To set up a Wi-Fi router, plug the ISP cable into the WAN (Internet) port, connect to the router’s network using the details on the sticker, and open the setup wizard — in a browser at the address from the same sticker or in the manufacturer’s app. The wizard then asks for an admin password, the internet connection type from your ISP, and a Wi-Fi name and password. Finally, turn on WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 security and automatic firmware updates.
Below is the general order for any home router and how TP-Link, ASUS, Xiaomi and Huawei differ, based on their official guides as of October 21, 2026. Button and section names depend on the model and firmware version, so check them against the wizard screen: we describe what it will ask and what to answer.
How to set up a router: step-by-step guide
The order is the same for all four manufacturers: connection, opening the wizard, admin password, internet, Wi-Fi, saving.
Choose a spot and connect the cables
Plug the ISP cable or the cable from the modem into the WAN port — on TP-Link this is the blue Internet port. On some Huawei and Xiaomi models the ports are universal, and the cable can go into any of them. If the internet comes through a modem, TP-Link advises unplugging it from power, removing the backup battery if it has one, and turning it back on; Xiaomi also asks you to restart the modem.
Pick a spot that is higher up and closer to the center of your home: TP-Link recommends this because every wall and floor weakens the signal. Keep the router away from microwaves, monitors and electric motors. If the power goes out often, it makes sense to connect the router through a UPS — suitable models are collected in our roundup of UPS units for a PC and router.
Result: The router is on and connected to the ISP cable or modem.
Connect to the router
Find the factory network name on the sticker and connect to it: on TP-Link this is a network like TP-Link_xxxx, on ASUS it is ASUS_XX, and on Huawei the name starts with HUAWEI and the network is open, with no password. You can also connect a computer by cable to any LAN port.
Result: The phone or computer is connected to the router’s factory network.
Open the setup wizard
In a browser, enter the address from the sticker or from the table below. On Xiaomi, the setup page usually opens by itself after you connect to the network; on ASUS, the Quick Internet Setup (QIS) wizard launches right away on first login. Instead of a browser, you can use an app: TP-Link Tether, ASUS Router, Xiaomi Home (Mi Home) or HUAWEI AI Life — Huawei offers the last one for download via the QR code on the bottom of the router.
https://tplinkwifi.net
http://www.asusrouter.com
http://miwifi.comResult: The first-time setup wizard is open.
Set an admin password
TP-Link routers with the new interface ask you to create a local password on first login, ASUS asks for a username and password for the settings page, and Huawei asks for a login password. Write it down: according to ASUS help, if you forget the login details, you may have to reset the router to factory settings and set it up again.
Result: The settings page is protected by your password.
Choose the internet connection type
TP-Link, ASUS and Huawei routers try to detect the connection type on their own. If it does not match your ISP’s details, select the right one manually:
- Dynamic IP (DHCP) — nothing to enter. TP-Link says most cable ISPs use it.
- PPPoE — enter the username and password from your ISP. If the old router still works and you do not remember the details, TP-Link has a feature that transfers PPPoE settings from the old router.
- Static IP — the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway and DNS server from your contract.
- VLAN ID — only if your ISP requires it. On TP-Link it is set in the advanced IPTV/VLAN settings; leave the other parameters there alone unless you need to change them.
Result: The router has internet access.
Set the Wi-Fi name and password
Come up with a network name and password. ASUS requires a password of at least 8 characters and recommends combining Latin letters and numbers. The 2.4 and 5 GHz networks can share one name (on TP-Link this is the Smart Connect feature) or be set up separately: according to TP-Link, 5 GHz is faster but has a shorter range and loses more signal behind obstacles.
Result: Your Wi-Fi network with the new name and password has appeared.
Turn on automatic updates and save the settings
At the end of the wizard, TP-Link offers to turn on automatic updates so you do not miss important firmware updates — turn them on. Check the final summary and confirm. Xiaomi warns that the Wi-Fi module restarts after setup, so the network will disappear briefly: wait and reconnect to it, this time with the new password.
Result: The settings are applied, and devices are connected to the new network.
TP-Link, ASUS, Xiaomi and Huawei addresses and apps
| Manufacturer | Browser address | App | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1 | Tether | You create a password on first login |
| ASUS | asusrouter.com or the router’s IP, for example 192.168.50.1 | ASUS Router | The QIS wizard opens by itself |
| Xiaomi | miwifi.com or 192.168.31.1 | Xiaomi Home (Mi Home) | The region in the app must be correct |
| Huawei | The address on the sticker on the bottom | HUAWEI AI Life | Factory network with no password |
- TP-Link. Its routers have two kinds of interface, classic and new, and the instructions for them differ. The order described here is for the new one; in it, the wizard detects the Internet port and the connection type on its own.
- ASUS. In the QIS wizard, click “Create a new network.” If you do not need auto-detection or it hangs, select “Manual Setting.” You can relaunch QIS from the top left corner of the router’s web interface.
- Xiaomi. For example, the Xiaomi Router BE3600 pairs only with Xiaomi Home (Mi Home), not with the Mi Wi-Fi app. In the app, tap “+” in the top right and select the model. Once it is paired, the app gives you a guest network, a reboot schedule and password management.
- Huawei. In AI Life, start router setup (or add a device with the button in the top right corner of the home screen) and choose to create a new Wi-Fi network. In the web interface, an internet setup wizard opens on first setup; check the sticker for the page address.
Security: WPA3, WPA2 and firmware
The Wi-Fi Alliance, which certifies Wi-Fi devices, has made WPA3 mandatory for certified devices. WPA3-Personal offers better protection against password guessing, disallows legacy protocols and requires Protected Management Frames (PMF). So when choosing a security method, go by this:
- WPA3-Personal — if all your devices support it. ASUS warns that some older computers and wireless devices cannot handle WPA3.
- WPA2/WPA3-Personal — a mixed mode for a home with both new and old devices. ASUS switches the network to it automatically when a new node is added to an AiMesh system running on WPA3.
- WPA2-Personal — if devices cannot connect in the two previous modes: this is what ASUS advises.
- An open network without a password is not an option for a home: Kyivstar, for example, directly advises setting a password to protect the network from outsiders.
Firmware updates fix bugs and vulnerabilities, so do not turn off automatic updates if your router supports them. ASUS posts the latest firmware and the manual for each model in its Download Center. After setup, it is worth checking the list of connected devices — we explained how to do that and how to kick off strangers in our article on who is connected to your Wi-Fi.
If it didn’t work
- The settings page does not open. Make sure the phone or computer is connected to the router’s own network, and enter the address from the sticker. TP-Link recommends Chrome, Firefox or Edge.
- The wizard did not detect the connection type. Select it manually. If there is still no internet, ASUS advises checking the connection type, username and password with your ISP and making sure the modem works.
- There is Wi-Fi but no internet. Check that the ISP cable is in the WAN or Internet port, restart the modem, and compare the PPPoE username and VLAN ID with your ISP’s details.
- Older devices cannot connect. Most likely they do not support WPA3. Switch security to WPA2/WPA3-Personal or WPA2-Personal.
- Weak signal in a far room. TP-Link advises positioning the antennas vertically for a single floor and at a 30-degree angle for several floors, and, if there are many neighboring networks, choosing channel 1, 6 or 11 in the 2.4 GHz band and 36–48 in 5 GHz. If that does not help, you will need a second router, a range extender or a mesh system; affordable models are in our roundup of budget Wi-Fi routers.
- Forgot the admin password. The only option left is a factory reset and setting the router up again.
- A Kyivstar router will not set up. Kyivstar suggests calling 0 800 300 460 or ordering a technician visit through its “Vyklyk maistra” service.
Sources and methodology
Analysis of public sourcesChecked 21 October 2026
- TP-Link — Set Up a TP-Link Router (New Interface) tp-link.com
- ASUS — How to use QIS to set up a router (Web GUI) asus.com
- Xiaomi — Xiaomi Router BE3600 FAQ mi.com
- Huawei — How can I set up the Internet for my new HUAWEI router on my phone consumer.huawei.com
- Wi-Fi Alliance — Wi-Fi security (WPA3) wi-fi.org
Frequently asked questions
What address do I enter to open the router settings?
The one on the sticker. For TP-Link it is tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1, for ASUS it is asusrouter.com or the router’s IP (for example, 192.168.50.1), and for Xiaomi it is miwifi.com or 192.168.31.1.
Can I set up a router from my phone?
Yes. TP-Link has the Tether app for this, ASUS has ASUS Router, Xiaomi has Xiaomi Home, and Huawei has AI Life. You connect the phone to the router’s factory network, and the app walks you through the same steps as the browser wizard.
Which should I choose: WPA3 or WPA2?
WPA3-Personal, if all your devices support it: according to the Wi-Fi Alliance, it offers better protection against password guessing. If older devices cannot connect, choose the mixed WPA2/WPA3-Personal mode or WPA2-Personal.
Where do I get the PPPoE username and password?
Your ISP issues them — they are usually in the contract; otherwise, support will tell you. TP-Link routers with the new interface have a feature that transfers PPPoE settings from an old router that still works.
Do I need to update the router firmware?
Yes. TP-Link offers to turn on automatic updates right in the setup wizard, and ASUS posts new firmware versions in the Download Center on its website.
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