Deco 3.0
User Guide
© 2022 TP-Link 1910013246 REV3.0.0
Contents
Get Started ·············································································· 1
About This Guide ······································································2
Introduction to Deco 3.0 ······················································3
Set Up Your Deco Network ·················································4
Network ···················································································· 7
Create a New Network ···························································8
Switch Between Deco Networks ··································10
Diagnose Your Network ·····················································12
Test Internet Speeds ···························································13
Monitor Your Deco Network ············································14
Manage Your Decos ····························································· 15
Add More Decos ····································································16
Manage Network Clients ···················································17
Protect Your Network with HomeShield Pro ···········18
Smart Home ··········································································19
Add Smart Devices ······························································20
Quickly Do Tasks with Shortcut ·····································21
Automate Your Smart Devices ·······································23
Parental Controls ·································································25
Control Online Time and Content·································26
Monitor the Internet Usage ··············································28
Owner and Managers ·························································29
Add Managers ·········································································30
Set Privileges for Managers ···········································31
Change Account Information ········································32
Change Network Owner ····················································33
More Features ······································································34
Test Features at the Deco Lab ·······································35
Check Network Reports ····················································36
Create a Guest Network ····················································37
Block/Unblock Specic Devices ··································38
Change Wi-Fi Settings ························································39
WPS ······························································································40
Change Internet Settings ·················································41
QoS ·······························································································42
IoT Network ··············································································43
Congure Connection Alerts ··········································44
Enable App Notications ··················································· 45
Control the Light on Decos ·············································46
Upgrade Your Deco ······························································47
Control Your Deco with Alexa ·········································48
Advanced Features ······························································49
Get Started
2
About This Guide
This guide provides a brief introduction to the Deco 3.0 app.
Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP. All images, steps, and descriptions
in this guide are only examples and may not reect your actual Deco experience.
Conventions
In this guide, the following conventions are used:
Convention Description
Underline Hyperlinks are in teal and underlined. You can click to redirect to a website or a specic section.
Teal
Key information appears in teal, including management page text such as menus, items,
buttons and so on.
Note: Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction or damage to the device.
Tips: Indicates important information that helps you make better use of your device.
IoT Compatibility Disclaimer
IoT compatibility refers only to smart devices that can be controlled via the Deco app. Other wireless devices can still connect to Deco for normal Wi-Fi
use.
Seamless Roaming Disclaimer
Clients need to support 802.11k/v/r and may require additional set up. Performance may vary depending on the client device.
HomeShield Disclaimer
HomeShield includes the Free Basic Plan. Fees apply for the Pro Plan. Visit
https://www.tp-link.com/homeshield/ for more information.
3
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Introduction to Deco 3.0
TP-Link Deco app is the perfect way to set up your Deco mesh Wi-Fi in minutes and control your whole-home network.
With brand-new design, functional upgrades, and in-depth statistics, Deco 3.0 helps you better manage your network!
Your network at-a-glance
Easily access what you use most
in the reorganized dashboard.
View the network topology and
status, manage clients, and more.
Safeguard your network
Power up your protection against
intrusions and attacks, stay
updated on security details, and
get network recommendations.
Maintain healthy digital habits
Easily control your kids' online
time and content. Receive intuitive
charts and detailed statistics
concerning your kids' online usage.
More features within reach
Test the in-development features
at the Deco Lab, receive intuitive
network reports, set up networks
for dedicated needs, and more.
4
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Set Up Your Deco Network
First let's start by setting up the Deco network. Get the TP-Link Deco app for iOS or Android, then follow the app to walk through the setup.
1. Get the Deco app
Download and install the Deco app from
Google Play or App Store, or by scanning the
QR code below.
2. Log in with TP-Link ID
Open the app and log in with your TP-Link ID. If
you don’t have a TP-Link ID, create one rst.
Tip: If you forgot your login password, tap Forgot Password.
The app will help you reset your password.
3. Select your Deco model
Search for and select your Deco model. If
you have more than one Deco model, tap the
question below the search box to check how
to maximize the overall network.
or
5
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
4. Plug in your Deco
Power o your modem, connect your Deco to
the modem, then power them both on.
If you don't have a modem, connect your
Deco directly to the Ethernet outlet.
5. Specify your Deco's location
Select or custom a location for your Deco.
The location will be used as the name of your
Deco.
6. Connect your Deco to the internet
Select the internet connection type and enter
the information. If you are not sure, contact
your internet service provider.
6
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
7. Create and connect to Deco Wi-Fi
Create the network name and password for
your Deco and connect to it.
8. Setup complete
Your Deco network is now up. You can connect
your devices to the Deco network.
9. Add more Decos
Plug in the other included Decos, and they
will automatically join the network within 2
minutes.
Network
After setting up your Deco network, you can easily access what you use most in the reorganized dashboard. Create a new network, switch between
networks, view the network topology and status, manage clients, and more.
8
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Create a New Network
In the Deco app, you can create different Deco networks with your TP-Link ID and manage them conveniently from the Deco app with one account. You
can also help family or friends manage their networks with your Deco app. Two methods are provided as below to create a new network.
1. On the home page, tap + and
select Create a Network.
Method 1. via the home page
2. Search for and select your Deco
model. Follow app instructions
to create the network.
9
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
1. Tap to open the side menu.
Method 2. via the side menu
2. Tap .
3. Tap
Create New Network.
4. Search for and select your Deco
model. Follow app instructions
to create the network.
10
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Switch Between Deco Networks
If you have created multiple Deco networks with your TP-Link ID, you can switch between them conveniently.
1. On the home page, tap
Change Network.
2. Select a network to switch to.
Method 1. via the home page
11
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
1. Tap to open the side menu.
Method 2. via the side menu
2. Tap .
3. Select a network to switch to.
12
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Diagnose Your Network
Network diagnostics checks the network security and performance, detects potential risks, and oers optimization suggestions accordingly.
1. On the home page, tap
Network Diagnostics to start diagnostics.
Deco will diagnose your network and display the results.
2. If risks are detected, tap the
entries for optimization.
13
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Test Internet Speeds
Check your internet speeds with a simple tap and view the history test results.
1. On the home page, tap
Test Internet Speed to run a test. Deco will test
and display your current internet speeds.
2. You can tap
to view the
history results.
14
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Monitor Your Deco Network
After setting up your Deco network, you can easily monitor your whole-home network. Check the network status and speeds, reboot network, change
the network owner and main Deco, delete the network, and more.
1. On the home page, tap the
Network module.
2. Check the network status,
speeds, and topology.
3. Tap
to manage the network.
15
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Manage Your Decos
You can easily manage the Decos in your network. View Deco connections, check the clients of each Deco, edit the Deco's name, and reboot or
remove a Deco.
2. Tap a Deco to view device
details.
3. Tap
to edit the Deco's
location.
4. Tap to reboot or remove the
Deco.
1. On the home page, tap the
Network module.
16
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Add More Decos
After creating a Deco network, you can add more Decos to the network to expand the Wi-Fi coverage and manage them easily on your Deco app.
1. On the home page, tap
+ and
select Add a Deco Unit.
2. Search for and select your
Deco model. Follow app
instructions to add the Deco.
17
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Manage Network Clients
You can manage each network client easily. Change the device name, check its connection status, add it to the profile of a family member, enable high
priority and Mesh Technology for it, and block the device.
1. On the home page, tap the
Clients module.
2. Tap a client to view device
details.
3. Manage the client as needed.
Tap to block the device from
accessing your network.
Tap to add the device to a profile
for Parental Controls.
Tap to prioritize trac of the
device.
Tap to disable seamless roaming.
18
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Protect Your Network with HomeShield Pro
With HomeShield Pro, you can power up your protection against intrusions and attacks, stay updated on security details, and receive network
recommendations.
1. On the home page, swipe up and tap the HomeShield
Pro module. Alternatively, tap
and go to HomeShield
Pro
.
2. Subscribe to get real-time
network protection.
3. On the homepage, tap the Network Protection module to
check security details and network recommendations.
Smart Home
After creating a Deco network, you can add your smart home devices to the network and manage them conveniently on your Deco app.
20
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Add Smart Devices
To set up your Smart Home, let's start by adding smart devices to your Deco network.
1. On the home page, swipe up
and tap the Smart module.
2. Tap Get Started. 3. Follow app instructions to add
your devices.
4. The added devices will be
displayed in the Smart module.
21
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Quickly Do Tasks with Shortcut
Shortcut lets you execute an action with a simple tap. For example, if you want to power o your living room light at one tap, follow the steps below.
Note: If you want to create shortcuts for your smart devices, refer to Add Smart Devices to add the them to your Deco network rst.
2. Tap
+ and select Add Shortcut. 3. Tap Add Action. 4. Choose the devices you'd like
to control.
1. On the home page, swipe up
and tap the Smart module.
22
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
6. Name the shortcut and choose
an icon for easy identication.
Now you can tap to execute the
action anytime you like.
5. Add an action to be executed
with a simple tap.
23
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Automate Your Smart Devices
Automation allows you to set interactions between your devices by adding triggers and actions. For example, when you arrive home or when your
smartphone is connected to the Deco network (which is a trigger), the living room plug automatically turns on (which is an action). Then the kettle
plugged into the living room plug will start to boil water.
Note: If you want to create shortcuts for your smart devices, refer to Add Smart Devices to add the them to your Deco network rst.
2. Tap
+ and select Add
Automation.
3. Tap Add Trigger. 4. Set a time or device trigger to
activate this automation.
1. On the home page, swipe up
and tap the Smart module.
24
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
6. Name the automation. Now the action will be executed
when triggered.
5. Add an action to be executed
when triggered.
Parental Controls
Parental Controls helps your kids maintain healthy digital habits.
Easily control your kids' online time and content. Receive intuitive charts and detailed statistics concerning your kids' internet usage.
26
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Control Online Time and Content
To set up Parental Controls, let's start by creating proles for your kids.
1. On the home page, tap
Parental Controls.
2. Tap Get Started and create a
prole for your kid.
3. Select the devices belong to
your kid.
4. A prole will be created for
your kid.
27
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
• Filter inappropriate content • Block specic websites • Set "No internet" bedtime • Set online time limits • Set "No internet" otime
5. Control your kids' online time and content with the created prole.
Tip: You can upgrade to HomeShield Pro for more exible controls.
28
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
1. On the home page, tap
Parental Controls.
2. Tap a prole to monitor the
internet usage.
Tip: You can also go to More > Reports for
more statistics.
Monitor the Internet Usage
With the created proles, you can view intuitive charts and detailed statistics concerning your kids' internet usage.
Owner and Managers
The Owner creates the Deco network and has full authority to manage the network. The Owner can add one or multiple Managers to help manage the
network as permitted.
30
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Add Managers
Add friends and family members to help manage your network. Each manager should have their own TP-Link ID.
Note: Managers cannot modify the Owner account, add other accounts, or set manager privileges.
1. Go to More > Managers. 2. Tap Add a Manager to add another TP-Link ID account as Manager.
31
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Set Privileges for Managers
You can authorize Managers to manage specic settings.
Note: Privileges may vary slightly depending on the model, software version you have, and the current operation mode.
1. Go to More > Managers.
2. Tap
to specify the privileges for the Managers.
32
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Change Account Information
You can change your account name, password, and prole photo.
1. Go to
> your account to edit
account information.
2. Tap your account for detailed
inforamtion.
3. Change the account
information as needed.
33
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Change Network Owner
You can change the current Owner account to another TP-Link ID without resetting the whole Deco network. Follow the steps below.
Note: Changing the network owner will delete the network from the old Owner, and this Owner will no longer be able to manage this network.
1. On the home page, tap the Network module.
2. Tap
and select Change Network Owner.
3. Follow app instructions to change the Owner account. The old Owner will be unable to manage this network anymore. The new Owner needs to
follow steps in an email sent from TP-Link to log in and manage the network.
More Features
More features are within reach. Test the in-development features at the Deco Lab, receive intuitive network reports, set up networks for dedicated
needs, and more.
Tip: You can use the search box on the More page to quickly nd the features you need.
35
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Test Features at the Deco Lab
Deco Lab is a collection of experimental features like Wi-Fi Assistant. We will keep updating the lab to provide you even better experiences. You can
test the in-development features at the Deco Lab.
1. Go to More > Deco Lab. 2. Check and test the in-development features.
36
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Check Network Reports
The Deco app provides intuitive charts and detailed statistics to help you know your home network better.
1. Go to More > Reports. 2. Check the weekly and monthly reports of your network.
37
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Create a Guest Network
You can create and share a separate network for guests to guarantee the security and privacy of your main network.
1. Go to More > Guest Network. 2. Turn on Guest Network. 3. Set a password for the Guest
Network.
Now your Guest Network is ready.
38
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Block/Unblock Specic Devices
You can block undesired devices to prevent them from accessing your network or unblock specific devices.
1. Go to More > Block List.
2. Tap
to unblock a device. Tap + and choose a method to block
devices.
39
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Change Wi-Fi Settings
You can change the network name and password of your main network at any time and share the network easily with family and friends.
1. Go to More > Wi-Fi Settings. 2. Change basic Wi-Fi settings if
needed.
3. Tap Advanced for advanced
Wi-Fi settings.
40
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
WPS
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) helps you to quickly and securely connect a client to the network with a tap without entering any password.
2. Tap the
WPS icon on Deco app
and then on your client.
1. Go to More > WPS.
41
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Change Internet Settings
You can change internet settings if needed.
2. Tap IPv4 for IPv4 settings. 3. Tap IPv6 for IPv6 settings. 4. Tap Firewall Rules to add rules
if you want to allow specic
devices to access specic
services.
1. Go to More > Internet
Connection.
42
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
QoS
QoS (Quality of Service) allows you to prioritize specic devices. Devices set as high priority will run smoothly even when the network is crowded.
1. Go to More > QoS. 2. Enable QoS and set the total
bandwidth provided by your ISP.
3. Add high priority devices. Now the specied device(s) will
be prioritized.
43
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
IoT Network
You can create an IoT network to centrally connect and manage your smart devices.
Go to
More > IoT Network to create an IoT network for your smart devices.
44
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Congure Connection Alerts
You can congure Connection Alerts so you can get alerts when new devices connect to your network or when the devices you care about go online
or oine.
Go to More > Connection Alerts to enable notications of new or known clients.
45
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Enable App Notications
You can enable notications of what you care most.
Go to > App Settings > Notications to enable notications.
46
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Control the Light on Decos
You can turn on or o the light on your Decos immediately or at specic period.
Go to More > LED Control to turn on or o the light on your Decos or specify a period during which the light will go o.
47
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Upgrade Your Deco
TP-Link is dedicated to improving product features and providing a better customer experience. An up-to-date rmware provides better and more
stable network performance. Always update your Deco to the latest rmware version when prompted in the Deco app.
1. Go to More > System > Update
Deco.
2. Download and install the latest
rmware (if any).
3. All Decos in your network will
be updated.
48
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Control Your Deco with Alexa
Alexa Integration allows you to control your Deco using Amazon’s Alexa voice service. You can control and customize your home network by giving
simple voice commands to Alexa, such as enabling the Guest Network, turning o your Deco LEDs, and more.
Follow the steps below to use Alexa voice commands to control your Deco network.
Note: This feature is currently available in English (US), English (UK), German and Japanese.
In the Deco app, tap and go to Link Account > Alexa > TP-Link Router Skill, then follow the app instructions to complete the setup.
49
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Advanced Features
Deco 3.0 oers a list of advanced features to fulll diverse network needs.
Tip: You can use the search box on the More page to quickly nd the features you need.
Tap
More > Advanced to access advanced features.
Enable IPTV/VLAN mode to
support IPTV services.
Change the operation mode.
50
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Register a TP-Link DDNS domain
name to access your Decos and
local resources over the internet.
Modify LAN IP to avoid IP
address conflict.
Change DHCP Server settings.
Tip: You can use the search box on the More page to quickly nd the features you need.
Enable MAC Clone if your ISP only
allows specic MAC addresses.
51
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Enable Fast Roaming to further
reduce roaming delays for your
wireless devices.
Enable Beamforming to
concentrate Wi-Fi signal towards
connected devices for stronger
connections.
Set up port forwarding rules to
enable devices in your network
accessible over the internet with
safety.
Tip: You can use the search box on the More page to quickly nd the features you need.
Reserve IP addresses for specic
devices to recognize and
manage them more easily.
52
* Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP.
Enable UPNP to allow your local
network to dynamically open
ports for applications like gaming.
Tip: You can use the search box on the More page to quickly nd the features you need.
Enable SIP ALG to communicate
with SIP (Session Initiation
Protocol) servers via NAT.
