Archer AX53 Setup Guide

Model: Archer AX53

Welcome! Let’s get your router up and running together.
This guide makes setup simple for everyone, covering helpful accessibility resources, what’s in the box, how it looks, and where to begin.

Our Tether app and web management page also offer accessibility features, such as increasing page contrast, switching to landscape mode and increasing font size. You can enable them during setup to make it much easier to set up your device and adjust settings! For more accessibility guidance, refer to Accessibility Support.

Note: For some models, Accessibility features will be supported by subsequent firmware upgrades.

Now, ready to explore your router and get connected?

Step 1. Learn About Your Router

This section introduces the router's package contents and appearance, including its ports, buttons, and product label.

1. Unpack Your Router

Your package includes: a router, a power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and installation guides.

Power Adapter: A block-shaped charger with a cord. Plug it into the router’s power port to turn it on.

Ethernet Cable: A thick cable with plastic connectors at both ends. Each connector has a small clip to hold it in place.  To use the cable, insert one end to the WAN port on your router until you hear or feel a click and the other end to an Ethernet outlet or a modem. To unplug it, you can press the click and pull it out.

2. Appearance

The router has a rectangular shape and is designed to sit flat on a surface, such as a table or shelf. It comes with four thin, adjustable antennas attached to the back.

First, locate four small protruding footpads on the flat bottom of the router. With the footpads facing down, place the router on a flat surface. Rotate all antennas to point straight up for the best signal.

Next, face directly the side that has five recessed square opening ports aligned in a row. This side is the back panel. These ports are arranged from left to right as follows:

• WAN Port: The first square port. Connects to your modem or Ethernet outlet.
• Four LAN Ports: the second to fifth square ports. Use to connect additional wired devices.

On the left of these 5 ports, there are 2 buttons, one protruding WPS/Wi-Fi button and 1 recessed round reset button. These buttons are arranged from top to bottom as follows:

• WPS/Wi-Fi Button: The upper protruding button. Press the button for 1 second, and immediately press the WPS button on your client to start the WPS process.
• Reset Button: The lower tiny recessed hole (needs a pin to press). Hold for over 10 seconds to reset the router to its factory settings.

On the right of these 5 ports, there is a round popped-up power button and a round opening, a Power port. From left to right:

• Power On/Off Button: A round, protruding button. Press it to turn the router on or off. The button is pressed down when the router is powered on and pops up when powered off.
• Power Port: A round opening port next to an antenna base. Plug in the power adapter to supply power.

On the bottom of the router, there is a recessed label. This label includes: the router’s default network name (SSID), the MAC address, and a QR code for scanning to connect to the default Wi-Fi.

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Step 2. Set Up Your Router

1. Position your router. Make sure that the router is within reach of an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired devices.

2. Scan the QR code below to download the Tether app for iOS or Android, or scan the QR code on the Quick Setup Guide for the Tether app. The app will walk you through setup.

Note: Please remain online (Wi-Fi or mobile data) throughout the app download and login steps.

Tip:  You can also cable and set up your router with a web browser via http://tplinkwifi.net or http://192.168.0.1. For detailed information, please refer to the router’s quick installation guide or user guide.

Support

For technical support, replacement services, user guides, and other information about your product model, please visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/