You've made a fantastic choice by opting for eero to enhance your home's Wi-Fi! Combining the speed of Verizon 5G Home Internet with the robust, seamless coverage of an eero mesh system can truly transform your online experience. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and successful setup.
Connecting eero to Verizon 5G Home Internet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you ready to say goodbye to Wi-Fi dead zones and hello to consistent, fast internet throughout your entire home? Let's get started!
Step 1: Gather Your Essentials and Prepare Your Verizon Gateway
Before we dive into the technical details, let's make sure you have everything you need and prepare your existing Verizon equipment.
Sub-heading 1.1: What You'll Need
Your Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateway: This is the main router provided by Verizon.
Your eero System: This typically includes one "gateway" eero (the main one you'll connect to your Verizon router) and any additional eero units for mesh coverage.
Ethernet Cable: At least one (usually included with your eero).
Smartphone or Tablet: With the eero app installed (available for iOS and Android).
Power Outlets: For both your Verizon Gateway and all eero devices.
Sub-heading 1.2: Understanding Your Verizon Gateway and IP Passthrough
Your Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateway is a powerful device, but when you introduce eero, you essentially want the Verizon Gateway to act as a modem only, allowing eero to handle all the routing and Wi-Fi management. This is often referred to as Bridge Mode or IP Passthrough. Enabling this feature on your Verizon Gateway is crucial to avoid "double NAT" issues, which can cause connectivity problems and slow speeds.
Why is this important? Double NAT (Network Address Translation) occurs when you have two routers each performing NAT. This can interfere with online gaming, video conferencing, and other applications that require direct connections. By enabling IP Passthrough on your Verizon Gateway, you're essentially telling it to pass the public IP address directly to your eero, letting eero take full control of your network.
Here's how to enable IP Passthrough on your Verizon Internet Gateway (the exact steps might vary slightly depending on your specific Verizon router model, but the general process is similar):
Connect to Your Verizon Gateway: Plug a computer directly into one of the LAN Ethernet ports on your Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateway using an Ethernet cable. Alternatively, you can connect to its Wi-Fi network.
Access the Admin Page: Open a web browser and type in the default IP address for your Verizon Gateway. Common IP addresses are
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1. (If these don't work, check the label on your Verizon router or consult its user manual.)Log In: Enter the administrative username and password. The default credentials are often "admin" for both, or the password might be printed on a sticker on the router. If you've changed it, use your custom credentials.
Navigate to IP Passthrough Settings: Look for sections like "Advanced," "Network Settings," "Network Connections," or "Bridge Mode." You're looking for an option called "IP Passthrough."
Enable IP Passthrough: Check the box next to "IP Passthrough" and save your changes.
Important Note: When you enable IP Passthrough, your Verizon Gateway's Wi-Fi radios will typically be disabled automatically, and internet access will only be available through the designated LAN port (often LAN2). This is exactly what we want!
Reboot the Verizon Gateway: After saving the settings, it's highly recommended to power cycle your Verizon Gateway. Unplug it from power for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up (the LED light should turn solid white).
Step 2: Setting Up Your Gateway eero
Now that your Verizon Gateway is prepped, it's time to set up the heart of your new mesh network – the gateway eero.
Sub-heading 2.1: Download the eero App
If you haven't already, download the eero app from the Apple App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android). The eero app is essential for setting up and managing your eero network. You cannot set up eero through a web browser.
Sub-heading 2.2: Connect Your Gateway eero
Unplug Everything (Temporarily): Disconnect any old routers or Wi-Fi extenders you might have connected to your Verizon Gateway.
Connect eero to Verizon Gateway: Take the Ethernet cable that came with your eero (or any other good quality Ethernet cable).
Plug one end into the LAN2 port on your Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateway (the one now configured for IP Passthrough).
Plug the other end into either Ethernet port on your gateway eero.
Power Up Your eero: Connect the power adapter to your gateway eero and plug it into a power outlet.
The eero's LED light will start flashing white, indicating it's booting up.
Step 3: Configure Your eero Network via the App
This is where the magic happens! The eero app will guide you through the remaining steps.
Sub-heading 3.1: Launch the eero App and Create an Account
Open the eero app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tap "New to eero?" or "Get Started."
You'll be prompted to create an eero account or log in with your Amazon account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this step. You might need to verify your account via email or phone.
Sub-heading 3.2: Set Up Your Gateway eero in the App
The app will prompt you to confirm you have all the necessary equipment and that your old router (if any) is unplugged.
It will then begin to search for your eero device.
Once detected, the app will ask you to select a location for your eero (e.g., "Living Room," "Office"). This helps you identify each eero later.
Create your new Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password. Choose something unique and easy to remember, but secure! Avoid using the same network name as your previous Verizon Wi-Fi to prevent device confusion.
The app will then finalize the setup of your gateway eero. The eero's LED will turn solid white once it's successfully connected to the internet and broadcasting your new Wi-Fi network.
Step 4: Add Additional eero Devices (If Applicable)
If you have more than one eero unit, now is the time to expand your mesh network.
Sub-heading 4.1: Placing Your Additional eeros
Strategic Placement is Key: Place your additional eero devices centrally in areas where you want to extend Wi-Fi coverage, roughly halfway between the gateway eero and any Wi-Fi dead spots.
Avoid Obstructions: Try not to place eeros inside cabinets, behind large furniture, or near other large electronics (like microwaves or cordless phones), as these can interfere with the signal.
Consider Wired Backhaul: If possible, connecting additional eeros to your network via Ethernet cables (wired backhaul) will provide the best performance and stability. This is especially beneficial for multi-story homes or areas with heavy network traffic.
Sub-heading 4.2: Adding eeros in the App
From the eero app's Home screen, tap the "+" icon in the top right corner.
Select "Add or Replace an eero Device."
Choose "Add eero Device."
Plug in your new eero device to a power outlet. The app will search for and detect the new eero.
Select a location for this eero.
Repeat this process for all additional eero devices you wish to add.
Step 5: Connect Your Devices to Your New eero Network
The final step is to switch all your devices over to your new eero Wi-Fi network.
Sub-heading 5.1: Switching Over Your Devices
On each of your Wi-Fi-enabled devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, smart home devices, etc.), go to the Wi-Fi settings.
Forget your old Verizon Wi-Fi network if it's still appearing.
Select your new eero network name (SSID) from the list of available networks.
Enter the Wi-Fi password you created during the eero setup.
Voila! Your device should now connect to your eero mesh network.
Sub-heading 5.2: Verifying Connectivity and Performance
Once connected, test your internet speed using a speed test tool (eero has one built into its app!).
Walk around your home and ensure you have strong Wi-Fi signal in all areas.
The eero app provides a network map that shows the connection strength between your eero devices, allowing you to optimize placement if needed.
Step 6: Ongoing Management and Optimization
Your eero system is designed to be largely hands-off, but a few things can help maintain optimal performance.
Sub-heading 6.1: Utilizing the eero App
The eero app is your command center. You can:
Run speed tests to check your internet performance.
View connected devices and their data usage.
Create profiles for family members and pause internet access.
Set up a guest network for visitors.
Access advanced settings like port forwarding or DNS.
Sub-heading 6.2: Keeping Firmware Up-to-Date
eero automatically pushes firmware updates, which include performance improvements and security patches. Ensure your eeros are always running the latest software. The app will notify you of any pending updates.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues during the setup or afterward, here are some quick troubleshooting steps:
Power Cycle Everything: Unplug your Verizon Gateway and all eero devices from power. Wait 30 seconds, then plug the Verizon Gateway back in. Once it's fully booted, plug in your gateway eero, and then any additional eeros.
Check Cables: Ensure all Ethernet cables are securely connected.
Verify IP Passthrough: Double-check that IP Passthrough is correctly enabled on your Verizon Gateway.
Relocate eero Units: If you have weak signals in certain areas, try repositioning your eeros to be more central or closer to each other.
Contact Support: If you're still facing issues, reach out to eero support or Verizon support, depending on where you suspect the problem lies.
With these steps, you should be well on your way to enjoying a fast, reliable, and comprehensive Wi-Fi network powered by eero and Verizon 5G Home Internet!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about connecting eero to Verizon 5G Home Internet:
How to check if my Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateway supports IP Passthrough?
Most newer Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateways support IP Passthrough. You can confirm by logging into your router's admin interface and looking for "IP Passthrough," "Bridge Mode," or similar settings under advanced network options. You can also refer to your specific router's user manual or Verizon's support website.
How to find the IP address of my Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateway?
The default IP address is often printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your Verizon Gateway. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You can also find it by checking your computer's network connection details when connected to the Verizon Gateway.
How to reset my Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateway password?
If you've forgotten your Verizon Gateway's admin password, you can typically perform a factory reset on the device (usually a small pinhole button you hold down for 10-15 seconds). Be aware that a factory reset will revert all settings to default, including any IP Passthrough configuration you've made.
How to know if my eero system is properly connected to Verizon 5G Home Internet?
The eero app will show your network status as "Online" with a green background. You can also run a speed test within the eero app to confirm internet connectivity and speed.
How to avoid double NAT when using eero with Verizon 5G Home Internet?
The key to avoiding double NAT is to enable IP Passthrough (also sometimes called Bridge Mode or DMZplus) on your Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateway. This ensures the Verizon device simply passes the internet connection directly to your eero, letting eero handle all the routing.
How to improve Wi-Fi coverage with my eero and Verizon 5G Home Internet setup?
Proper placement of your eero devices is crucial. Place your gateway eero near your Verizon Gateway, and then strategically place additional eeros roughly halfway between the gateway eero and any areas with weak signal. Avoid placing them in enclosed spaces or near large electronics.
How to connect wired devices to my eero network?
Each eero device (except for eero Beacons) has Ethernet ports. You can plug wired devices (like smart TVs, gaming consoles, or desktop computers) directly into these ports on any eero unit for a more stable and faster connection.
How to manage parental controls on my eero network?
The eero app offers robust parental control features. You can create profiles for family members, pause internet access for specific devices or profiles, and set content filters to block inappropriate websites.
How to perform a speed test on my eero network?
Open the eero app, go to the "Activity" tab, and look for the "Run Speed Test" option. This will test the speed at your gateway eero's connection to the internet.
How to troubleshoot slow speeds on my eero network with Verizon 5G Home Internet?
First, ensure IP Passthrough is enabled on your Verizon Gateway. Then, check your eero app for any alerts or connectivity issues. Try power cycling both your Verizon Gateway and your eero system. Also, ensure your eero firmware is up to date. If speeds remain slow, contact Verizon to check your 5G Home Internet service.
