How to Set Up a New Router — Step by Step

Setting up a new router is simpler than most people expect. This guide covers the essential steps whether you received an upgrade from your ISP or bought one yourself.

What You Will Need

• Your new router and its power adapter
• An Ethernet cable (usually included in the box)
• Your existing modem (if your ISP uses a separate one) or the router replaces a combo unit
• A laptop or PC to do the initial configuration

Step 1: Connect the Hardware

1. If you have a separate modem, plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the modem’s LAN port and the other into the router’s WAN or Internet port (usually a different colour from the other ports).
2. Plug the router into power.
3. Wait about 60 seconds for it to finish booting — the power and Wi-Fi lights should become steady.

Step 2: Connect Your Computer to the Router

Either plug an Ethernet cable from your computer into one of the router’s numbered LAN ports, or connect to the default Wi-Fi network. The default Wi-Fi name and password are on the sticker on the bottom or back of the router.

Step 3: Log Into the Router Admin Page

Open a web browser and type the router’s admin address (also on the sticker — typically 192.168.1.1 or a custom URL). Log in with the default admin username and password from the sticker.

Step 4: Run the Setup Wizard

Most modern routers launch a setup wizard automatically on first login. Follow it — it will ask you to:

1. Set your internet connection type (most home connections use DHCP; your ISP will tell you if you need PPPoE and give you credentials).
2. Set a new Wi-Fi name (SSID) for 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
3. Set a strong Wi-Fi password.
4. Change the router admin password — always do this.

Step 5: Update the Firmware

Before you do anything else, check for a firmware update in the router’s admin panel (usually under Administration, Advanced, or System). Installing the latest firmware fixes security vulnerabilities and can improve performance.

Step 6: Reconnect Your Devices

Connect each device using the new Wi-Fi name and password you set. If you kept the same name and password as your old router, most devices will reconnect automatically. If you hit any snags during setup, ask us.