---
title: "Setting up a Telstra Smart Modem"
description: "How to factory reset and connect a Telstra Smart Modem to your Lightning IP nbn service, and how to use bridge mode."
url: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/help/internet/setup-telstra-smart-modem"
canonical: "https://dev.www.lightningip.com.au/help/internet/setup-telstra-smart-modem"
updated: "2026-09-29"
---

# Setting up a Telstra Smart Modem

How to factory reset and connect a Telstra Smart Modem to your Lightning IP nbn service, and how to use bridge mode.

Telstra Smart Modems work with Lightning IP in their default settings. Once the modem is back to factory settings, it connects to our network automatically, so there's nothing to type in.

We recommend factory resetting your Telstra Smart Modem before you connect it. This clears any Telstra-specific settings and puts it back into the default state that works on our network.

## What won't work on our network

Your Smart Modem will give you internet and Wi-Fi, but some Telstra features rely on a Telstra service and won't work once you've switched:

- **4G or mobile backup** - This uses a Telstra SIM and service.
- **Telstra home phone** - Phones plugged into the modem won't work. If you have a Lightning IP phone service, get in touch and we'll let you know what's needed.

## Factory resetting your Smart Modem

1. **Leave it switched on** - Keep the modem powered on.
2. **Press and hold Reset** - Using a paper clip, press and hold the small **Reset** button on the back (marked **R** on the Smart Modem 4) for 5 to 10 seconds, until the lights change.
3. **Wait for it to restart** - Leave it for a few minutes while it restarts with factory settings.

## Setting up on FTTN or FTTB

All Telstra Smart Modems, including the Smart Modem 4, have a **DSL** port for FTTN and FTTB.

1. **Factory reset the modem** - Follow the steps above.
2. **Connect to the phone socket** - Plug the phone cable into the grey **DSL** port on the modem and the other end into your wall phone socket. Don't use any line filters or splitters.
3. **Power on and wait** - Switch the modem on and allow up to 15 minutes for it to connect. It may restart itself during this time; that's normal.
4. **Connect your devices** - Join the Wi-Fi using the name and password on the label on the modem.

## Setting up on FTTP, HFC, FTTC or Fixed Wireless

1. **Factory reset the modem** - Follow the steps above.
2. **Connect to your nbn equipment** - Run an ethernet cable from the modem's **WAN** port (red on most Smart Modems, and marked **W** on the Smart Modem 4) to your nbn equipment: port **UNI-D1** on an FTTP or Fixed Wireless Connection Box, the ethernet port on an HFC Connection Box, or the port labelled **Gateway** on an FTTC Connection Device.
3. **Power on and wait** - Switch the modem on and allow up to 15 minutes for it to connect.
4. **Connect your devices** - Join the Wi-Fi using the name and password on the label on the modem.

## Logging in to your Smart Modem

You only need to log in if you want to change settings, such as your Wi-Fi name or bridge mode.

1. **Open the setup page** - While connected to the modem, go to **http://mymodem** or **192.168.0.1** in a web browser.
2. **Sign in** - Enter **admin** as the username. On the Smart Modem Gen 3 and Gen 4, the password is the Wi-Fi password on the label. On the Gen 2 and Gen 1.1, it's **Telstra**.

## Using bridge mode with your own router (FTTN and FTTB)

On FTTN or FTTB you can set the Smart Modem to bridge mode, so it acts only as a VDSL modem and your own router or mesh system handles the connection and Wi-Fi.

Bridge mode is only needed on FTTN and FTTB. On other technologies, plug your own router straight into the nbn equipment instead.

The bridge mode setting is in a different place depending on your model:

| Model | Where to find bridge mode |
|---|---|
| Smart Modem 4 | **Access Control** > **Bridge Mode**, turn **Enable** on, then choose **Apply** |
| Smart Modem Gen 3 | **Local Network** > **LAN**, set **Network mode** to **Bridge Modem**, then select **Enable** |
| Smart Modem Gen 2 and older | **Advanced** > **Local Network**, choose **Bridged Mode**, then accept the pop-up |
| LH1000 | **Internet** > **WAN Services**, choose **Bridged Mode**, then accept the pop-up |

1. **Connect with a cable and log in** - Make sure the modem is online, plug a computer into a LAN port and log in as described above.
2. **Turn off Wi-Fi** - Turn off the modem's Wi-Fi first, so devices don't try to connect to it once it's bridged.
3. **Turn on bridge mode** - Use the setting for your model shown in the table above.
4. **Wait for the restart** - The modem will restart in bridge mode.
5. **Connect your router** - Run an ethernet cable from a LAN port on the Smart Modem to the WAN (internet) port on your own router.
6. **Set up your router** - Set your router's internet connection type to **Dynamic IP** with VLAN turned off.

The easiest way to turn bridge mode off again is a factory reset, which clears all settings.

## If it doesn't connect

- **DSL light flashing or off (FTTN/FTTB)** - Check the phone cable, remove any filters or splitters, and try another phone socket.
- **No internet after 15 minutes** - Factory reset the modem again and leave it to connect without changing any settings.
- **Still no luck** - Restart the modem properly and follow our no internet connection troubleshooting guide, or get in touch.