TP-Link Router Not Getting Internet From Modem? (Fixed)

If you’re wondering why the TP-Link router not getting internet from modem, keep reading!

A fault with the connection between the TP-Link router and the service modem will prevent the proper distribution of the internet to connected devices.

Hence, this guide will review all possible causes for the interrupted modem connection and provide helpful tips and solutions to attempt.

Whenever the TP-Link router fails to connect with the modem, enter and set the router’s DNS manually before power cycling all the equipment.

Why is the TP-Link Router Not Connecting to Internet?

Here’s why the TP-Link router is not acquiring internet from the network modem:

The service connection between the devices is unstable.
There is an issue with the modem’s external connection.
The modem has lost service connection to the provider.
There’s a problem with the Ethernet/Coaxial connection.
Incorrect WAN/DNS settings of the TP-Link router device.

Here’s how you can access the online configuration of the TP-Link router!

How to Access TP-Link Web GUI?

It will be necessary to know how to access the web configuration of the TP-Link router since it will be required multiple times throughout the guide.

All the TP-Link network devices have an identical address used for accessing the GUI and allowing you to adjust the network settings.

Here’s how to sign in to the TP-Link web GUI in easy steps:

Connect your device via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to your router.
Next, open a web browser and type “http://tplinkwifi.net.”
Sign in to the web GUI of the router via one of the methods.
Method 1: You will be prompted to create login credentials.
Method 2: You must input existing TP-Link login information.
Finally, you will be redirected to the homepage of the router.

Tip: Refer to these instructions anytime you’re asked to access the TP-Link GUI (admin tool).

TP-Link Router Not Getting Internet From Modem – Fixed!

Tip: Follow the steps and instructions in consecutive order!

1. Set Up the TP-Link DNS Manually

Setting the TP-Link router to a proven DNS verifies the external connection to the ISP servers and the DHCP protocol of the network.

The DNS configuration of the router can be adjusted through the TP-Link web GUI or the TP-Link mobile application available for Android and iOS.

How to Set TP-Link DNS Through Web GUI?

Access the web GUI of the TP-Link router on your device.
Then, go to the “Advanced Setup Menu” and scroll down.
Locate the “Internet Settings” tab and look for the “DNS.”
Tap on “Update DNS” and insert primary/secondary DNS.

Recommended: Use Google’s DNS - Primary “8.8.8.8” and Secondary: “8.8.4.4.”

How to Set TP-Link DNS Through the TP-Link App?

First, enter the TP-Link app on your mobile Android or iOS unit.
After that, click on “Internet Connection” and select the “IPv4.”
Next, press “DNS Address” and set “Configuration” to “Manual.”
Inset “8.8.8.8” in the “Primary” field and “8.8.4.4” in “Secondary.”
Save the changes and exit the router’s DNS configuration menu.

What are the Popular Public DNS Settings?

If you don’t wish to use Google’s DNS, there are multiple alternative options for establishing the external connection of your TP-Link router.

You can connect to one of the following addresses:

Quad9 – “9.9.9.9” primary and “149.112.112.112” secondary value.
Cloudflare – “1.1.1.1” primary and “1.0.0.1” secondary value.
CleanBrowsing – “185.228.168.9” primary and “185.228.169.9” secondary.
Alternate DNS – “76.76.19.19” primary and “76.223.122.150” secondary.
OpenDNS – “208.67.222.222” secondary and “208.67.220.220” secondary.

Note: Cloudflare and OpenDNS offer in-built DDoS protection and advanced safeguard service!

2. Power Cycle the Internet Equipment

You can resolve temporal issues with your TP-Link internet equipment by conducting a power circulation of the hardware.

To achieve a power cycle, it is necessary to interrupt the electrical supply of the TP-Link router entirely, which will refresh the hardware and reset the unit’s system.

Note: The power cycle will not erase anything!

How to Power Cycle TP-Link Router?

Optional: Check if the router has a Power button and press it once.
Disconnect the Power adapter from the back of the TP-Link router.
After that, wait for 60 seconds while the power cable is unplugged.
Connect the power cable of the router back into an electrical source.
Wait for the router to start up automatically or press the power button.

How to Power Cycle Third-Party Modem?

Optional: Press the in-built Power button to turn off the modem.
Disconnect the Power adapter cable from the A/C and the modem.
Wait for 60 seconds while the modem’s hardware is discharging.
Connect the power cable of the modem back into the A/C supply.
Wait until the modem turns on and check if the service is restored.

Important: Plug your router and modem directly into a power outlet (if possible).

3. Inspect the Ethernet and Coaxial Link

Two mandatory cable connections exist for successfully acquiring and distributing service to your TP-Link router and all connected devices.

So, this step will uncover what each cable is about and how it works and help you identify functionality problems with your TP-Link setup.

Inspect the Coaxial Service Connection

The Coaxial cable connects the network modem to the “master” outlet provided by your internet service provider.

Verify that the coaxial connection between the modem and the outlet is secure and the service cable doesn’t have any signs of damage that could produce the problem.

Inspect the Ethernet Service Connection

The Ethernet cable connects the TP-Link router with the service modem and enables the distribution of Wi-Fi networks in your home.

Substantiate that the cable has “clicked in” on both ends and is secured to the yellow port on your router and the Ethernet port of your modem.

Tip: If your service cable appears damaged, contact your ISP.

4. Renew the Router’s WAN Settings

If the TP-Link router isn’t acquiring an internet connection from the modem after setup, there’s a possibility that the network device hasn’t been assigned a valid IP address.

This step will guide you through renewing the WAN configuration of the router and verifying everything is correct.

How to Configure TP-Link Router WAN Via Web GUI?

Access the web GUI page of the TP-Link router.
Navigate to “Advanced” → “Network” → “WAN.”
Select “Connection Type” to access the options.
After that, test the connection type on all settings.

The connection type can be set to “PPoE,” “Dynamic IP,” or “Static IP,” based on your service provider’s preferences.

In that regard, test the setting on all possible options to determine which one enables the router to establish a secure connection with the network modem.

Note: You must reboot your router after switching from one setting to another!

5. Check your Current Service Status

The suspension of your modem’s internet might result from unpaid fees to the internet service provider or deactivated subscription status.

Thus, remember that TP-Link only provides Wi-Fi and will work in a “standalone” mode only with a provider that uses an “Ethernet” service cable.

So, the next step is to sign in to your service provider’s website and access the “Subscription” page to review your current plan terms.

If you have unpaid subscription fees or your plan has been deactivated, follow the instructions to resume the service by completing the payments.

Bonus Tip: Check for Local Service Outages!

The internet of the network modem might have been suspended as a result of a local outage or maintenance.

You can check the current status of the service in your area by visiting the outage center of your service provider and reviewing the issues reported in the last 24 hours.

Tip: Call your service provider to verify whether your broadband is active!

6. Restore TP-Link to Factory Defaults

If the TP-Link router still fails to establish a connection with the modem, it is recommended to perform a factory reset.

The factory reset procedure will erase all the router’s DNS, LAN, and WAN settings, including the existing Wi-Fi networks and connections.

Tip: Take a screenshot of any router settings you want to keep!

Here’s how to perform a factory reset on the TP-Link router:

Find the Reset button on the rear panel of the TP-Link router.
Press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds to reset the unit.
Access your TP-Link router’s web GUI and tap “Quick Setup.”
Follow the provided instructions to finalize the router’s setup.

Note: The “Quick Setup” prompt will guide you through the entire router setup!

Quick Recap:

Whenever the TP-Link router not getting internet from the modem, power cycle the router and reconnect the Coaxial cable of the modem.

If the issue persists, correct the WAN configuration of the router, tweak the DNS settings, and factory reset the TP-Link router.

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.