How to Set Up a New Router

Setting up a new router is easier than most people expect. Whether you're replacing an old one or setting up internet for the first time, here's how to do it.

What You Need Before You Start

• Your new router
• An ethernet cable (usually included in the box)
• Your modem (the box your internet provider gave you — separate from the router)
• Your internet provider account details (sometimes needed)

Step 1: Connect the Router to Your Modem

1. Turn off your modem (unplug it from the wall)
2. Connect an ethernet cable from the modem's output port (usually labeled "Internet" or "WAN") to the WAN/Internet port on your new router (usually a different colour to the other ports)
3. Plug the modem back in and wait 60 seconds
4. Plug your router into power and turn it on
5. Wait 2–3 minutes for everything to fully start up

Step 2: Connect to the Router

On your phone, tablet, or laptop, open Wi-Fi settings. Look for your router's default network name — it's printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the router, usually something like "NETGEAR-5F32" or "TP-Link_AC1200."

Connect using the default password (also on the sticker).

Step 3: Access Router Settings

Open a browser and go to the router's admin page. The address is printed on the router sticker — common ones are:

• 192.168.1.1
• 192.168.0.1
• 192.168.1.254

Or type the address printed on the sticker (some routers use something like tplinkwifi.net).

Log in using the admin username and password — both are on the sticker (often "admin" / "admin" as defaults).

Step 4: Run the Setup Wizard

Most modern routers have a setup wizard that guides you through the key steps:

1. Set your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) — choose something you'll recognise. Don't use your full name or address.
2. Set a Wi-Fi password — use something 12+ characters. Mix letters, numbers, and symbols.
3. Change the admin password — different from your Wi-Fi password. This is to prevent anyone on your network from changing router settings.
4. Select your internet connection type — most home connections are DHCP (automatic). Your provider will tell you if it's different.

Step 5: Check Your Connection

Once setup is complete, disconnect and reconnect to your new Wi-Fi network using your new password. Open a browser and try loading a website. If it works, you're done.

Run a speed test at fast.com to confirm you're getting the speeds you're paying for.

Tips for Better Performance

Name your 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks differently so you can control which one your devices use (e.g., "HomeWifi" and "HomeWifi_5G").

Place the router centrally — not in a corner or inside a cabinet. Higher placement generally means better coverage.

Keep the default DNS or upgrade it — changing your DNS to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) can sometimes improve speeds and reliability.

If It's Not Working

• No internet after setup: call your internet provider — they may need to register your new router's MAC address
• Can't reach the admin page: make sure you're connected to the router's Wi-Fi, not your old one
• Forgot the admin password: there's a reset button on the router (usually a pinhole) — press it for 10 seconds to restore factory defaults and start over