Short answer: turn the modem off, connect it to your new router’s Internet (WAN) port, turn the modem on and give it a couple of minutes, then turn the router on and follow its app or web setup. Before you finish, set your own admin and Wi-Fi passwords and switch on automatic updates.

Before you start

  • Know your connection type. TP-Link notes you’ll need it: Dynamic IP for most cable users, PPPoE with a username and password from your provider for many DSL users, or a Static IP. If you’re not sure, the setup wizard can often detect it.
  • Pick the spot first. See where to put your router.

Connect in the right order

TP-Link’s sequence: unplug the modem (removing any backup battery), connect it to the router’s Internet port with an Ethernet cable, power the modem on and wait about 2 minutes, then power the router on. NETGEAR’s power-cycle instructions follow the same order, modem first, and allow about 5 minutes for the modem to reconnect to your provider before you turn on the router.

Run the setup

Most routers offer an app and a web page. NETGEAR calls its Nighthawk app the easiest way to set up, and prints the default Wi-Fi name and password on a label on the router; TP-Link offers its Tether app as an alternative to the web setup. On ASUS routers, the first login opens a Quick Internet Setup that asks you to create a login account and password. If you use the web page, see how to log in to your router.

Choose secure settings before you finish

TP-Link recommends enabling automatic updates during setup, and NETGEAR routers have an automatic firmware update setting. Helpful guides: change your Wi-Fi password, WPA2 vs WPA3 and update your router firmware.

If your provider’s box is also a router

Many provider gateways are a modem and router in one. Putting your new router behind one creates two routers in a row: see double NAT explained. The clean fix is bridge mode on the gateway. Xfinity’s bridge mode, for example, turns off the gateway’s routing while keeping its modem working, so your router runs the network. For which box does what, see modem vs router.

Finally, go through our router security checklist.