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What you need before connecting
- The network name: Select the exact SSID for your home Wi-Fi. A router may show more than one network name, so check which one you intend to use.
- The Wi-Fi password: This may be called a password, network key, or security key. A label on the router may show the original credentials, but it will be out of date if someone changed the password.
- Wi-Fi enabled and router range: Turn on Wi-Fi on the device and move within range of the router if the network is not visible.
Wi-Fi connection and internet access are separate: a device can join the wireless network but still have no internet connection.
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Connect on Windows
Open the Wi-Fi controls from the taskbar or go to Settings and open the network and internet options. Choose the home network, select Connect, and enter the network key when prompted. Windows labels and screens vary by version. Microsoft’s Windows Wi-Fi connection guide covers connecting and managing saved networks.
If the network is not listed, Windows can also add a network by entering its details. Use the exact SSID and security information supplied by the person who manages the router; do not guess the security type.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Connect on iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Turn on Wi-Fi if it is off, then tap your home network’s name.
- Enter the password if prompted and wait for the connected indicator.
If you do not know the password, Apple advises contacting the network administrator. At home, that is usually the router manager or account holder. See Apple’s guide to connecting an iPhone or iPad to Wi-Fi.
Connect on Android
Open your device’s Wi-Fi or network settings, select the home network, and enter its password. Android menus differ among versions and device makers; Google’s Android Wi-Fi connection guide provides the general steps.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
If the network is hidden
Choose the option to add a network manually, then enter the exact SSID and the security details. A hidden network will not appear in the ordinary list of available networks. Google’s instructions explain how to enter hidden-network details.
If your device cannot connect
Use the symptom to narrow down what to check. Try the least disruptive checks first; resetting network settings can remove saved network configurations.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
The network does not appear
- Confirm Wi-Fi is on and move closer to the router.
- Check that you are looking for the intended network name. If the SSID is hidden, add it manually with its exact name and security details.
The password is rejected
- Re-enter the password carefully, including capitalization and characters that are easy to confuse.
- Check with the router manager or account holder if you are unsure. The password printed on the router may only be correct if it has not been changed.
- If the device may have an old saved password, use its option to forget the network, then select it again and enter the current password.
The device connects to Wi-Fi but has no internet
Check whether other devices can access the internet on the same Wi-Fi. If only one device is affected, focus on that device’s saved network profile, software, or wireless adapter. If several devices are affected, check the router and the internet service connection. Where available, testing with Ethernet can help distinguish a Wi-Fi problem from a broader connection problem; Microsoft includes a wired-connection check in its Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
Consider a network reset only after simpler checks
First verify the password, saved network details, and whether other devices connect. On an iPhone or iPad, resetting network settings removes saved network configurations. Apple describes this and other checks in its Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Keep the home network secure
Wi-Fi security is a router setting, not a requirement to weaken just to connect one device. Microsoft recommends WPA3 when both the router and computer support it, describing it as more secure than WPA2, WPA, or WEP. If a device cannot connect, check its compatibility and the router documentation before changing security settings. Microsoft’s wireless network setup guidance explains network names, keys, and security options.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
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