How to Troubleshoot a TP-Link Device Not Showing Up in the Tether App

The TP-Link Tether app lets you manage compatible TP-Link devices directly from your smartphone. If you open Tether and your device does not appear on the Device page, the issue is typically caused by one of a small set of common configuration problems. This guide covers eight checks to help you resolve the detection issue.

Key Takeaways

• The Tether app requires your smartphone to be connected to the TP-Link device's main wireless network, not the guest network, to detect it.
• Not all TP-Link devices are compatible with the Tether app. You can verify compatibility using the link provided in Step 3.
• Outdated firmware on the TP-Link device can prevent the Tether app from detecting it.
• If the TP-Link device is a range extender configured with a static IP address, that IP must be on the same subnet as the router.
• iOS 14 users must grant the Tether app the "Local Network" permission for the device to be detected.

Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1. Make sure the smartphone is connected wirelessly to the TP-Link device.

Step 2. Make sure the smartphone is not connected to the guest network.

Step 3. Make sure the TP-Link device supports the Tether app. Check the compatibility list using the link below:

Tether Compatibility List

Step 4. Make sure the TP-Link device is using the latest firmware. Here's the upgrade guidance for [Wireless Router], [DSL Modem Router], and [Range Extender].

Step 5. If the TP-Link device is a range extender configured with a static IP address, make sure the IP address is on the same subnet as your router. This means the first three numbers of the extender's IP address must match those of the router (for example, if the router uses 192.168.0.1, the extender's IP should begin with 192.168.0). If the addresses are on different subnets, the Tether app will not be able to locate the extender.

Step 6. Turn off the VPN software on your phone if you have one.

Step 7. For iOS 14 devices, grant 'Local Network' permission. Refer to Why do I need to give Local Network permission to TP-Link apps in iOS devices?

Step 8. Reboot the TP-Link device or restart the Tether app and try again.

To get more details about the Tether App, please click here.

Learn more details about each function and configuration. Please go to the Download Center to download the manual for your product.