This article outlines iOS setup for 4th Generation Tablo devices using the dark blue 4th Generation Tablo App. The orange and white legacy app cannot be used to set up or interact with a 4th Generation Tablo.
Make sure your smartphone or tablet is running iOS 15 or higher before setting up your Tablo.
For instructions on 4th Generation Tablo Wi-Fi setup for Android, go here.
For instructions on setup for a legacy model via iOS, go here.
Check out a step-by-step video below or keep scrolling for text and image instructions. You can also check out our Quick Start Hub.
Before you get started, ensure that:
- Your iPhone or iPad is connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
- All VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are disabled on your device and/or home network.
- You have a smartphone or tablet to complete setup. Setup of 4th Generation Tablo devices cannot be completed via TV-based Tablo apps or your computer.
- There is nothing connected to the Tablo's Ethernet port or USB port.
Plug In Your Tablo
Set up your Tablo near your over-the-air (OTA) TV antenna. Connect the TV antenna's coaxial cable and the power adapter to the Tablo. Wait for its blue light to start pulsing slowly.
Set Up a Tablo Account
You'll need a free Tablo account to register your Tablo. This is not a paid subscription service.
The app will walk you through the process. For detailed instructions, go here.
Connect to the Internet
Launch the Tablo app on your iPhone or iPad.
You'll be asked if you would like to connect your 4th Gen Tablo to the network using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
In practice, an Ethernet connection is easier to set up, faster and offers more stability than Wi-Fi. If your router has a free Ethernet port and you have a cord long enough to connect your Tablo, we recommend hardwiring your Tablo to your router. Otherwise...
Select CONNECT WITH WI-FI.
Check LED Indicator
As long as your Tablo does not have an Ethernet cord attached, its blue LED should pulse slowly. Look at your 4th Generation Tablo to verify this.
Once you have confirmed this, select CONTINUE.
You'll see a warning that your iPhone, iPad or home network should not be connected to a VPN. If it is, you'll need to disable the VPN until the setup is complete. You also should disable your VPN whenever you're using your Tablo.
If you don't use a VPN, or you've disabled it, you can select CONTINUE.
Connect to Your Tablo
The app will search for your Tablo. It will show up with a name like Tablo_XXXX. This can take a few minutes. When the Tablo appears, select JOIN.
Join Your Wi-Fi
Once your iOS device has connected to your Tablo, you should see your home network’s name listed on the screen. Select it and wait for the password prompt.
If you don't see it, your network name might be hidden.
Enter your password and select SUBMIT.
The Tablo will now attempt to connect to your home Wi-Fi.
Once your Tablo has successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network, its blue LED will stop pulsing and turn solid. At this point, the Tablo application will guide you through the rest of the setup process. Follow along here.
Wi-Fi Setup Troubleshooting
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If your Tablo's LED is not blinking slowly:
Check to see if an Ethernet cable is attached to your Tablo's Ethernet port.
If it is, it will disable your Tablo's Wi-Fi module and prevent Wi-Fi setup. Disconnect the Ethernet cable and reboot your Tablo. (For instructions, see If Nothing Else Works below.)
We also recommend waiting to connect a USB hard drive (optional) to your Tablo until prompted at a later stage of setup. If you cannot connect your smartphone or tablet to Tablo_XXXX:
First, try disabling cellular data in your smartphone or tablet's settings. Your smartphone must be connected to the same home network as your Tablo for setup to succeed. If you're connected via cellular data instead, Wi-Fi setup cannot proceed. If that fails, contact Tablo Support.
If the Tablo app can't find your home Wi-Fi network:
Check whether your home Wi-Fi network is online by verifying whether other Wi-Fi devices (computers, smartphones, iPads, etc.) can connect to the network. If other devices have no Wi-Fi connection, the issue may be with your router. See If Nothing Else Works, below.
If your other devices are online, and you live in a large home, your Tablo may be out of range of your router. Try moving it closer, or if your Wi-Fi router is dual-band (most are), try connecting to the 2.4 GHz band, which offers better connectivity over longer distances.
If your Tablo is close to your router, use the 5 GHz band, which is excellent over short distances. Fewer devices use it, so your Tablo's connection will run into less interference.
Don't place your Tablo directly adjacent to the router, however, as it can cause interference.
If you can't log in to your Wi-Fi network:
Verify your Wi-Fi router's name (SSID) and password.
When you enter the Wi-Fi password in the Tablo app, click the eye icon on the right side of the text box to reveal what you're typing. This will allow you to ensure your password was entered correctly.
If you have a hidden Wi-Fi network, there are specific instructions here.
If the Tablo app does not proceed from the "Wi-Fi Setup Complete" screen after several minutes:
Try closing and re-opening the Tablo app. The setup process may have completed while the screen was stuck.
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If nothing else works:
Try rebooting your Tablo. Quickly press and release your Tablo's reset button on the bottom of the unit. The LED will pulse very quickly. Once the blinks slow, you'll be ready to try setting up your Wi-Fi connection again.
DO NOT hold down the reset button for more than a second or two. Holding it for too long will force the Tablo to Factory Reset. Only Factory Reset if you're comfortable starting from scratch with no recordings.
Beyond this, the issue may be with your router. Try disconnecting its power, waiting three minutes, then plugging it back in. If that fails, contact your ISP or the router's manufacturer for additional assistance.