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To connect manually, turn on Wi-Fi, choose your home network’s exact name (SSID), enter its Wi-Fi password or security key, and wait for the device to show that it is connected. If the network name is hidden, add it using the exact SSID and security details. Menus vary by device and software version.
Connect from a Windows PC
- Open the Wi-Fi controls from the taskbar, or go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi. Labels may differ between Windows versions.
- Turn on Wi-Fi if it is off, then choose your home network from the available networks.
- Select Connect and enter the network security key when prompted. Check the network name before entering the password, especially if the router broadcasts more than one network.
- Wait for Windows to indicate that the PC is connected. To add a network that is not listed, use Windows’ network settings to add its name and security details. For current steps, see Microsoft’s guide to connecting to Wi-Fi in Windows.
Microsoft also explains how to manage known networks and view a saved network password in its Windows Wi-Fi connection guide. The exact controls can depend on the Windows release.
Connect from an iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Turn on Wi-Fi, then tap your home network’s name.
- Enter the password if asked 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 instructions for connecting an iPhone or iPad to Wi-Fi.
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Connect from an Android device
- Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings. The menu path varies by Android version and manufacturer.
- Enable Wi-Fi and select your home network.
- Enter the password or security key, then confirm the connection.
If the network is hidden and does not appear in the list, choose the option to add a network and enter its exact SSID and security information. Google’s Android Wi-Fi connection guide describes connecting and adding hidden networks.
#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.
If your home network is hidden
A hidden SSID will not appear in the ordinary network list. Use the device’s add-network option and enter the name exactly as configured on the router, along with the correct security type and password. A typo in the SSID or a mismatch in security details can prevent the connection.
Hiding a network name is not a replacement for modern Wi-Fi encryption and a strong password. It also makes connecting new devices less convenient. Use the router maker’s current instructions to check or change wireless security settings.
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
Troubleshoot the connection by symptom
The network does not appear
- Confirm Wi-Fi is enabled and move closer to the router to rule out weak range.
- Check whether the router uses a different network name than expected or broadcasts multiple networks.
- If the SSID is hidden, add the network manually with the exact name and security details.
The device rejects the password
- Re-enter the password carefully, including capitalization. Check characters that can be confused, such as the number zero and the letter O.
- A label on the router may show its original Wi-Fi credentials, but it will be wrong if the password was changed. Ask the person who manages the network for the current one.
- If the device has an old saved profile, 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
Being connected to the router’s Wi-Fi and having working internet access are separate things. Check whether another device on the same network can reach the internet. If only one device has trouble, focus on its saved network profile, software, or wireless adapter. If several devices fail, check the router and internet service connection.
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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.
Several devices cannot connect
When multiple devices fail on the same home network, inspect the router and service connection rather than repeatedly changing settings on one device. Restarting equipment may be appropriate after simpler checks, but avoid a factory reset unless you know how to restore the router’s configuration.
When to change router security settings
Microsoft recommends WPA3 when both the router and computer support it, describing it as more secure than WPA2, WPA, or WEP. WPA3 is a security recommendation, not a requirement for joining a network. Check your router’s documentation and the compatibility of your devices before changing settings; do not weaken the network’s security just to accommodate one device. Microsoft’s guidance is in its wireless network setup instructions.
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.
Before resetting network settings
Try checking the SSID, password, device range, and router connection first. On an iPhone or iPad, resetting network settings removes saved network configurations, so you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward. Apple describes the reset’s effect and other troubleshooting options in its Wi-Fi connection troubleshooting guide.
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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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
