How to Set Up an eero System with the eero App

Before you start

Before opening the app, assemble what the setup needs. The gateway eero must sit near your modem, optical network terminal, or upstream router, and it needs power. A phone or tablet with the eero app installed is the main tool. You will also want the Wi-Fi name and password from your current network if you are replacing an older router.

An eero system is a mesh Wi-Fi system, so the app treats the first unit as the gateway and the rest as nodes that extend coverage. If you are new to mesh networking, our mesh Wi-Fi explainer covers the basics before you begin.

• Gateway eero and its power cable
• Additional eero nodes, if included
• Ethernet cable to connect the gateway to your modem or ONT
• Phone or tablet with the eero app
• Current Wi-Fi network name and password, if you are replacing an existing router

Install the app and create an account

Download the eero app from the official app store on your phone or tablet. Open it and create an account, or log in if you already have one. The account is what lets the app remember your network and lets you manage it later from another device.

Use a long, unique password for the eero account. Cybersecurity guidance from NIST emphasizes strong passwords and sound identity practices, and the same advice applies to your router admin account. Avoid reusing passwords from other sites.

Add the gateway eero

Plug the gateway eero into power and connect it to your modem or ONT with an Ethernet cable. Placement matters: the gateway should be near the device that brings internet into your home, not in a closet or behind furniture. The router placement guide explains how position affects coverage.

Open the app and choose the option to add a new system or router. The app will scan for the gateway, ask you to identify it, and then lead you through connecting it to the internet. You may be asked to confirm your internet provider and, in some cases, enter login details supplied by your ISP. Follow the on-screen steps until the app says the gateway is online.

Place additional eero nodes

Once the gateway is online, the app prompts you to add the remaining eero nodes. Place each node in a room where you want stronger Wi-Fi, then confirm its location in the app using room labels such as living room or home office. Good node placement keeps the mesh connected; our mesh satellite placement article offers practical tips.

Keep nodes out of enclosed cabinets, away from large metal objects, and at least a short distance from thick walls. When adding a node, the app will test the connection and may suggest moving it closer to the gateway. You can return to this flow later whenever you need to add another eero node.

Use the power cables that came with the units and keep them in open, dry locations. General home safety guidance, including resources from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, recommends paying attention to electrical and fire hazards around the home.

Name your network and secure it

After the nodes are in place, the app asks you to name the Wi-Fi network and set a password. Choose a name you can recognize, and set a strong passphrase. If your devices support it, enable WPA3. According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, WPA3 networks use the latest security protocols, require Protected Management Frames, and disallow outdated legacy protocols. See our WPA3 explainer for compatibility details.

Consider setting up a separate guest network for visitors and IoT devices. The app usually lets you enable a guest network with its own name and password, which keeps personal devices separated from less trusted traffic.

Manage the network from the app

After setup, the eero app becomes your main dashboard. You can see connected devices, rename them, run network checks, update firmware, and adjust security settings. Keeping firmware current is one of the easiest ways to maintain a stable network; our firmware update guide explains why.

If you later add a separate router or need to use your own gateway, you can place the eero system in bridge mode so it works as access points rather than as a router. That process is also app-driven. For help choosing hardware, see the best eero routers and best mesh routers guides.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do I need a modem to set up an eero system?

In most cases, yes. The gateway eero connects to your modem, fiber ONT, or an upstream router. If your internet provider uses a combined modem and router, you can either put that device in bridge mode or connect the eero gateway to one of its Ethernet ports. For more on the difference, see the modem vs router explainer.

Can I set up eero without the app?

No. The eero app is the setup tool for an eero network. It detects the gateway, guides node placement, and stores the network configuration. If the app cannot find the router, start by confirming the gateway has power and a wired connection to your modem, then restart the app.

What should I do if the app cannot find my router?

Power-cycle the gateway eero and the modem or ONT, then reopen the app. Move your phone closer to the gateway and make sure Bluetooth is enabled if the app asks for it. If the problem continues, check the Ethernet cable between the modem and gateway.

Can I add more eero nodes after the initial setup?

Yes. Open the app, choose the option to add a device or node, and follow the same placement steps. The app will walk you through connecting the new node to your existing mesh. You can do this whenever you need to extend coverage to a new room or level.

Is WPA3 available on eero networks?

Eero supports WPA3 on compatible hardware and recent firmware. WPA3 is the current Wi-Fi security standard; the Wi-Fi Alliance says it provides stronger authentication and requires Protected Management Frames. Enable it in the app if all your devices support it, and use a transition mode for older devices if needed.

What happens if I switch internet providers?

The gateway eero should work with the new provider as long as you have a compatible modem or ONT. Open the app after the new service is active, and if the network does not reconnect, restart the gateway and check your ISP settings. In some cases, your ISP may require you to enter account credentials in the app.