Have you noticed your internet has slowed down, or are you seeing unknown devices appearing in your list of connected devices? Or do you need to restrict network access for a specific user—for example, a child after 10:00 PM? In this article, we'll explore these options. All working methods to disconnect a device from a Wi-Fi router TP-Link, including models Archer C6, TL-WR841N, Deco M5 and more. Whether you want to temporarily block a device or permanently "kick out" an unwanted user, you'll find a solution here.
Before you begin, make sure you have access to router admin panelBy default this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, and login/password - admin/admin (if you haven't changed them). If you've lost your login information, you'll have to reset the router settings Reset to factory settings. Also, make sure you're connected to the router via cable or Wi-Fi—you won't be able to access the settings without it.
Methods for disabling devices are divided into temporary (for example, through a button WPS or application Tether) And constant (MAC filtering, IP blocking). Choose the method based on your goal: if you urgently need to "kick out" a neighbor who connected without permission, a quick solution will suffice. For parental controls or hacking protection, it's better to set up deep filtering.
1. Quick shutdown via the TP-Link web interface
The easiest way is to use router control panel in the browser. It works on all models. TP-Link, including Archer AX21, TL-WR940N And Deco X20The main advantage of this method is that you don't need to install additional programs or know the MAC addresses of the devices.
Instructions:
- 🖥️ Open your browser and enter in the address bar
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1. ClickEnter. - 🔑 Enter your login and password (default -
admin/admin). If it doesn't fit, check the sticker on the back of the router. - 📊 Go to the section
Wireless mode→Wireless Statistics. - 📵 Find the device you want to disconnect in the list and click the button
Disable (Kick)orBlock.
⚠️ Attention: After rebooting the router or after 5-10 minutes (depending on the model), the device will be able to connect again. This method is suitable for one-time shutdown, but not for permanent blocking.
☑️ Preparing to turn off the device
2. Permanent blocking by MAC address
If necessary ban forever device to connect to your Wi-Fi, use MAC filteringThis method works even after rebooting the router and does not allow you to bypass the block by changing your IP address. Suitable for models TP-Link with firmware TL-WR841ND v12 and newer.
How to set up:
- Log in to your router's admin panel (instructions in the previous section).
- Go to
Wireless Mode → Wireless MAC Filtering. - Activate filtering by checking the box next to
Enable. - Select mode
Deny the stations specified in the list from accessing the network (Deny). - In the field
MAC addressEnter the address of the device you want to block (for example,00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). You can find out the MAC address inWireless statisticsor on the gadget itself (in the network settings). - Save the settings with the button
Save.
⚠️ Attention: If you block your device by MAC, it won't be able to connect to Wi-Fi until you remove it from the blocklist. Also, some smart gadgets (e.g., Xiaomi or Amazon Echo) may change their MAC address when connecting - in this case, filtering will not work.
| Router model | Does it support MAC filtering? | Max. number of MACs in blacklist |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Archer C6 | Yes | 32 |
| TP-Link TL-WR841N | Yes | 16 |
| TP-Link Deco M4 | Yes (via app) | 64 |
| TP-Link TL-MR3420 | Yes | 20 |
3. Disconnecting via the Tether app (for smartphones)
If setting up your router via a computer is inconvenient, use the official app. TP-Link TetherIt is available for Android And iOS and supports most modern models, including Archer AX55, Deco X60 And TL-WR940NThe advantage of this method is that you can manage the network remotely, even if you're not at home.
Step-by-step instructions:
- 📱 Install TP-Link Tether from App Store or Google Play.
- 🔗 Connect to your router's Wi-Fi network.
- 🔍 The app will automatically find yours TP-LinkClick on its name.
- 🔑 Enter your admin panel login and password (the same as for the web interface).
- 📊 Go to the section
DevicesorClients. - 🚫 Select the device from the list and click
BlockorDisconnect.
In the appendix Tether can also be customized parental control or traffic limits for individual devices. For example, restrict internet access for a child's tablet from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. This feature is available on routers with firmware 1.0.5 and newer.
What should I do if Tether can't find my router?
1. Make sure your smartphone is connected to the router's Wi-Fi network.
2. Check if the protocol is enabled on the router UPnP (in settings Advanced Settings → UPnP).
3. Restart the router and the application.
4. If used Deco, try the app TP-Link Deco instead of Tether.
4. Blocking by IP address (for advanced users)
If MAC filtering does not work (for example, the device changes MAC), you can block it by IP addressThis method requires basic network configuration knowledge, but it reliably blocks unwanted users. It works on all models. TP-Link with function DHCP Reservation.
Algorithm of actions:
- Go to the router admin panel (
192.168.0.1). - Go to
DHCP → Address Reservation. - Find the device you want to block in the list and write it down IP And MAC.
- Go back to the main menu and open
Network → Local Area Network (LAN). - In the field
IP addressenter the range, excluding blocked IPFor example, if a router distributes addresses with192.168.0.100By192.168.0.199, and the device has192.168.0.150, change the range to192.168.0.100–192.168.0.149And192.168.0.151–192.168.0.199. - Save the settings and reboot the router.
⚠️ Attention: IP blocking is less reliable than MAC blocking, as the address may change after a router reboot or DHCP lease expiration. For maximum reliability, combine this method with MAC filtering.
5. Resetting the router to factory settings (extreme case)
If you suspect that someone hacked your router (for example, changed the Wi-Fi password or DHCP settings), the most radical solution would be full resetThis will remove all connected devices, restore the default password, and clear all custom settings. Use this method only if other methods have failed.
How to reset TP-Link:
- 🔌 Find the button on the back of the router
Reset(usually it is recessed into the body). - 📍 Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button
10-15 secondsuntil the indicators start flashing. - 🔄 The router will reboot. After this, its settings will be reset to factory defaults (login/password -
admin/admin, Wi-Fi name -TP-LINK_XXXX). - 🔐 Don't forget Change the admin panel and Wi-Fi password after the reset, otherwise you risk encountering unauthorized access again.
After the reset, all devices will be disconnected from the network, including yours. Prepare a list of devices you need to restore access to, along with their MAC addresses if you're using filtering.
6. Additional measures to protect your Wi-Fi network
Disabling unwanted devices is good, but better prevent them from connecting in advance. Here are proven ways to enhance the security of your TP-Link:
- 🔒 Change your Wi-Fi password complex (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters). Use the encryption standard
WPA2-PSKorWPA3(if supported). - 🔄 Disable WPS - This function can be easily hacked in a few minutes. Find it in
Wireless Mode → WPS Settingsand deactivate. - 📡 Hide the network name (SSID)In the Wi-Fi settings, disable the option
Enable SSID BroadcastThen your network won't be visible in the list of available ones, but you can connect to it if you know its name. - 🕒 Set up a Wi-Fi schedule. In the section
Additional settings → ScheduleYou can limit Internet access by time (for example, from 00:00 to 6:00). - 🛡️ Update your router firmwareOutdated software versions contain vulnerabilities. Check the latest version in
System Tools → Firmware Update.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding the SSID does not make the network completely invisible - experienced users can detect it using special programs (for example, Wireshark or NetStumbler). It is better to combine this method with other protective measures.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disconnecting TP-Link devices
Is it possible to disconnect a device from Wi-Fi without going into the router settings?
Yes, there are two ways:
- Use the button
WPSon the router. Press and hold it5-10 seconds- this will disconnect all connected clients (but they will be able to connect again). - If you have TP-Link Deco, in the appendix Deco there is a function
One-Tap Pause- It temporarily suspends Internet access for selected devices.
However, for permanent blocking You can't do without the admin panel.
How do I know who is connected to my Wi-Fi?
You can view the list of devices:
- In the router admin panel:
Wireless Mode → Wireless Mode Statistics. - In the appendix TP-Link Tether: chapter
Devices. - Through third-party programs: Wireless Network Watcher (Windows), Fing (Android/iOS).
Pay attention to the unknowns device names (For example, android-123456) or unusual manufacturers (if you don't have gadgets Xiaomi, and there is one on the list Xiaomi_AB:CD:EF).
What should I do if the device reconnects after being blocked?
Possible causes and solutions:
- 🔄 The device changes its MAC address. Some smartphones and laptops use the feature
MAC RandomizationFor privacy. In this case, MAC blocking won't work. Try disabling it in your device's settings or using IP blocking. - 🔧 The router has reset its settings. Check for power surges or button presses.
ResetIf yes, please set up blocking again. - 📡 The device connects to the guest network. If you have it enabled
Guest network, the blocking on the main network does not apply to it. Disable guest access inWireless Mode → Guest Network.
Is it possible to disconnect a device from Wi-Fi from a phone without the Tether app?
Yes, if you have Android with rights root or iPhone with jailbreak. To do this:
- Install the application WiFi Kill (Android) or Network Analyzer (iOS).
- Connect to the same network as the target device.
- Select it from the list and click
DisconnectorKick.
⚠️ Attention: Such apps may violate your internet service provider's rules and are considered unethical. Use them only for testing purposes. his own networks.
How to block a device on TP-Link Deco routers?
For mesh systems TP-Link Deco (For example, Deco M5, Deco X60) the process is a little different:
- Open the app TP-Link Deco.
- Go to the section
More → Advanced → Access Control. - Click
Add Ruleand select the device from the list. - Set time limits or block access completely.
IN Deco there is also a function Parental Controls, where you can create profiles for children and restrict internet access according to a schedule.