Setting up a Linksys Mesh system using Bluetooth on your mobile device

This article will teach you how you can set up the Linksys Mesh network in minutes through the Linksys app using Bluetooth®. 
 
  • Linksys Cognitiveâ„¢ Mesh series: Linksys MBE7000, MX6200, MR20WH and MR55WH.
  • Linksys Intelligent Meshâ„¢ series: Linksys MX2000, MX5500, MX8500, MX4200, MX5300, WHW03, MR5500, MR2000, MR7500, MR9600, MR7350, MR6350, MR9000, and MR8300
 


Before you begin:
 
  • Download or update to the latest Linksys app.
  • Parent node - A Linksys Velop Mesh router/node that is connected to the modem. 
  • Child node - The child node is an additional Linksys Velop Mesh node that you can add to extend your WiFi network. 
  • Mixed environments: A network with Linksys Intelligent Meshâ„¢ nodes and Cognitiveâ„¢ Mesh nodes.
    • Best practice is to keep your network as an all-Intelligent or all-Cognitive network. If you decide to mix your existing Intelligent nodes with newer Cognitive nodes, you need to make the Cognitive node the parent node using the latest Linksys app version.
    • In a mixed environment with Linksys MBE7000 nodes, make sure that a Linksys MBE7000 is the parent node in the network. It is highly recommended that the node with the highest Wi-Fi® technology be the parent node, while all others are child nodes. 
    • Setting up a mixed environment requires Linksys app 3.4.0 or later using Bluetooth setup. Temp WiFi setup or adding child nodes through the web browser is not currently supported in a mixed environment.  
  • Light status:
   


Directions

Note that a Linksys MBE7000 is being used in this article.

1. First, gather all your equipment.

If you have more than one Linksys Mesh node to set up, make sure to gather all your equipment in the same room as the modem. You will be able to relocate your child nodes after the setup process is complete.


2. Remove your existing WiFi router.
 
a. I have a modem (non-WiFi) and a separate WiFi router or mesh system:
 
  • Remove your existing WiFi router and/or all your devices from the old mesh system.
  • Power cycle your modem.
  • Wait until your modem has rebooted and go to the next step.

b. I have a WiFi router and modem in one device or I do not have any WiFi routers.
  • Go to the next step.
 
3. Connect and power ON your parent node.

If you have more than one node, choose one node then connect your modem to the internet port on the node and power it ON.

If you have a Linksys WHW03 series, use one of the two ports. After the node is set up, the port that you use will become the designated internet port.

In this example, we will use a Linksys MBE7000.


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4. Power ON your child nodes.

If you are adding child nodes, power ON all your child nodes near the parent node. They should be no more than 10 ft away from the parent node or if possible, you can put them in the same room as the parent node. 

Make sure that no other cables are connected to any of the ports on the child nodes during the setup process besides the power adapter.


5. Make sure that your mobile device isn’t connected to an existing WiFi network. Then, tap launch the Linksys app then tap on Set up a New Wi-Fi Network (iOS) or Launch setup (Android™).


If you were already logged into the app, you need to log out first and launch the app again.
 
iOSAndroid
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6. Tap on Velop and Mesh Routers.

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7. Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device (if prompted). Follow instructions on the screen or swipe down and tap on the Bluetooth icon to enable it. 

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8. If you have already removed your old router, tap Next. Otherwise, follow the instructions and tap Next when ready.

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9. If you have already connected and powered ON your parent node as previously instructed, tap Next, and then tap It’s connected. 

If you haven’t done so, follow the wiring instructions, and tap Next when you are ready.

 
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10. If you have already powered ON your child nodes, tap Next. 

If you haven’t done so, follow the wiring instructions and tap Next when you are ready. 


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11. Make sure all your nodes have a solid light, then click on Node light is solid. Keep your phone near the nodes while your nodes are being set up.
 
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12. Internet checking will begin.
 
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If an internet connection is not detected, you will come across the following screen. Tap Or, try again or follow the instructions on the app.

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  • Checking your wiring - Tap to double-check the wiring.
  • ​​​​Restarting your modem again - Tap to restart the modem.
  • Do you have ISP settings? -  If you have a PPPoE connection or if you use a static WAN IP address, tap on the Enter them here link at the bottom and enter your settings.​

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13. Name your Wi-Fi.

Customize your WiFi name and password, then tap Next. The WiFi password is case-sensitive.


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If you are setting up your router again, you will be prompted to use the same WiFi settings as before. Tap on Yes to use the same WiFi credentials or tap on No, create new Wi-Fi settings.

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14. On the Privacy Pledge screen, tap Continue when ready.

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15. Log in with your Linksys cloud account.

Log in with your existing Linksys cloud account to access and manage your network remotely. If you haven’t created one, tap on Create account.

You can also tap Skip for now and log in or create an account later.


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16. Configuration is in progress. Your network is being configured.

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17. Once all your nodes have been configured, the following screen will display the number of nodes that were successfully detected and configured on your network. Tap Next.

You can rename your nodes after you have set them up.


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Missing a node?
 
  • If you have more nodes to add but forgot to turn them ON in the beginning or if some of your child nodes were not detected, tap on Add more nodes to try again. 
  • Make sure to move your node closer to the parent node, no more than 10 ft away from the parent node or preferably in the same room as the parent node. 
  • You can also tap on Next to complete the setup process and add them later.
  • Troubleshooting tips

18. Tap Next.

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18. Tap Finish.

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20. Your WiFi is ready. Tap on Go to dashboard.

Relocate your child nodes and power them back on. The child nodes are ready once they have a solid white light for Cognitive Mesh nodes or a solid blue light for Intelligent Mesh nodes. You can now connect your WiFi devices to your network.


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Find out more:

Overview of the status light on the Linksys Cognitive Mesh products
Changing the router administration password using the Linksys app
Overview of the Linksys app dashboard for iOS mobile devices

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