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Extremely basic app, good for non-tech people
The app is helpful for people who do not come from a tech background. Tether makes it extremely easy for the mass to manage their router setup and network access management via a decent UI. The diagnostic feature helps identify whether the ISP is the problem or the particles device is having problems accessing internet.
What I particularly was looking for is in-depth diagnostics which would tell how much of network bandwidth is being used by each client. This is particularly useful in situations where you struggle to identify which device out of 10 connected is hogging the bandwidth.
Overall worth of this in my opinion is 2/5 stars. That does not mean it is not useful. For most folks it will be a pleasant way of managing the router and access. But I anticipate much more features to be exposed through this.Show lessdpat007
Great for initial setup but lacking in network management
First, I really enjoy the router and the initial setup with this app. The setup was very easy—set up an account, network name, & password. For most things beyond that (including any “advanced” network setup), this app isn’t so great. For example, if you want to change the DNS settings or port-forwarding, that’s only through the web interface. This app is limited to seeing what’s connected, sharing your password, and rebooting the router. It’s good at doing that; I just wish the marketing about what the app is for was more clear.
There are also some other minor issues that keep the app from functioning as intended. It only connected to my router locally the first time. Now it always connects to it as a “cloud device” and takes several seconds and network requests to load anything. It also hardly ever keeps my session, so I have to log in basically every time. Finally, sometimes it loses my session when I’m in the middle of rebooting the router so I need to wait on the router, login to the app, then connect to the router again. It’s not terrible but is basically always smoother to do through the web interface.Show lesscdustybk
It just works...!
Having left “Windows World“ a long time ago and having lived in “Mack world“ since then, anytime I have to cross back into non-Apple territory makes me anxious. I have been redoing and expanding my home network recently. For that purpose I bought the TP Link ArcherC2300, and although all the reviews that covered setting it up seemed to indicate a straightforward process, I was not really looking forward to it.
However, this was truly a breeze. The TP Link app guides you through the process step-by-step, and the device actually does exactly what the app says it will do. So, I was up and running within two or three minutes of plug-in the devise into a power outlet, and this included the time it took to bind my phone to the router via Internet, which required creating a new login with their website. Great job TP Link!Show lessneuroproff
Seriously - ALMOST PERFECT!
Just got my CR1900 and self-activation through my cable company (Mediacom) was #brilliantly simple and automatic - which made discovery and setup in the App very fluid and nearly painless!
The only headaches I ran into were the constant log-outs and ins after making WiFi changes that didn't affect the SSID I was on to config them with. Maybe it's not possible to stay connected when a guest SSID is changed, but it's the perception of seeing the login routine over and over again that gets old.
My suggestion is to have the App reconnect us transparently, as soon as the network is back up, and allow us to navigate the App and make locally-cached changes to other settings while it's logging us in behind the scenes.
Also, I'm not seeing very many advanced options like speed testing, HomeCare or the ability to define a channel, width, or other advanced options many of us use to fine tune our signals. Maybe I've overlooked a setting like Parental Control, which I don't plan to use, but if these options ARE hidden there, that's more confusing than beneficial.
Either way - GREAT JOB ON THE APP! It's amazing easier than the junk ARRIS forces on their Surfboard owners, and I can see that your developers care enough to listen and release regular updates to improve it.Show lessMattyLB
Gets the Job Done
I would like to have the same access to all of the configuration options that are available via the web UI. Regardless, this app is good enough for the type of users it’s designed for and the types of tasks it’s meant to facilitate. It’s most definitely a step up from the Airport Utility and Netgear Genie apps I’ve used with past routers.
I can tell that TP-Link put a lot of thought into this app’s LAF, stability and performance. It’s easy to share the complex password for my guest network with friends. The quick setup and basic configuration management seem like exactly what non-advanced users would need.
This is a great basic app for the simple management of TP-Link’s fantastic routers.
If the app’s dev team reads this review: Please do consider exposing in this app some or all of the advanced configuration options in one way or another. And, please consider building out functionality for IFTTT.Show lessjj.b.jj
Works, but there’s a catch!
I have the TL-WR802N and the setup of the device is very convenient using the app. The problem is that I need to use Hotspot Router mode and the app doesn’t seem to support this! I did a reset and the app found the device without problem but when I tried to set the operational mode to Hotspot Router, it was unavailable. I switched to the web interface and configured the mode, thinking I could switch back to the app to do the rest of the configuration and it says “unknown device” now and directs me to the webpage. If you’re going to link to this app from the admin page, make sure the app supports all of the BASIC functions of the router!Show lesssixshooterz
Why changing MAC addresses???
Okay, the app is relatively decent, if you're too lazy to do the paring using WPS, that works better than the app. Other than that, it usually can't find its own device on the network if you aren't connected to the extended network of the extender. What the heck are you looking for TP-Link?
Another part of the review is more towards extenders, RE380D particularly, with the latest firmware that's still not working.
Okay, why the heck you're changing devices MAC address? That confuses router's DHCP and forces it to unnecessary issue new IP address that's already issued, but because of changed MAC that's new device. So instead of moving between networks without even notice it, you're on new IP address and that's not good.
At least add control in Networking part "Don't change MAC address of connected devices", if anyone really wants to reserve 2 IP addresses on router's DHCP for the same device. Or whatever crazy scenario anyone wants to do with extender, not the router itself.
Firmware update TP-Link, ASAP. You don't need a fancy app that doesn't support everything as web interface of the extender.
Totally useless app.
Better spend time and money on the firmware that works, that on fancy, unnecessary app.Show lessPeky_69
WiFi the easy way
My how far we've come. I've been putting off getting a new router because I hate faffing about setting them up. I've been a techy person my whole life and as it turns out, with this TP Link router and the Tether App, I've never had an easier time setting up a new networking device. Absolutely brilliant. Instead of spending upwards of an hour setting it up and then getting all the devices amon line, I think with the help and ease of this app, it took me literally 5 min to get the router set up and maybe another 10 to get all the devices back online.Show lessGimmeHotCoffe
Wifi for the dummy’s
So I sent my son to the store to buy a new WiFi router. He came home with this monstrosity of a thing. Said look mom you can set it up from an app on your phone. As I have no actual plugged in computer in my home anymore. I was very skeptical but plugged it all in and downloaded the app. Super easy! I had it up and running in five minutes. You can see every device connected to your internet. Love that I can turn off the WiFi to my kids individual devices, I do it just for fun now ;) wish I had this when they were younger and grounded from using the internet... ohhh and my WiFi now works all the way down my street, my man child son may have over done it in man fashion but we are up and running again!Show lessSnicker2marie
Great for determining who's connected.
At first, I was extremely frustrated because the app wouldn't connect but after a firmware upgrade to the AC3200, I have no problems. A complete turnaround and now use the app to determine who's on, what band they are using, and most importantly, to block my sons XBox when things start getting out of control. I would suggest two improvements. The app should provide information to upgrade router so it's not a research project to figure out what's wrong and the devices listed should use the descriptions entered into the static IP reservations instead of making us retype that information.Show lessBikeFolder
