How to Setup Linksys Velop AX5300 WiFi 6 Router?

Have you got new Linksys Velop AX5300 WiFi router? Let’s set it up with the help of these below written instructions.

Here, you will get to know how to setup Linksys Velop AX5300 router with completing Linksys login process.

Linksys Velop AX5300 Router Setup

1. Connection with the Modem

   Unboxed the node. Plugged it in – power and Ethernet from my modem to the WAN port (it’s the yellow one if you’re squinting). Waited for the LED to do its little light show. It’ll blink purple when it’s ready. Give it a minute. If it stays red or orange forever, something’s off with your modem or the cable.

2. Configuration on Linksys App

   What You’ll Need:

   • The Linksys app. iOS or Android. Doesn’t matter. Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
   • A phone/tablet that’s connected to the internet via cellular at first (not WiFi).
   • Your modem and the Velop node (just one for now).

   Only connect ONE node right now. Just one. You’ll add others later. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.

   Launch the app. Tap “Set up a New Wi-Fi Network” or something like that (they change the wording every few updates, but you’ll find it).

   If it asks what you’re setting up, choose Velop or Mesh Router, then pick AX5300.

   The app will walk you through connecting the router. But here’s what it won’t tell you:

• If it hangs at “Looking for your node…” – unplug the node and plug it back in. This happened to me like 3 times.
• If it says “Can’t find the internet” – make sure the Ethernet cable from the modem is plugged into the yellow WAN port on the Velop.
• If you’re using fiber and you don’t have a modem – yeah, same deal. Plug your ONT into the WAN port.

Just keep pushing through the setup screens. Don’t panic if it takes a while – it will. Velop nodes boot up like they’re running Windows 95.

Eventually, it’ll ask you to name your Wi-Fi network and pick a password. This is your new main Wi-Fi. Pick something you’ll remember. Once that’s done, it’ll configure for a bit. Usually 2–5 mins.

Once the main node is set up and working (aka: you have internet), the app will ask if you want to add more nodes. This part’s easy – plug in the next node, wait for the light to go purple, and let the app find it.

3. Configuration on Linksyssmartwifi.com

   Open up a laptop, connected to the Velop’s default Wi-Fi (you’ll find the name and password on a sticker under the node). Once you’re connected, let’s login to Linksys router, open a browser and hit: linksyssmartwifi.com

   If that doesn’t load, try: 192.168.1.1 – it’s the local IP. Works the same.

   Once the page loads, it might redirect you automatically into the setup wizard. If not, you’ll get a login screen. Click on “Click here” under “Set up a new router.”

   The wizard walks you through the basics:

   • Detects your internet connection.
   • Asks if you want to set it up as a parent node (yes).
   • Prompts for a new Wi-Fi name and password.
   • Asks for your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account. You can create one, or just skip and log in locally.

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Flashing Purple Light ≠ Ready

   That light sometimes just hangs forever. If it’s stuck there for more than 5 minutes, power cycle the node. Unplug, count to 10 (slowly), plug back in. Wait for the light to go solid blue. Then try again.

2. Double NAT = Internet Headaches

   If you’re running this behind another router/modem combo (thanks, ISPs), you might end up with double NAT issues. Easiest fix? Bridge mode on the modem/router. But every ISP labels this differently – sometimes it’s called “passthrough” or “IP Passthrough.”

   If you don’t know how to do that, Google your modem model + “bridge mode.” Or call your ISP and ask them to do it.

3. Mesh Node Won’t Sync?

   I had one node that refused to connect, even though it was right next to the main one. Solution? Factory reset it. Hold down the reset button (tiny hole in the back) for like 10-15 seconds until the light flashes red, then release. Try the app again.

   Oh, and don’t try to sync more than one node at a time. It just messes with the process.

4. Firmware Update Hangups

   Sometimes during setup, it’ll want to update the firmware – and then just stall. If that happens, again, power cycle the node and relaunch the app. If you’re still stuck, skip the update and just do it manually after everything is working.

5. WiFi Keeps Dropping Post-Setup?

   Make sure Smart Connect is turned on – that merges the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into one SSID. I had some devices randomly dropping when I split them. Also, check for interference – microwaves, baby monitors, old cordless phones – they all love to screw with 2.4GHz.