How to Install the TP-Link Tether App

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

  • Install the TP-Link Tether program to control your TP-Link range extender

Before We Begin:

  • Be near your TP-Link range extender
  • Have your smartphone or tablet at hand
TP-Link

2. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your smartphone or tablet has.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android SmartphoneiOS SmartphoneAndroid smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and OnePlus.Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

Example Android home screen.
Example iOS home screen.

3. Install Tether App (Android)

  1. Launch the Play Store on your smartphone.
Google Play Store.
  1. Select the search bar at the top.
Google Play Store with Search highlighted.
  1. Type in TP-Link Tether, then select TP-Link Tether from the list.
Play Store search with TP-Link Tether highlighted.
  1. Select Install.
TP-Link Tether Play Store page with Install highlighted.

4. Connect to Wi-Fi (Android)

Depending on your exact device (Smartphone or Tablet), and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

  1. Open Settings.
Android Settings
  1. Select Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi
  1. Select the TP-LINK_Extender_2.4GHz or TP-LINK_Extender_5GHz network from the list.
Android Wi-Fi network list with Extender network highlighted.

  1. The network is unsecured; this is normal. You will be using it to set up the device only. After, you will be using the device over a secured wireless connection.

5. Initial Setup

  1. Open TP-Link Tether.
TP-Link Tether
  1. A simple welcome will be displayed swipe from the right to the left.
Network Setup with arrow indicating to swipe from right to left
  1. A screen describing the Network Management features will be displayed. Swipe from the right to the left.
Network management with arrow indicating to swipe from right to left
  1. A screen describing the ability for the app to control all your TP-Link hardware is displayed. Swipe from the right to left.
Multiple TP-Link device control notice with arrow showing to swipe from right to left
  1. A final welcome screen is displayed. Select Let's Get Started.
Welcome complete with Let's Get Started button highlighted
  1. A Privacy Policy and the Terms of Use are displayed. Carefully read the information displayed. When you have read and understood the policies, select Agree to continue.
Privacy and Terms of use displayed with Agree button highlighted.
  1. Your Range Extender will appear in the list after a few moments. Select your Range Extender.
Device list with extender highlighted.
  1. Enter a password of your choice, twice, to manage your Range Extender. Then, select Create.
  2. This is not the same as any other password you are using. This is a new password, used specifically to manage how your Range Extender is setup.
New password request with Password fields and create button highlighted.
  1. Your Range Extender will display a list of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks in the area. Select your home Wi-Fi network from the list.
Select 2.4Ghz network
  1. Enter the Wi-Fi password for your home Wi-Fi network, then select Join.
Password request with Password field and Join highlighted.
  1. If you have a newer Wi-Fi router, you'll also be asked to choose your 5GHz network, and enter that password as well.
  2. If you don't remember setting this up separately when you first setup your Wi-Fi router, it's perfectly normal for the Network to have the same name and password. Just repeat the two steps above!
  3. You will be given a chance to change the Network name your Extender shows. By default, to make your life easier, it will choose to duplicate your home network name. This is fine, select Next.
Network names conformation with Next highlighted.
  1. A final conformation of your setup will be shown. Select Finish when you're ready to continue.
  2. You may want to write down this information, so you have it available in the future.
Confirm settings with Finish highlighted.
  1. Make sure your Range Extender is in a location about half-way between your router, and the devices you were having problems with.
Range Extender in proper location
  1. With your Range Extender in the proper location, select Next.
Move range extender notice with Next highlighted.
  1. Your Range Extender is fully setup and ready to use!

6. Install Tether App (iOS)

  1. Open the App Store.
iOS App Store
  1. Select Search in the bottom right corner.
Apple App Store navigation bar with Search highlighted.
  1. Type in TP-Link Tether, and select Get for TP-Link Tether.
App store search with Get highlighted.
  1. Select Get for TP-Link Tether.
App Store TP-Link page with Get highlighted.

7. Connect to Wi-Fi (iOS)

Depending on your exact device (Smartphone or Tablet), and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Apple iOS devices and generations.

  1. Open Settings.
iOS Settings.
  1. Select Wi-Fi.
iOS Wi-Fi
  1. Select the TP-Link_Extender_2.4GHz or TP-LINK_Extender_5GHz from the list.
iOS Wi-Fi with Range Extender network highlighted.

  1. The network is unsecured; this is normal. You will be using it to set up the device only. After, you will be using the device over a secured wireless connection.