet cable.
Also, make sure that the Ethernet cord going from the modem to the router’s port is securely plugged and in a good state.
Reminder: Use the same method as previously discussed to test your broadband consistency by using the Windows Command Prompt.
3. Inspect the Cable Connections
Another reason why your TP-Link router keeps disconnecting from the internet may be due to a damaged or loose cable connection.
So, inspect all power and internet cables connected to your router and modem and ensure they are firmly connected and in good working condition.
Use the following steps to inspect the TP-Link setup cable connections:
- First, unplug your TP-Link router and modem from the wall.
- Then, unplug ALL cables coming into your router and modem.
- Inspect both ends of all wires, especially the Cat5e/6 cable.
- Also, blow out in the port connectors on your router/modem.
- If cables are in a good state, then connect them back securely.
- Also, connect your modem and Wi-Fi router back into the outlet.
You have to wait until both devices boots up, establish the connection, and test your internet connection.
Remember that you can always use a free internet speed test tool to check if the promised speeds are accurately reflected in your TP-Link setup.
Note: If you come across any damaged, fraying wiring or ports, replace them!
4. Inspect the Device’s A/C Source
Remember that the modem and router require a constant power source for proper functioning, and any problem with the router’s A/C supply can lead to disconnection.
Therefore, make sure your network devices are plugged into a functioning outlet and that everything is working well.
Here are a few more things to consider the TP-Link setup power supply:
- Check the power cord and adapter for physical damage.
- Connect your internet devices to a different wall outlet.
- If your router is overheating, reposition it to an open area.
Important: Avoid using extension cables and power strips to plug your network devices with other high-energy devices, as this can lead to fluctuations in the power supply.
5. Resolve Signal Interference
If you are still wondering why does TP Link router keeps disconnecting, the underlying reason can be signal interference from nearby electronic or wireless devices.
Signal interference can happen due to different things, such as:
- Cordless phones
- Bluetooth units
- RF Microwaves
- Nearby routers
- Reflecting surface
- Concrete walls
The solution is simple: Move your TP-Link network devices away from such potential sources of interference and consider installing them in a central location within your home.
So, keep your router away from large appliances for the best network coverage and minimal disconnections.
One More Thing – Reduce Network Congestion
If you have too many devices connected on the same TP-Link Wi-Fi router, then possibly heavy traffic on the network bandwidth might be causing disconnects and network disruption.
In that case, you should consider disconnecting unnecessary devices from your Wi-Fi network.
Tip: Test your internet when there is only one device connected to the Wi-Fi!
6. Update the Router’s Firmware
Sometimes, outdated router firmware can lead to connection faults and performance problems, so manufacturers keep releasing updates to address such issues.
So, you must check whether any recent and “skipped” updates are available for the router and manually upgrade firmware.
Follow these steps to update your TP-Link router manually:
- Connect a computer/laptop to the router’s network.
- Open any online browser, such as Google Chrome.
- Insert “http://tplinkwifi.net” or “http://192.168.0.1”.
- Input login credentials to access the router settings.
- Locate and press on the “Advanced” menu section.
- Then, go to System Tools and Firmware Upgrade.
- If an update is available, click on the Update button.
Reminder: Your router will restart during the update, and your network will become temporarily offline.
7. Disable the Router’s “Smart Connect”
TP-Link routers have a “Smart Connect” feature, automatically selecting the best frequency of the Wi-Fi for your devices to connect to.
However, this can sometimes cause network delay and disconnection problems, so it’s best to disable the “Smart Connect” feature.
This will separate the Wi-Fi of your TP-Link router into two different threads (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), allowing you to switch from one to another manually.
To disable Smart Connect on TP-Link, follow these steps:
- First, you must open a web browser on your PC.
- Enter “http://tplinkwifi.net” or “http://192.168.0.1”
- On the router web interface, click on “Advanced.”
- Choose “Wireless” and then “Wireless Settings.”
- Tap on the “Smart Connect” toggle and disable it.
- Click on the “Save” button to apply the changes.
Reminder: After you're done, test your TP-Link router's internet connection using the Windows CMD, as discussed previously in this guide.
8. Factory Reset the TP-Link Router
If you’ve tried all steps without success, we suggest performing a factory reset on your TP-Link Wi-Fi router to fix these disconnecting errors.
However, remember that this method will erase all your router settings and return to factory defaults, so back up anything you might need.
Follow these steps to perform a factory reset on a TP-Link router:
- Locate the “Reset pinhole” on the back of the router.
- Then, press the Reset button on the router with a pin.
- Hold the Reset button for 10 seconds, and release it.
- Wait a minute until your router reboots automatically.
Note: If you need more help with your TP-Link network devices, contact TP-Link Support!
Quick Recap:
If your TP-Link router keeps disconnecting from internet, restart your network devices, inspect all networking cables, and test the internet by bypassing the router.
In addition, change the Wi-Fi channels, upgrade the system firmware, and perform the 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.