How to Reset Wi-Fi Extender to New Router

And get a stronger wireless signal

By Cameron Thomas Eittreim
Updated on February 7, 2022

What to Know

  • To reset and connect a Wi-Fi Extender to a new router, unplug the Wi-Fi Extender from the wall.
  • Turn off the existing router and plug set the new router up.
  • Plug the Wi-Fi extender back into the wall and press the WPS button on the Wi-Fi extender and the router.

This article explains how to reset a Wi-Fi extender and connect it to a new router to improve the signal strength in some regions of your home.

Why Do Wi-Fi Extenders Stop Working?

A Wi-Fi extender can stop working for many reasons. While these aren't all the reasons it could stop working, some examples are: the primary connection is no longer available, a hardware malfunction, or a different security credential being in place. These are the steps to reset a Wi-Fi Extender if it stops working.

The easiest way to tell if a Wi-Fi Extender needs replacing is if the unit no longer lights up or broadcasts a signal.

  1. Check the Wi-Fi Extender is still connected to the router.

  2. There should be two additional wireless networks broadcast from the Wi-Fi Extender. Both networks should have an “EXT” at the end of the network name. There will be a 5GHZ and a 2GHZ network.

    Wi-Fi Extension network in Windows networks

  3. Click Properties on the wireless network.

    Properties in the wireless networks in Windows taskbar

  4. Check the network is connected, and is sending and receiving data.

    Connected and secured in Windows Network and Internet settings

  5. If the network is not connected, check the physical Wi-Fi Extender unit.

  6. Ensure the data lights are flashing green.

  7. Check the wireless signal strength light on the front of the device.

  8. If the Wi-Fi Extender is black or amber, it has lost the connection to the router.

  9. Press the WPS button on your router usually located at the top.

  10. Press the WPS button on the Wi-Fi extender.

  11. The connection will be re-established.

Do Wi-Fi Extenders Need Replacing?

Wi-Fi Extenders generally do not need to be replaced often, as these devices do not broadcast the internet signal independently. Instead, the Wi-Fi extender is a mirror of an existing connection, and thus these devices have a shelf life of about three to four years between new technology.

Taking any longer than four years to replace a Wi-Fi Extender could mean you are missing out on new advances in broadband technology. A good quality Wi-Fi Extender should give you a comfortable three to four years of usage before it needs replacing.

Because Wi-Fi Extenders are plugged directly into power outlets, they are vulnerable to power surges that can shorten these devices' working life.

Although a Wi-Fi Extender is not often in need of replacing, you can tell when it does need replacing. Some symptoms you might experience are downloads not going as smoothly as before, and if you are streaming content, you will notice constant buffering.

Can Wi-Fi Extenders Cause Problems?

A Wi-Fi Extender can cause connectivity issues if the device malfunctions. Here are a few telltale signs that your Wi-Fi Extender is going bad.

  • Having to frequently reconnect: A first sign a Wi-Fi extender is failing is if you lose its signal constantly.
  • Internet speed is slow or inconsistent: Because a Wi-Fi Extender rebroadcasts an existing signal, the internet speed should be pretty good. But if the internet speed is more sluggish than usual, and you have a lot of dropped downloads, this could be a sign that the Wi-Fi Extender is bad.
  • The Wi-Fi Extender won’t turn on at all: The easiest way to tell if the Wi-Fi Extender is causing problems is to see if the unit is powered on. A faulty Wi-Fi Extender will lose power and eventually not power on at all.
FAQ
  • Where should I place my Wi-Fi extender?

    Your extender needs to be close enough to the router to have a strong signal while providing a maximum extended range. Once you've found the best place for your router, place the extender in the center of an area that needs a stronger Wi-Fi connection.

  • How do Wi-Fi extenders work?

    Wi-Fi extenders expand your router's Wi-Fi signal by creating separate networks. That way, you can switch between the router and the extender network, depending on which one is stronger at a given time.

  • How do I reset my router?

    To reset your router, look for a reset button on the bottom or side of the device. You may need to use a paperclip to hold down the button for 30 seconds. When you reset your router, you should also reset your modem.

  • How do I use a router as a Wi-Fi extender?

    To use a router as a Wi-Fi extender, connect it to your main router via Ethernet and place it in AP Mode. To use it as a Wi-Fi repeater without a cable, switch your extra internet router into Repeating Mode.

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