How to Troubleshoot Wi Fi Range Extender Connection Problems Quickly and Effectively

How to install a Wi-Fi range extender

A Wi-Fi extender can boost the Wi-Fi from your existing router. That allows your network to reach places it wasn't able to reach before due to the router's limited reach as well as fix dead or weak spots in your area of covered.

Even if you have one of the best wireless routers or the best Wi-Fi 6 routers money can buy, sometimes you have to deal with its limited range. But, with so many of us now working from home, or just bingeing on Netflix and YouTube because of lockdown restrictions, dead spots are the last thing you want to deal with on top of an overburdened network.

Many people are buying new routers and even expensive mesh networking systems, in order to improve their home Wi-Fi. However, one of the best Wi-Fi extenders can often provide a more affordable and simpler solution.

While it might be a new concept to you, a Wi-Fi range extender can be the right fix to your network blues. And, with our guide below, we can help you install and set it up without frustration.

1. Choosing the right model

The first step when setting up a range extender is simply to decide whether you want to buy a compact model that plugs directly into a mains power socket, or a larger model that will need to sit on a desk or shelf.

The plug-in models are really convenient, although a desktop model may have additional features, such as Ethernet ports, which can come in handy as well. Well go with this RE650 extender from TP-Link, which is a fast and affordable plug-in option for around $120/80/AU$180. However, the set-up process will be similar for desktop models as well.

2. Getting started

Regardless of which room you plan to use it in, youll start the set-up process with the range extender being plugged in and sitting as close as possible to your main router.

Modern routers and range extenders now have a WPS button (Wi-Fi Protected Set-up) that creates a two-minute window in which the two devices can connect to each other without needing your Wi-Fi password.

Thats the quickest option for getting started, but youll still need to use the manufacturers app to complete the initial set-up, so well go through the full process using the app here.

3. Connecting the Wi-Fi range extender

Before you launch the extenders app, just go into the Wi-Fi Settings panel on your smartphone or tablet.

Our normal router is called 0606 Hyperoptic, and you can see that it transmits Wi-Fi on both the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands. You can also see that the range extender is transmitting its own wi-fi signals - again on the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands - called TP-Link_Extender_2.4GHz and TP-Link_Extender_5GHz.

If you used WPS to get started, you may already be connected to the range extender. Alternatively, you can just tap on TP-Link_Extender_2.4GHz to connect your smartphone to the range extender.

4. Dual-band Wi-Fi

Now that weve connected our smartphone to the range extender, we can launch the TP-Link app. Most manufacturers will ask you to enter an email address and password in order to create a private account.

The app will then scan the area and show all the other Wi-Fi networks that it has detected. The app will probably start with the 2.4GHz band, and you can see our 0606 Hyperoptic 2.4GHz router network right at the top of the list. We now need to select the routers 2.4GHz network so that the app can link the router and the range extender together.

5. Merging the Wi-Fi

The app now asks you to enter the password for your routers 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. This allows the range extender to connect its own 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal to the 2.4GHz signal of our main router.

Youll also need to repeat the process for the 5GHz band as well. Once this is done, the range extender is linked to the router on both Wi-Fi bands, and this allows the range extender to act as a kind of relay so that your computers and mobile devices in rooms that normally have poor Wi-Fi can now link to your router via the range extender.

6. Network names

This is where things can get a little confusing. At the start of the set-up process, the range extenders Wi-Fi network was called TP-Link_Extender on both the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands.

But now that the range extender is linked to our router, the app changes the name of the range extender Wi-Fi to use the same name - 0606 Hyperoptic - as our routers Wi-Fi network.

However, it adds EXT on the end - 0606 Hyperoptic 1GB Fibre 5G_EXT - so that you can still tell the range extenders new network apart from the routers normal network.

7. Halfway house

Thats a bit confusing, but the app does allow you to change the name of the range extender network to something thats easier to remember. Lets keep it simple by calling it 'Range Extender 2.4GHz' and 'Range Extender 5.0GHz'.

Just remember, though, that the range extender is still siting right next to our router, so its now time to unplug the range extender and move it further away. You should start by positioning it about halfway between the router and the room or other location that where you need to boost the Wi-Fi signal.

8. Location, Location, Location

Now take a look at the range extenders app. At the moment, weve got the range extender positioned about halfway between our main router and our home office where the Wi-Fi signal tends to be a bit weak.

However, the app is telling us that theres a very good connection between the router and the range extender, so we can still move the range extender further away from the router without losing the connection. The TP-Link app also includes a location assistant feature that can help you to find the best location for the range extender.

9. Moving out of range

If we go back to our smartphones Wi-Fi Settings panel, we can now see that we have two distinct networks - the main router (0606 Hyperoptic) on both 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands, and the Range Extender network, which is also on 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz bands.

If you move into a room that cant pick up the Wi-Fi from the router then you can switch to the Range Extender network to improve reception.

Youve already entered the routers Wi-Fi password into the app, so you dont need to do this again. However, you do still need to select the Range Extender network each time you go back to that room with the dodgy Wi-Fi.

10. Finishing up

Switching between networks isnt too much problem for a single device, such as a laptop that may spend most of its time in a bedroom or office. However, it can be a bit of a chore with smartphones and tablets that move around a lot more.

Some of the more expensive range extenders - such as Netgears new EAX80 model - can eliminate this problem by merging their own Wi-Fi network with the network from your main router.

This is called roaming as it allows you to automatically switch between the router and the range extender, depending on which one is closer and provides the strongest Wi-Fi signal.

Wi-Fi not working? How to fix the most common problems

Wi-Fi problems can strike anyone at any time, no matter how much networking experience you may have. But if youve not come across a particular Wi-Fi issue before, theres no need to worry if you dont know how to fix it. All you need are the right tools and a few tips, and youll be able to solve your Wi-Fi problem in no time.

Whether youre experiencing problems with slow internet, Wi-Fi signal dropping, or you just cant connect to Wi-Fi at all, here are some of the quickest and easiest fixes you can try. Well also cover some advanced advice on more troubling issues that would definitely result in your Wi-Fi not working at all, or at slower speeds.

Basic Wi-Fi troubleshooting checklist

If you have a non-specific problem with your Wi-Fi or dont consider the problem serious enough to investigate more in-depth problems, consider the items on this list as a great way to start fixing your problem.

• Make sure your devices Wi-Fi is on Most laptops have a shortcut key that will turn off their Wi-Fi and it can be easy to press accidentally. Similarly, there is a quick toggle on most phones that will turn off the phones Wi-Fi capabilities.
• Restart your router A quick restart of your router (achieved by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds to 1 minute, and plugging it back in again) can fix many Wi-Fi difficulties.
• Check for an outage Most ISPs will have an outage map available on their website. Try using your phones data to check and see if an outage is reported in your area.

Quick fixes for common problems

Forgot the Wi-Fi password

If you really cant remember your Wi-Fi password, and there are no notes or cards with it written down somewhere, youll have to reset your router. Use a paperclip to press the hidden switch in the pinhole on the back of your router for 30 seconds. It should then default to factory settings.

Use our guide to setting up a wireless routerto get everything properly configured.

Wi-Fi connection lost when logging back into the computer

This problem can crop up on Windows 10 due to an issue with Fast Startup. Fast Startup keeps certain processes running so you can log back in very quickly. However, this can sometimes cause a bug with the wireless driver that prevents it from reconnecting to Wi-Fi properly. In the short term, you can turn off Fast Startup to prevent this problem. Search for Power Options in your Windows 10 or Windows 11 search bar and go to this section of the Control Panel. Select Choose What the Power Button Does on the left-side menu, and then look at the new section Shutdown Settings. Find the option to Turn On Fast Startup and make sure it is deselected.

In the long term, you may need to update the driver for your wireless network adapter to fix any bugs causing this issue. You can follow our guide on how to update Windows 10 drivers for more information.

The network connects, but theres no internet access

It might sound like a tired tip, but try resetting your modem by unplugging it and plugging it back in. If thats no good, you can connect a laptop or desktop to your router with an Ethernet cable (these are the best ones) to see if its the router or your Wi-Fi thats not working. If this works, then your best bet to get Wi-Fi working again is to reset your router. If theres still no internet, though, you may have an outage. Contact your ISP.

Router crashes regularly and only restarting it helps

If your router needs to be restarted regularly, you should give your router a full reset. On most routers, youll find a Reset button that you can hold down with a paperclip. Do so for 30 seconds, and the router should default from factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless routerto get everything properly configured.

If that doesnt work, your router may be on its way out. Your only real option is to return it if it is within its warranty period or to buy a new one.

Slow or no Wi-Fi or internet access in certain rooms

Wi-Fi is made up of radio waves, meaning your Wi-Fi router broadcasts in all directions from a central location. If your router is in a far corner of your house, then youre covering a great deal of the outside world unnecessarily. If you can, move your router to a more centralized location. The closer you can put your router to the center of your coverage area, the better reception will be throughout your home.

If you have external antennas, you can try adjusting those, too. Alternating between fully vertical and fully horizontal positions can help it reach in multiple directions.

If you live in an apartment building, other routers might be interfering with yours. Free software, like NetSpot on Mac, Windows, and Android, or Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android, can show you every wireless network nearby and what channel theyre using. If your router overlaps with nearby networks in particular rooms, consider switching to a less congested channel. If you need help switching, heres our guide on how to change your Wi-Fi channel.

If none of that helps, your home might be too much for one router to handle. Consider purchasing a wireless repeater or setting up an old router to serve as oneto extend the range of your main router. Upgrading to a whole-home mesh wireless system can also help with dead spots in certain areas of your home. Either way, it might be time to go and buy a new router.

Slow internet everywhere

If your Wi-Fi speed is slow no matter where you are, try plugging a laptop into your router directly and test your internet speed using one of the best internet speed tests. If speeds are still down, the problem is likely with your internet connection, not your router. Try some of these ways to improve your internet speed and contact your ISP.

If thats not the issue, it could be that your current wireless channel is overcrowded by your devices or by those of other nearby networks. Consider changing the channel on your router in your router settings, by accessing the admin settings.

If that doesnt help, performing a factory reset on your router and setting it up again may help. On most routers, theres a Reset button that you can hold down with a paperclip. Do so for 30 seconds, and the router should default to factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless routerto get everything properly configured, and see if that helps.

If none of that works and your internet is fine on a wired connection, your router might be dying. Consider buying a new one:Here are the best routers weve reviewed and why theyre great picks. If the router seems fine, then it might instead be your modem, which could suffer connectivity issues if its on its way out, too. If youre looking to upgrade your modem as a fix, we also have a guide on some of the top modem-router combos. Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router can also help ease issues with congestion and support faster speeds, provided that your broadband plan is capable of these boosted speeds.

One device cant connect to the Wi-Fi

Sometimes you run into a Wi-Fi issue with one particular device. Its probably just a momentary network issue, which is an easy fix. Try turning off the Wi-Fi on your device, then re-enabling it or unplugging and replugging your Wi-Fi dongle. If that doesnt work, restart the device and try again. Then try restarting the router itself.

If that doesnt help, or if the problem reoccurs, consider deleting your current network from the list of saved networks on your device, then reconnect again.

If youre running Windows 10 or 11, search for wifi troubleshooting and open the result, which should be Identify and Repair Network Issues. That will go through a series of diagnostics that may restore connectivity. On MacOS, you can run Wireless Diagnostics. Hold the Options key and click the AirPort (Wi-Fi) icon on the menu bar. Find Open Wireless Diagnostics,and then follow the on-screen instructions.

Nothing can connect to Wi-Fi

If you cant connect to your Wi-Fi at all, plug your laptop into the router directly using an Ethernet cable, and see if you can connect that way. The particular type of Ethernet cable doesnt matter, but there are some Ethernet cables that are better than others. If that works, your Wi-Fi is the problem and you should try some of the other fixes listed here. If it doesnt work, then your internet may be down altogether. Check your ISPs webpage and social accounts, or give them a call to see if they are reporting problems. Sometimes providers can be a little slow to note issues, so you can also check with a monitoring site like Downdetectorand see if other users in your region are reporting problems.

Resetting your router can fix a myriad of issues, too, and an inability to connect is one of them. Press the Resetbutton on the back of the router with a paperclip for 30 seconds, and the router should default to factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless routerto get everything properly configured.

If thats no use, you may need to consider buying a new router.

Connections drop at random times

Is there some sort of pattern? Do connections drop whenever you use the microwave? Have you just installed a fish tank? It may sound weird, but some routers have trouble with these and other home hardware. The 2.5GHz band is readily interfered with by other devices, and 5GHz and 6GHz are notorious for being interrupted by physical objects. It could also be that youre experiencing interference from other networks or devices. If your neighbors are heavy Wi-Fi users at a particular time each day, this could be slowing you down.

Changing your routers channel might help. You can use NetSpot on Mac and Windows and Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android to show you every wireless network nearby. If yours overlaps with nearby networks, switching to a less congested channel in your router settings can help. We have a guide that will walk you through changing the channel on your router.

You can also try moving your router to a more accessible location so that theres less distance (and interfering devices) between you and the router.

If that doesnt work, try performing a factory reset on your router by pressing a paperclip into the miniature hole on it and following the reset steps as outlined in your manual.

Wi-Fi network disappears entirely

If you lose track of your Wi-Fi network on any device, its possible that your router reset itself. Do you see an unprotected network named after your brand of router? That might be yours. Connect a laptop or desktop to it via an Ethernet cable, then use our guide to setting up a wireless routerto get everything properly configured again.

If you dont see such a network, plug your laptop into the router with an Ethernet cable, and see if you get a connection. Use our guide to finding your routers IP address and login information for more help. Also, if you dont have a cable, check out our guide on how to choose the right Ethernet cable.

Unknown devices on my Wi-Fi network

Log into your Wi-Fi app or administrator settings (which you can find by searching your IP address on your browser). Look for a list of currently connected devices and pinpoint the ones you dont recognize.

First, make sure these dont represent connections you didnt realize you had each smart device will have its own connection, for example, and they can have some strange titles if you didnt name them. Game consoles and TVs may also be connected, and if youve had friends and family over recently they may have connected with unfamiliar devices.

If youve ruled out all familiar devices and theres still a connection or two you dont recognize, its possible someone else is hijacking your Wi-Fi network. In this case, look in your settings for an option to block these devices on your Wi-Fi and ban their MAC addresses, if possible. Then change your Wi-Fi password, and reboot your router. This may not stop especially determined hackers, but its usually enough to kick unwanted guests off your network.

If you want to take more drastic action, here are some steps for how to deal with someone stealing your Wi-Fi.

A recent update broke Wi-Fi

This can happen with some operating system updates. Windows 10 updates in mid-2020 had bugs that stopped some users from connecting to their Wi-Fi networks or even seeing a Wi-Fi connection at all. Similar updates to iOS, Android, and other platforms also have created bugs in the past that disrupt Wi-Fi connections.

When something like this happens, its best to wait for a patch that fixes the problem. In the meantime, remove the update and roll back your system to an earlier version to help get your online connectivity back.

While routers can last for years without needing a replacement, keep in mind that some problems can develop with age a router may start lacking support for new device updates and similar issues that prevent it from working properly (as seen when Apple discontinued the AirPort Extreme, for example). Thats a sign that its time to look for a new router.

The satellite routers on my mesh network arent connecting

Make sure that your satellite devices are powered up and turned on. If they are, try unplugging and replugging the problematic device and see if it will connect to your network then. If your router app allows you to restart a Wi-Fi point (Googles Home app, for example, allows this), then reboot that point and see if this helps, too.

Google also allows you to run a test to make sure the network is set up properly. You can find Wifi points on the Home app, under Test mesh. If the test comes back with a weak or failed connection, you should try repositioning your satellite routers to be closer to your primary router. This also is a good tactic for any mesh system that keeps dropping its satellite points they could be too far away from the primary point.

You can also double-check to make sure that your satellite router devices have a different SSID than your primary router. If they were accidentally all assigned the same SSID, then the mesh network may not be able to coordinate properly.

If your router still seems unable to connect, then make sure that nothing significant has changed for your network settings. For example, if your ISP WAN (wide-area network) type changed for some reason, you may have to go back into the settings for the router and make sure that the right WAN setting is chosen.

There are additional special cases where certain Wi-Fi technology can interfere with mesh networks, so its also a good idea to contact router support directly and explain your situation if nothing is working.

My smart device isnt connecting to Wi-Fi

First, make sure that your smart device and your router are both updated. Then try resetting your routerand rebooting your smart device. You can either unplug and plug in the smart device or check its app for a reboot option the Google Home app, for example, has a Reboot tool under each device section that you can use.

If the device still isnt connecting properly, try moving it next to the router and seeing if it connects then distance and interference can make a difference, especially for smaller smart devices. You should also double-check to make sure that your smart device doesnt need a Zigbee hub to operate, which is more common among older smart devices but a problem that still occasionally crops up.

If your smart device keeps dropping a Wi-Fi signal, especially during busy times of the day, check to see if your router supports automatic band switching for devices. If it does, try turning this feature off. Sometimes a router will try to switch a smart device to a different band, but the device isnt ready for that, causing it to lose a connection. There may also be issues with connecting to a mesh router, and you may have to be very specific about your network connection to make smart devices work.

Its also a good idea to check if your particular device is suffering from temporary bugs that make connecting to Wi-Fi difficult or impossible. Nest minis and HomePod minis have both encountered such errors in the past. In these cases, a fix is usually patched in before too long, so keep making sure that your device is updated. Sometimes operating system updates, like a new iOS patch, also can affect smart device performance.

There are a number of other router settings that may block smart devices, but they are manufacturer dependent. If you cant find whats wrong, contact your router manufacturers support and explain that you think your router is having trouble connecting.

My console cant connect to Wi-Fi

Check social media and Downdetector to make sure nothing is wrong with your gaming platform sometimes your Xbox or PlayStation can get online just fine, but Xbox Live or Playstation Network is down for any number of reasons, but theyre typically back up again after a short period.

If everything looks all right there, reboot both your router and your game console and see if they can successfully connect. This is also a good time to test your internet connection. Major systems like Xbox and PlayStation have an option in their Settings menu to test your internet connection. On PlayStation, head to Settings, then Network, then select Test Internet Connection. On Xbox, go to Profile & System, select Settings, and in the General section, select Network Settings, where you will find an option to Test Network Speed & Statistics. This can provide more information about whats going wrong and even tips on what you may need to change.

If your console and router seem to be acting properly but Wi-Fi keeps dropping, you may want to try moving the two devices closer to each other to see if the Wi-Fi signal improves. Try to remove any material or objects between the console and router: Placing both in a high, clear location often brings the best results. You can also try reducing the number of other devices on the network, especially if theyre streaming.

Cant connect to wireless printer

First, make sure you are trying to connect to your Wi-Fi and not via Wi-Fi Direct they are two different technologies. We also highly suggest the traditional routine of turning everything off and back on again, especially if your printer has connected to Wi-Fi successfully in the past. If your printer is far away from your router and keeps running into Wi-Fi errors, try moving it to a closer position.

If it looks like your printer is connected to Wi-Fi but you cant get it to work, head into your printer settings on your computer and make sure the correct default printer is selected. Microsoft also has some troubleshooters you can runto see if they pick up on anything obviously awry.

Its also a good idea to check your router security, firewalls, and VPN security to see if any of them are identifying the printer as a strange device and refusing a wireless connection. You may need to disable certain firewalls or reconfigure security protocols to use your printer successfully. When all else fails, uninstall your printer drivers and reinstall the more recent versions to see if this makes a difference.

And if your printer isnt wirelessly enabled, consider upgrading to one that is. We have some recommendations for the best printers, laser printers, and multifunction printersthat can be used wirelessly and connect to your home network.

Cant connect to a guest Wi-Fi network that I set up

Guest Wi-Fi networks allow you to share your Wi-Fi with others in a secure way that helps prevent security issues. Youve probably seen it on business routers, but it can be set up on home routers, too. If someone is having trouble connecting to the guest network but otherwise the Wi-Fi seems to be working, there are a few things you can try.

First, if you just set up your guest network, wait a few minutes. It may take a little time for the network to show up. If the guest network is visible, take a minute to head into your router app and check settings. Settings like Public Wi-Fi Active and Allow Guests to Access My Local Network should always be enabled. If its still not working, reset your router and try again.

Keep in mind, some guest networks have a stricter limit on how many devices can use them. If you have over a dozen people already on the guest network, others may not be able to log on.

Wi-Fi 6 or 6E isnt working, even with a Wi-Fi 6 router

Wi-Fi 6 offers a host of improvements from older Wi-Fi standards, including improved performance, less latency, and better security. But if you dont think youre getting Wi-Fi 6 features from a router that supports it, something could be wrong with your setup.

Do you have any extenders on your network? If those arent compatible with Wi-Fi 6, you wont be able to enjoy Wi-Fi 6 speed and features. If your device has picked up the signal from an extender, Wi-Fi 6 benefits may not be making the trip.

Additionally, most devices will need at least partial support for Wi-Fi 6 features to be able to use them. Devices that are several years old may not be compatible with any Wi-Fi 6 changes. That includes your phone and laptop, as well as smart devices that you might be using.

Even desktop computers may struggle with this. Internal Wi-Fi adapters may struggle to pick up on Wi-Fi 6 benefits when you switch to a new router, even if they are technically compatible. You should update your Wi-Fi drivers to fix any potential issues.

Cant find a router with Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 is the next generation of wireless technology, and its technical name is 802.11be. Its the successor to existing Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers, and will offer much greater performance, with up to 36 Gbps data transfer rates thats more than three times faster than Wi-Fi 6 speeds. It also lets devices use multiple frequencies simultaneously to better utilize available network bandwidth.

The only downside to this is that Wi-Fi 7 routers arent yet available at competitive prices. There are some Wi-Fi 7 routers, like the impressive TP-Link Deco BE85, but thats a $1,500 mesh router system and complete overkill for just about anyone.

You can expect to see more Wi-Fi 7 routers with more approachable price tags in the coming months.

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