Step-by-step guide to connect the Deco XE75 to a BT Digital Voice router
Step-by-step guide to connect the Deco XE75 to a BT Digital Voice router, including the critical AP mode configuration.
Step 1: Connect the main Deco unit in initial setup (Router mode)
The Deco must first be set up in its default router mode before it can be switched to AP mode.
- Download the Deco app from the App Store or Google Play and log in with your TP-Link ID.
- Cable the main Deco. Power on one Deco unit. Connect the Deco to a LAN port on your BT Hub using the provided Ethernet cable.
- Launch the Deco app and tap “Let’s Begin”. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Internet connection type. When prompted, select Dynamic IP for the internet connection type and turn off “IPTV/VLAN Settings”.
- Create a temporary Wi-Fi network. Create a new network name (SSID) and password for your Deco system, e.g use default or temporary name like “DecoSetup”.
- Connect to the new Wi-Fi. Connect your mobile device to the new temporary Wi-Fi network you just created.
- Wait for setup to complete. The app will finish setting up the main Deco unit.
Step 2: Switch the Deco to Access Point (AP) mode
Now that the main unit is online, you can switch the entire Deco system to the correct mode for your setup.
- Open the Deco app.
- Tap the “More” menu at the bottom-right corner.
- Tap “Advanced”.
- Tap “Operation Mode”.
- Select “Access Point” and tap “Apply”. The Deco will reboot and switch to AP mode.
Step 3: Configure the Deco with your old network name
With the Deco in AP mode, you can now reuse your BT network name and password to avoid having to reconnect all your devices.
- After the Deco reboots, open the Deco app again.
- Navigate to the “More” tab and then “Wi-Fi Settings”.
- Change the network details. Edit the Wi-Fi name (SSID) to be the exact same name as your old BT network. Change the password to the exact same password as well.
- Confirm the change. The Deco will reboot again to apply these settings.
Step 4: Disable the Wi-Fi on your BT Hub
This final step eliminates signal interference and ensures all your wireless devices connect to the superior Deco mesh network.
- Access the BT Hub manager. Open a web browser on a device connected to your network and go to
192.168.1.254. - Log in to the Hub with your admin password.
- Navigate to Advanced Settings and then the Wireless section.
- Turn off both bands. Set “Wireless network enable” to “No” for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks and save your changes.
Your devices should now seamlessly connect to your Deco mesh network using your old network name and password, with the BT Hub continuing to handle the Digital Voice service in the background.