TP-Link Deco App Guide

Managing Your Home Wi-Fi with the Deco App

Last Updated: June 16, 2026

Overview

Once your TP-Link Deco M5 has been installed, nearly everything is managed through the Deco App.

The Deco App allows you to:

✅ View connected devices

✅ Run internet speed tests

✅ Optimize Wi-Fi performance

✅ Pause internet access

✅ Create parental controls

✅ Set bedtime schedules

✅ Block websites

✅ Create guest Wi-Fi networks

✅ Monitor network health

This guide covers the features Wakey customers use most often.

Opening the Deco App

Open the TP-Link Deco App and sign in using your TP-Link ID.

From the main dashboard you’ll see:

• Internet Status
• Connected Devices
• Online Clients
• Security Features
• Speed Test
• More Settings

Viewing Connected Devices

Want to see who is using your Wi-Fi?

1. Open the Deco App
2. Tap Online Clients

You’ll see:

• Phones
• Tablets
• Smart TVs
• Gaming Consoles
• Computers
• Smart Home Devices

For each device you can:

• Rename it
• Assign it to a Family Profile
• Pause Internet Access
• View usage statistics

Running a Speed Test

The built-in speed test checks the connection between your Deco and the internet.

To run a speed test:

1. Open the Deco App
2. Tap Internet
3. Tap Test Internet Speed

The results will display:

• Download Speed
• Upload Speed
•  

Important Note About Speed Tests

Speed tests run directly from the Deco itself.

This means:

✅ More accurate than testing over Wi-Fi

✅ Not affected by distance from the router

✅ Shows actual internet service performance

If speeds appear lower than expected:

• Reboot your modem and Deco
• Verify no large downloads are running
• Run multiple tests at different times

Optimizing Wi-Fi Performance

The Deco app includes a built-in Wi-Fi optimization tool.

To optimize your network:

1. Open the Deco App
2. Tap More
3. Tap Network Optimization
4. Tap Optimize

The Deco will:

• Scan for interference
• Evaluate wireless performance
• Recommend improvements
• Adjust settings automatically where applicable

Best Practices for Strong Wi-Fi

For best results:

✅ Place Decos in open areas

✅ Keep away from microwaves

✅ Keep away from cordless phones

✅ Position units halfway between rooms

❌ Avoid closets

❌ Avoid metal cabinets

❌ Avoid behind televisions

Creating a Guest Wi-Fi Network

A Guest Network allows visitors to use your internet without accessing your personal devices.

To create one:

1. Open Deco App
2. Tap More
3. Tap Guest Network
4. Enable Guest Network
5. Create a Wi-Fi name and password

Example:

Wi-Fi Name:

WakeyGuest

Password:

GuestAccess2026

Setting Up Parental Controls

Parental Controls allow you to manage screen time and content access for children.

Features include:

✅ Internet Bedtimes

✅ Daily Time Limits

✅ Content Filtering

✅ Website Blocking

✅ Usage Monitoring

Create a Child Profile

1. Open Deco App
2. Tap Parental Controls
3. Tap Create Profile
4. Enter your child’s name
5. Select devices used by that child

Example:

• Emma’s iPad
• Emma’s Phone
• Emma’s Laptop

Set Bedtime Hours

You can automatically pause internet access overnight.

Example:

Sunday–Thursday

• Internet Off: 9:00 PM
• Internet On: 7:00 AM

Friday–Saturday

• Internet Off: 10:30 PM
• Internet On: 8:00 AM

Set Daily Screen Time Limits

Example:

• Monday–Friday: 2 hours
• Saturday–Sunday: 4 hours

When the limit is reached, internet access automatically pauses.

Content Filtering

Parental Controls can automatically block categories such as:

• Adult Content
• Gambling
• Violence
• Social Media
• Gaming
• Streaming Services

Note:

No filtering solution is perfect. Children may still access content using VPN services, cellular data, or alternative websites.

Blocking Specific Websites

You can manually block websites.

Example:

example.com

gamingwebsite.com

socialmedia.com

To block a website:

1. Open the Profile
2. Select Content Filters
3. Add Website

Pausing Internet Instantly

Need immediate control?

You can pause internet access for any device.

1. Open Devices
2. Select the device
3. Tap Pause

Internet access stops immediately.

Tap Resume to restore access.

Monthly Usage Monitoring

The Deco app provides usage information including:

• Most Active Devices
• Daily Usage
• Weekly Usage
• Monthly Usage

This can help identify:

• Heavy streaming
• Gaming activity
• Unexpected devices

Firmware Updates

Firmware updates improve:

• Security
• Stability
• Performance
• Compatibility

To check for updates:

1. Open Deco App
2. Tap More
3. Tap System

If available:

Tap Update

Allow 5–10 minutes for completion.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

App Cannot Find Deco

• Ensure Bluetooth is enabled
• Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled
• Verify Deco LED is pulsing blue
• Restart the app

Devices Keep Disconnecting

• Run Network Optimization
• Move Deco to a more open location
• Update firmware

Slow Speeds

• Run the built-in Speed Test
• Reboot modem and Deco
• Verify no large downloads are running

Forgotten Wi-Fi Password

Open:

More → Wi-Fi Settings

Your network name and password can be viewed or changed there.