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How to set up drop-in gateway on a GL.iNet router

GL.iNet offers the drop-in gateway feature, which enhances the functionality of your primary router with features it may not have, including AdGuard Home, encrypted DNS, and VPN. By using this feature, you can keep using your primary router as usual while enjoying additional features.

You can enable drop-in gateway for all your devices or specific devices connected to your primary router. Follow the appropriate section for your setup.

Enable drop-in gateway for all devices

1. Connect the GL.iNet router to the main router

Connect the WAN port of the GL.iNet router to the LAN port of the main router with an ethernet cable.

2. Enable drop-in gateway mode

There are two methods for enabling drop-in gateway mode: via through the router admin panel or the GL.iNet mobile app.

Via the router admin panel

  1. In a web browser, enter 192.168.8.1.
  2. Enter your password, then click Login. 

  3. In the left sidebar, click Network > Drop-in Gateway. click drop-in gateway

  4. Next to Enable Drop-in Gateway Mode, toggle the switch to on. 

  5. Select All devices are networked through drop-in gateway. click all devices

  6. Click Apply. 

Via the GL.iNet mobile app

Note: Before you start, install and set up the GL.iNet mobile app on your device. 

  1. On the main app screen, tap the System tab > Drop-in Gateway.tap drop-in gateway

  2. Tap Enable. 

  3. For Devices are networked via drop-in gateway, tap All.tap all
  4. Tap Done. 

3. Disable the DHCP server on the main router

To disable the DHCP server on your specific router, refer to the instructions provided by your router manufacturer.

4. Set up AdGuard, DNS, VPN, and other features

Follow these articles to enable the features on your GL.iNet router:

Enable drop-in gateway for specific devices

1. Connect the GL.iNet router to the main router

Connect the WAN port of the GL.iNet router to the LAN port of the main router with an ethernet cable.

2. Enable drop-in gateway mode

There are two methods for enabling drop-in gateway mode: via through the router admin panel or the GL.iNet mobile app.

Via the router admin panel

  1. In a web browser, enter 192.168.8.1.
  2. Enter your password, then click Login. 
  3. In the left sidebar, click Network > Drop-in Gateway. click drop-in gateway
  4. Next to Enable Drop-in Gateway Mode, toggle the switch to on. 

  5. Select Some devices select their own networking gateway. click some devices

  6. Click Apply. 

Note: Do not close this tab. You will need to enter the IP address (shown on the screen) in the next step.

Via the GL.iNet mobile app

Note: Before you start, install and set up the GL.iNet mobile app on your device. 

  1. On the main app screen, tap the System tab > Drop-in Gateway.tap drop-in gateway
  2. Tap Enable. 
  3. For Devices are networked via drop-in gateway, tap part.tap part
  4. Tap Done. 

Note: Do not close this tab. You will need to enter the IP address (shown on the screen) in the next step. 

3. Set the gateway and DNS on the device

Windows
  1. Connect your device to the main router.
  2. On your Windows, open Settings > Network & Internet.
  3. Based on your connection method, follow these steps:
    • Ethernet: Click Ethernet. 
    • Wi-Fi: Click Wi-Fi, then click the Wi-Fi network name. 
  4. Copy the IPv4 address. Next to IP assignment, click Edit. 
  5. Click Manual. 
  6. Toggle IPv4 to on.
  7. Enter the following information:
    • IP address: Paste the IP address you copied in step 4. 
    • Subnet mask: Enter 255.255.255.0. 
    • Gateway: Enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway page. 
    • Preferred DNS:  Enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway page. 
  8. Click Save. 
Android
  1. Connect your device to the main router.
  2. On your Android, open Settings. 
  3. Tap Connections > Wi-Fi.
  4. Tap the Settings icon next to the network you are connected to.
  5. Tap View more. 
  6. Tap IP settings > Static. 
  7. For Gateway and DNS 1, enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway screen. 
  8. Tap Save. 
iOS
  1. Connect your device to the main router.
  2. On your iOS, open Settings.
  3. Tap Wi-Fi.
  4. Tap the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
  5. Under IPv4 Address, keep a record of IP Address and Subnet Mask.
  6. Tap Configure IP > Manual. 
  7. Enter the following information:
    • IP Address: Enter the IP Address you obtained in step 5. 
    • Subnet Mask: Enter the Subnet Mask you obtained in step 5.
    • Router: Enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway screen. 
  8. Tap Save.
  9. Tap Configure DNS, then tap Manual. 
  10. Tap Add Server, then enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway screen.
  11. Tap Save.
Mac
  1. Connect your device to the main router.
  2. On your Mac, click the Apple icon > System Settings, 
  3. In the left sidebar, click Network.
  4. Next to the network you are connected to, click Details.
  5. Click TCP/IP.
  6. Keep a record of IP Address and Subnet Mask.
  7. Next to Configure IPv4, click Manually.
  8. Enter the following information:
    • IP address: Enter the IP Address you obtained in step 5. 
    • Subnet mask: Enter the IP Address you obtained in step 5. 
    • Router: Enter the IP address shown on the Drop-in Gateway page. 
  9. Click OK > OK. 

4. Set up AdGuard, DNS, VPN, and other features

Follow these articles to enable the features on your GL.iNet router:

Still have questions? Visit our Community Forum.