A complete walkthrough from modem connection to verified whole-home coverage — including adding satellite units and confirming speeds.
Use the included Ethernet cable to connect the primary Deco unit's WAN port to one of the LAN ports on your modem. Power on your modem first and allow it to fully initialize — usually 1–2 minutes — before plugging in the Deco.
Plug in the Deco's power adapter. The LED will cycle through colors during startup. Wait for it to turn solid blue — this means the unit is ready for the app to configure it. If the LED turns amber or red, check the Ethernet connection to your modem.
Install the TP-Link Deco app and sign in with a TP-Link account (or create one — it's free). A TP-Link account is required to manage your network both at home and remotely. The app uses Bluetooth to detect your Deco during initial setup, so keep Bluetooth enabled on your phone.
Tap "Set Up a New Network" and follow the on-screen prompts. The app will scan for your Deco via Bluetooth and guide you through internet connection setup. If your ISP requires PPPoE credentials, enter them when prompted — your ISP will have provided these, usually on a welcome letter or account page.
When prompted, choose a network name (SSID) and create a strong WiFi password. Deco creates a single unified network name covering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands — devices connect to whichever is optimal. You can split the bands in advanced settings later if needed, but it isn't necessary for most households.
Place each additional Deco unit roughly halfway between the primary unit and the area needing coverage. Avoid locations in closed cabinets, directly behind TVs, or adjacent to concrete walls. Plug each unit in and wait for its LED to turn solid yellow (searching for the primary) before adding it in the app.
In the Deco app, tap the "+" icon and select "Add Deco." The app will scan for waiting units and guide you through pairing each one. Wait for each unit's LED to turn solid blue and for it to appear as "Connected" in the app before moving on to the next.
Once all units show as connected in the app, run a speed test from within the Deco app's home screen. Results close to your ISP plan speed (tested via Ethernet) confirm the setup is correct. WiFi speeds will typically be somewhat lower than a direct Ethernet connection — that's normal.
Join your phones, laptops, smart TVs, and other devices to the network name and password you created. Smart home devices that only support 2.4 GHz will need to be re-added to their respective apps if you changed your network name. Devices that were on a previous network will not reconnect automatically.
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