As you know that Virgin Media hub is an extra-ordinary device. You can transform it as in the Modem mode as well as in the router mode. You can change it through the web-interface on your computer. Here, we will walk you through the process to change the hub’s feature into modem mode. But first, let’s learn what is modem mode and why you need it.

Virgin Modem Mode and Its Need

The Virgin Media router Hub is a decent all-in-one device. But if you're someone who wants more control over their network like gaming without lag, streaming without buffering, or using a powerful mesh Wi-Fi setup then the Hub’s built-in router might be holding you back.

Modem Mode essentially disables the router functions on the Virgin Hub and turns it into a pure modem. That means you can plug in your own router, giving you full control over your network better range, more speed, custom settings... you name it.

Here are a few situations where enabling Modem Mode makes sense:

1. You’ve bought a more powerful router and want it to handle all Wi-Fi and network tasks.

2. You're setting up a mesh system for full-home coverage.

3. You want advanced features like parental controls, VPN setup, or port forwarding that the Virgin Hub just doesn’t offer.

4. You’re experiencing performance issues or signal drops and want more stability.

How to Activate Modem Mode on the Virgin Hub?

Check What Hub Model You Have

Virgin Media has rolled out a few different versions Hub 3, Hub 4, and Hub 5 being the most common. The steps are more or less the same across all of them, but it’s good to know your model. Usually, it’s printed on the sticker at the back of your Hub.

Connect to the Hub

Connect a device (laptop or desktop) directly to the Virgin Hub via Ethernet cable. Yes, Wi-Fi can work too, but Ethernet is more reliable for making changes to the router.

Open your browser and type: 192.168.0.1. Hit Enter. You should see the login page of your Virgin Hub.

Log Into Interface

You’ll be asked to enter the password, which is NOT your Wi-Fi password. It’s a separate password printed on the sticker on the back or bottom of the Hub usually labeled as “Settings Password.”

Once logged in, you’ll be in the main settings dashboard.

Enable Modem Mode

This part is straightforward:

1. Go to Advanced Settings

2. Navigate to Modem Mode

3. Toggle the setting to Enable Modem Mode

4. Click Apply

The Hub will now reboot. It might take 2–3 minutes to power back up.

Connect Your Own Router

Once the Hub restarts, it will stop broadcasting Wi-Fi. The Hub's lights will change too on most models; the LED will turn purple in Modem Mode.

Now plug an Ethernet cable from Port 1 on the back of the Hub directly into the WAN or Internet port on your new router.

Power up your router, follow its setup instructions, and you’re running your own custom network on Virgin’s broadband.

Expectations After Switching to Modem Mode

Once you make the switch, a few things will change some for the better, and a few you should be aware of:

1. No Wi-Fi from the Virgin Hub: That’s expected. Your new router will handle all wireless connections.

2. Faster speeds and lower latency: Most third-party routers offer better performance than ISP-supplied gear.

3. Custom control: Set up guest networks, assign static IPs, tweak QoS—do whatever your router allows.

4. Tech Support Limitations: Virgin Media hub 5 may not offer full tech support once you’re running in Modem Mode. They’ll tell you to switch back to router mode if there are issues. Fair warning.

Avoid These Mistakes

1. Don’t skip the Ethernet step: Always connect your new router through Port 1 of the Hub when in Modem Mode.

2. Restart both devices: After enabling Modem Mode and plugging in your router, power cycle both the Hub and the new router.

3. Keep your settings password safe: You’ll need it again if you ever want to switch back.

4. Update firmware on your new router: Make sure it's running the latest version for maximum performance and security.

5. Label your equipment: If you're not the only one in the house, labeling cables and ports avoids a lot of confusion.

How to Disable Modem Mode?

If you want to switch back to using the Virgin Hub’s Wi-Fi and routing features, here’s how:

1. Unplug your third-party router.

2. Connect your laptop via Ethernet to the Hub.

3. Visit 192.168.100.1 this time (Modem Mode uses a different IP).

4. Log in using the same settings password.

5. Go to Advanced Settings > Modem Mode, and select Disable.

6. Click Apply and wait for the reboot.

Now your Virgin Hub is back in full router mode.

The Conclusion

We hope this post helped you to make changes in the Virgin Media WiFi hub modes via its interface on your computer.