TP-Link router not distributing Wi-Fi, but internet on computer works: 7 reasons and solutions

You have connected the provider's cable to the router. TP-LinkThe computer's internet connection via Ethernet works flawlessly, but there's no Wi-Fi connection—it's not visible on my phone, tablet, or laptop. This is a common problem, but not always obvious. Unlike a complete lack of internet, where the problem is clearly related to the ISP or cable, the problem here lies in the wireless network settings or a hardware issue with the router.

In this article we will look at all possible reasons, by which the router TP-Link Stops distributing Wi-Fi even though a wired connection is working. From trivial setup errors to rare hardware malfunctions—with step-by-step instructions, interface screenshots, and diagnostic tips. We'll focus on specific models. TP-Link Archer C6, TL-WR841N And TL-WR940N, since they are more likely than others to encounter such problems.

Before you move on to complex manipulations, check two key points:

  • 🔌 Is the Wi-Fi light on the router? If not, the problem is in the module's power supply or it is disabled in the settings.
  • 📱 Does the network see at least one device? If yes, the problem may be with a specific gadget (for example, the network settings on the phone are lost).

If both answers are negative, we proceed to diagnostics.

📊 Which TP-Link router do you have?
Archer C6/C7
TL-WR841N
TL-WR940N
Another Archer
Another model

1. Wi-Fi is disabled in the router settings.

The simplest and most common reason is the wireless network. disabled by software in the router's web interface. This could have happened after a power outage, a firmware update, or an accidental settings change. You can check this in 2 minutes:

  1. Connect your computer to the router with a cable (if it is not already connected).
  2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (For TP-Link). The default login and password are admin/admin (if you haven't changed it).
  3. Go to the section Wireless mode → Wireless settings.
  4. Make sure the checkbox is checked Enable Wireless costs.

If the option is disabled, enable it and save the settings (Save). After this, reboot the router using the button Power or through the menu System Tools → Reboot.

☑️ Check if Wi-Fi is enabled in the settings

Completed: 0 / 5

What should I do if the box is checked, but Wi-Fi still doesn't work? Let's move on to the next point - perhaps the network parameters have become lost.

2. Incorrect wireless network settings

Even if Wi-Fi is turned on, it may not be distributed due to incorrect parameters in the settings. Most often, problems are caused by:

  • 🔄 Incompatible operating mode (For example, 802.11n only on older devices).
  • 🔒 Hidden network name (SSID) - If name broadcasting is disabled, you can only connect manually.
  • 📶 Incorrect channel or channel width - may cause conflicts with neighboring networks.

How to check and fix:

  1. In the router's web interface (192.168.0.1) go to Wireless Mode → Settings.
  2. Make sure that:
    • Network Name (SSID) not empty And not hidden (check mark Hide SSID should be removed).
    • Operating mode (Mode) is installed in 11bgn mixed (for maximum compatibility).
    • Channel (Channel) is selected manually (for example, 6 or 11), and not Auto.
    • Channel width (Channel Width) — 20/40 MHz (for 2.4 GHz) or 80 MHz (for 5 GHz).
  • Save the changes and reboot the router.

    • If Wi-Fi does not appear after these steps, try change the channel to another (for example, with 6 on 11). In urban areas, where there are many networks, automatic channel selection often works worse than manual.

    3. IP address conflict or DHCP failure

    Sometimes the router does not distribute Wi-Fi due to problems with distribution of IP addresses devices. This can happen if:

    • 🔢 DHCP server is disabled in the router settings.
    • 🔄 The IP address range is in conflict. with other devices on the network.
    • 🛑 The device receives a static IP, which is not part of the DHCP pool.

    How to diagnose and fix:

    1. Check if the DHCP server is enabled: 
      DHCP → DHCP Settings → Enable DHCP Server

      The checkbox must be checked, and the address range (for example, 192.168.0.100–192.168.0.199) should not intersect with other routers in the network.

    2. If DHCP is enabled but devices are not receiving an IP, try manually assign IP on one of the gadgets (for example, on a phone):
      • On Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Static IP.
      • On iOS: Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network → Configure IP → Manually.

    Specify an IP from the router range (for example, 192.168.0.101), mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.0.1 and DNS 8.8.8.8.

  • If Wi-Fi works after manual configuration, the problem is with DHCP. Restart the router and check the settings again.

    • Critical detail: If you have a second router on your network (e.g., in repeater or bridge mode), make sure their DHCP ranges do not overlap. For example, the primary router distributes 192.168.0.100–192.168.0.200, and the second one should be set to 192.168.0.201–192.168.0.250.

    4. Hardware problems: overheating, broken Wi-Fi module

    If your software settings are fine but Wi-Fi still doesn't work, the problem may be hardware failures:

    • 🔥 Router overheating - especially relevant for models without active cooling (for example, TP-Link TL-WR841N).
    • 📡 Damage to antennas or connectors - physical defects after falls or impacts.
    • ⚡ Power supply failure — insufficient voltage for the Wi-Fi module to operate.

    How to check:

    1. Overheat:
      • Unplug the router for 10-15 minutes to let it cool down.
      • After turning on, immediately check for Wi-Fi.
      • If the network connection appears but disappears after a while, the problem is overheating. Solution: Move the router to a ventilated area or install additional cooling (such as a USB fan).
    2. Nutrition:
      • Try another power supply with similar parameters (voltage and current must match!).
      • If Wi-Fi works, replace the power supply.
  • Antennas:
    • Carefully rotate the antennas (if they are removable) - sometimes contact is disrupted due to oxidation.
    • If the antennas are non-removable, check their integrity visually (for cracks or dents).

    If Wi-Fi still doesn't work after all these steps, the Wi-Fi module itself may be faulty. In this case, the router can only be used as a standalone router. wired router or take it to a service center for repair.

    How to check if a router is overheating without a thermometer?

    If the router case is hot to the touch (especially in the processor area), and Wi-Fi temporarily comes back on after cooling, this is a clear sign of overheating. In some models (for example, Archer C7) When overheating, the red indicator may flash.

    5. Firmware failure or settings conflict

    Unstable firmware or configuration conflict may cause the router to stop distributing Wi-Fi, even though wired internet is working. This often occurs after:

    • 🔄 Failed firmware update (for example, interrupted due to a power outage).
    • ⚙️ Importing settings from another router (incompatible parameters).
    • 🛠️ Manual editing of configuration files (for advanced users).

    Solutions:

    1. Factory reset:
      • Press and hold the button Reset (usually located on the back panel) for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash.
      • After resetting, configure the router again through 192.168.0.1 (the default login and password will be admin/admin).
  • Firmware update:
    • Download the latest firmware for your model from official TP-Link website.
    • In the router's web interface, go to System Tools → Firmware Update.
    • Download the firmware file and wait for the process to complete (do not turn off the power!).

    Important: If Wi-Fi works after a reset, but then disappears again after setup, the problem lies with the specific settings you're using. Try setting up your router with minimal changes (for example, just the network name and password).

    6. Security issues: Incorrect password or encryption type

    Sometimes the router distributes Wi-Fi, but the devices can't connect due to authentication issues. This may occur if:

    • 🔑 Incorrect password (for example, after a factory reset).
    • 🔒 Unsupported encryption type (For example, WPA3 on older devices).
    • ⏳ Key update interval is too short (may cause connection breaks).

    How to fix:

    1. Check your password:
      • Connect to the router via cable and open Wireless → Wireless Security.
      • Make sure the password (PSK password) is entered correctly (case sensitive!).
      • If you don’t remember the password, reset the router to factory settings (button Reset).
  • Set up compatible encryption: 
    Wireless → Wireless Security → Version: WPA2-PSK

    Encryption: AES

    This mode is supported by all modern devices. Avoid WPA3, if you have old gadgets (released before 2018).

  • Increase the key refresh interval:
    • In the same section, find the parameter Group key update interval.
    • Set value 3600 seconds (1 hour) or more.

    If after the changes the devices still do not connect, try temporarily disable protection (install Disable security) and check if network access is restored. If so, the problem is definitely with your security settings.

    7. External interference or provider restrictions

    Less often, but still possible, situations occur when Wi-Fi does not work due to external factors:

    • 📡 Interference from other networks (for example, in an apartment building).
    • 🚫 Provider restrictions (for example, blocking Wi-Fi distribution according to the tariff).
    • 🔌 Problems with the cable or WAN port (although the internet works on the PC).

    How to diagnose:

    Problem Signs Solution
    Interference from other networks Wi-Fi drops out periodically and the speed is unstable. Change the channel in the router settings to a less busy one (use Wi-Fi Analyzer)
    Provider restrictions There is internet via cable, but Wi-Fi is not available on any device. Call your provider and check if Wi-Fi sharing is blocked under your plan.
    Problems with the WAN port The Internet works on the PC, but the router doesn't assign IP addresses to devices via Wi-Fi. Try connecting the provider's cable to a different WAN port (if available) or replace the cable.
    MAC filtering Wi-Fi is visible, but devices cannot connect (authentication error) Check your settings Wireless Mode → MAC Filter and turn it off

    If you suspect restrictions from your provider, contact technical support and check whether Wi-Fi hotspots are blocked by your plan. Some providers (especially those with office plans) may limit this feature.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the problem

    My TP-Link router is broadcasting Wi-Fi, but the internet isn't working. What's wrong?

    This is a different issue, unrelated to Wi-Fi sharing. Possible causes:

    • 🔌 Incorrect WAN settings (for example, incorrect connection type or PPPoE data).
    • 🔄 DHCP failure on the provider side - try to manually enter DNS (for example, 8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4).
    • 🛑 MAC address blocking — Check with your provider to see if your internet connection is tied to your computer's MAC address.

    Check the settings in the section Network → WAN and compare them with the data from the contract with the provider.

    After resetting the settings, the Wi-Fi worked, but a day later it disappeared again. What should I do?

    This is a sign unstable firmware or overheatingSolutions:

    1. Update your router firmware to the latest version (download from the official website) TP-Link).
    2. Turn off energy saving features in settings (System Tools → Energy Saving).
    3. If the problem persists, the router requires repair (the capacitor or Wi-Fi module may be faulty).
    My phone says "Saved, WPA/WPA2 protected," but there's no connection. How do I fix it?

    This error occurs because encryption type incompatibilitySolutions:

    • Install on the router WPA2-PSK with encryption AES (in the section Wireless Mode → Security).
    • On your phone, delete the network from the saved ones and reconnect.
    • If this doesn't help, temporarily disable Wi-Fi protection (install Disable security) and check the connection.
    The Wi-Fi indicator on my router is on, but the network is not visible. What should I do?

    Possible causes and solutions:

    • 🔍 Hidden network name (SSID) - check if the box is ticked Hide SSID in the settings.
    • 📶 The signal is too weak — try moving the device closer to the router.
    • 🔄 Incompatible Wi-Fi standard - set the mode 11bgn mixed instead of 11n only.
    • 🛠️ Antenna failure — if the indicator is on, but there is no network, the antenna contact may have come loose (turn it carefully).
    Is it possible to use a router without Wi-Fi if it doesn't distribute the network?

    Yes, the router can be used as wired router, connecting devices via LAN ports. To do this:

    1. Connect the provider's cable to the WAN port.
    2. Connect your computer or other device to the router via the LAN port.
    3. In the router settings (192.168.0.1) turn off Wi-Fi in the section Wireless mode.

    The internet will work, but only via cable. If you need Wi-Fi, consider purchasing access points (For example, TP-Link EAP225) and connect it to the router via LAN.

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