Set up an Archer with the Tether app or the browser. Connect the modem to the router's WAN or Internet port with an RJ45 cable, power both, and log in at tplinkwifi.net or the default address on the label, where the quick setup asks you to create a password and choose your connection type. Many TP-Link videos cover cable modem and DSL modem setups. If there is no internet after setup, check the Internet IP under Advanced, Status: 0.0.0.0 means the modem has not given an address,
The checks in more detail
so restart the modem, clone the MAC address (Advanced, Network, Internet, MAC Clone, using a wired computer), change the router's LAN IP if it matches the modem's range, or set DNS manually. TP-Link notes most routers default to 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, and a DSL modem router in the same range clashes. For a factory reset, hold the Reset button more than ten seconds with the router on until the SYS LED changes from slow to quick flash, or use Advanced, System, Backup and Restore, Factory Default Restore.
A reset erases wifi settings, port forwarding and parental controls, so back up first. Read the label on the underside before you start, because it carries the default network name, the login address and the model and hardware version, and you will need all of them if you contact TP-Link support later. Use the quick setup rather than a hand-built configuration for the first time, and adjust advanced settings only once the basics work. Setup goes best when done from a computer on Ethernet, because the wireless connection can drop when the router restarts during configuration, which leaves the setup screens in a confusing half-done state.
After setup, write the admin password, the wifi name and the wifi password in one safe place, and change the default wifi name so it does not reveal the router model to neighbors.
Differential
Likely causes of “TP-Link Archer routers will not complete setup”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A restart needed on the modem
What separates it There is no IP address because the modem needs a restart
How to confirm Restart the modem, wait for it to start up, and then run the setup again
- 2
A MAC lock at the provider
What separates it The Internet IP address shows 0.0.0.0 because the provider locked the service to an old MAC address
How to confirm Clone the MAC address of the old device in the router's settings, and restart the modem
- 3
A LAN IP clash
What separates it The setup succeeds but there is no internet because the router's LAN address clashes with the modem
How to confirm Change the router's LAN IP address to a different range, and restart the router
- 4
A wrong cable
What separates it The web page says the WAN port is not detected because the cable is the wrong type
How to confirm Use an RJ45 Ethernet cable in the WAN port, and not a phone cable
- 5
A previous configuration
What separates it The login fails because the router still holds a previous configuration
How to confirm Factory reset the router, so that the login goes back to the default details
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The make and model of your modem
- The step of the setup where it fails
- The router model and hardware version
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedConnect the modem
ReversibleConnect the modem to the router's WAN port, using an RJ45 Ethernet cable and not a phone cable.
Power both
ReversiblePower on both devices, starting with the modem, and wait for it to finish starting up.
Log in
ReversibleLog in at tplinkwifi.net, or at the default address that is printed on the router's label.
Run quick setup
ReversibleRun the quick setup, and create a new password for the router when it asks you.
Check the Internet IP
ReversibleCheck the Internet IP address, which is under Advanced and then Status in the router's menu.
Fix if 0.0.0.0
ReversibleFix it if it is 0.0.0.0, by cloning the MAC address, changing the LAN IP or setting the DNS.
Update firmware
ReversibleUpdate the firmware after the setup is finished, since new versions fix problems in older ones.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Labels
- The label lists the default network name, address and hardware version.
- Wi-Fi 7
- The Archer BE900 and BE550 have 2.5G and 10G ports.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the Archer BE550 Wi-Fi 7 router, Archer AXE75 router, Archer AX73 router, Archer AX55 router.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the router never gets an IP from a working modem, contact TP-Link support
- !If the provider needs special settings, get them from the provider
- !If login fails after a reset, check the label defaults
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Internet IP, MAC clone and LAN IP.
Reset button and web reset.
RJ45 cable, modem test and WAN port test.
Cloud and manual firmware updates.
The company and its products.
Exact questions
Common questions
Where do I log in?+
Log in at tplinkwifi.net, or at the address that is printed on the label on the router.
What is the default LAN IP?+
The default LAN address is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, depending on the model.
What does the SYS LED show?+
The SYS light changes from a slow flash to a quick flash when the reset takes effect.
Can I reset from the web?+
Yes, you can reset from the web page, under Backup and Restore in the system settings.
What clashes on LAN IP?+
A modem router in the same address range as the Archer causes a clash on the LAN.