Before following the steps below, please read our full installation instructions, including modem placement and whether filters are needed. Make sure your computer is connected to the modem with an Ethernet cable, and that the modem is plugged in and connected to the wall jack.
After plugging it in, wait 15 minutes for the modem to install updated software. Then, open any browser on your computer and go to http://connect.centurylink.com (not "https").
All modems welcome here!
The QuickConnect steps below will look and work the same, no matter which model of modem you have.
1. When you go to http://connect.centurylink.com, you will see a welcome screen like this. You can choose the English or Espanol version at the top. Then click "Next" to start the setup process. Note: Be sure to use "http" and NOT "https" when you enter the URL.
2. In most cases, your identity will be verified automatically. If the system can't do this, you will be asked for additional information.
If the automatic verification isn't successful, you will be prompted to enter the account number shown on your bill or order confirmation email from CenturyLink. Enter that number and your billing zip code, then click "Continue."
If you’d like to confirm your identify in another way, select "Rather try something else?" Choose from the list of options, then enter that information on the next screen and click "Continue."
3. Read the High-Speed Internet Subscriber Agreement, then click "I accept." You can also download a PDF of this agreement to save a copy for your records before clicking "Next."
4. Wait as the modem is configured to connect to the CenturyLink network. Do not close your browser window while this is in progress.
If the system is unable to configure your modem automatically, you will be guided to do this manually through the modem's online settings portal. You will see this screen, asking which modem you have. Choose the correct option and click "Next."
The next screen will give you the link and information you need to go into the modem's online settings portal and run Quick Setup:
5. You will be given the option to turn on the modem's wireless router, so that you can connect multiple devices to your own WiFi network. Most customers will want to do this. Select "Yes, activate wireless" (or "No" if you don't want WiFi turned on; you can change this later in your modem settings if you choose.) Click "Next."
6. You will be shown the default wireless settings for your modem/router. They will look similar to the sample shown below. You can choose to keep the default network name (SSID) and password (security key), or to customize them. For security, we recommend changing these to something that will be easy for you to remember, but impossible for others to guess.
7. You can decide if you'd like detailed instructions on connecting your devices to your modem through WiFi. Click "Yes" or "No," then click "Next." If you chose yes, then on the next screen select which kind of device(s) you want to connect. When you are finished with this step, click "Next."
8. Next, you can choose which kinds of notifications you wish to receive from CenturyLink by email and/or by text message. You can opt in or opt out of alerts regarding order status, billing, repair and promotions.
You can then enter the email address and/or mobile phone number you'd like these communications to be sent to. For your convenience, these can be different from the contact information associated with your account.
9. On this next screen, we strongly recommend you save a record of your key account information. Once you're finished, click "Next."
10. The basic installation is now complete, and you can get online. You can exit the installation process now, or continue on to some additional services. This will not impact your internet service. Choose "Yes" or "No," then click "Continue."
At this point, you can also check your modem's status lights to confirm that the installation is complete.
11. If you want, you can create a free centurylink.net account, which will give you access to up to 10 personal email addresses and a customized homepage.
12. If you chose to create a centurylink.net account in the previous step, you can now customize your homepage with news, weather, TV, email and other options.
13. You will now be asked if you want to download the free anti-virus software that comes with your CenturyLink High-Speed Internet service. If you don't already have a good anti-virus and anti-malware program running on your computer, this is an important step. Click "Yes" to download, then follow the separate steps in the installer to install the software.
Note: You may see "Norton" on your QuickConnect screen, but CenturyLink recently partnered with McAfee to provide you with free internet security protection. Learn more about McAfee and download it here. You do not have to download anti-virus software to complete the setup process; you can opt out, or do it anytime after you've activated your service.
14. The next screen gives some instructions on how to get CenturyLink-provided software in the future using the installer. You may want to note these instructions or bookmark this help article for future reference.
15. Finally, you will be invited to go to My CenturyLink online create a username and password for your My CenturyLink account. This login will allow you to manage your account online in the future through either the app or website. Choose "Yes" or "No," then click "Continue."
If you select "Yes," you will be shown the registration URL and reminded of your account number and billing zip code. You will need both of these to create your account. You can now click "Done" to complete the QuickConnect installation process.
While completing the installation process, the lights on the front and/or back of your modem will tell you its connection status. Click on the correct section below for your model of modem to view a guide to the status lights.
This model has a single status light ring on the front, which will change color as it goes through the initial installation process. Once the power cord is plugged into the back of the modem, the bootup sequence will begin. Below are the status light behaviors you'll see when the modem is booting up.
LIGHT COLOR - Boot-up status
SOLID RED - Boot-up test is in progress (on first use) - Wait 5 minutes while the modem boots up
BLINKING RED - Boot-up test (hardware test) failed - Reboot your modem, then try setup again
BLINKING BLUE - Looking for the CenturyLink network - Be patient while this process completes
SOLID BLUE - Device is ready for use
SOLID AMBER - End user agreement incomplete - Go to http://connect.centurylink.com or the My CenturyLink app and click "I accept"
SOLID GREEN - Device is connected to the network - Now you can get online!
SOLID RED - A service or connection failure occurred - Call or chat to get further troubleshooting help from a service agent
In addition to the main LED display, the C4000LG model has a DSL status light, found beneath the ports on the back side, as seen in the photo.
LIGHT COLOR - DSL internet connection status
BLINKING GREEN - Attempting to sync with CenturyLink network - Wait while syncing completes
SOLID GREEN - The modem is connected to the network - Now you can get online!
SOLID RED - No active DSL signal is detected or the modem is not connected to the CenturyLink network - Try rebooting the modem and repeating the setup process; if it is still red, call or chat for further troubleshooting help
OFF - Nothing is connected to the DSL port - Check to make sure all your cords are firmly plugged in to the wall jack and the DSL port on the modem
For full instructions on how to read the single status light on the C4000 modem, visit our detailed guide.
If you have any other model, including Actiontec, Technicolor, Zyxel and others, follow the guide below. Your modem may look different from the one pictured, but the lights will function in the same way.
Look at the row of status lights on the back of your modem. What color is the INTERNET light?
You're finished!
If your internet light is green, you are connected to the internet. Now you can get online!
You need to finish your setup
If your internet light is amber/orange, the setup process is not yet complete. Usually this means you still need to accept the user agreement. Use the My CenturyLink app or browse to http://connect.centurylink.com to finish setup as shown in step 3 above.
Have questions about the other lights on your modem? Visit our detailed guide on how to read the lights on your modem to troubleshoot your internet connection.
Setting up new service? Please note that a phone jack is required to set up CenturyLink internet service in your home. If you don't have a jack, chat with us to have one installed.
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