Quick Reference
- Reset the router
- Connect Laptop / Desktop to the TP_Extender network
- http://tplinkrepeater.net
- Enter New Password
- Connect to existing network and Save.
General Steps (most common methods):
- Placement: Plug in your TP-Link extender in the same room as your new router, or very close to it, for initial setup. You can move it later.
- Reset (Optional but Recommended): If the extender was previously set up with another network, or if you’re having trouble, it’s a good idea to perform a factory reset.
- Look for a small pinhole reset button on the extender (often on the bottom or side).
- With the extender plugged in, use a paperclip or pin to press and hold the reset button for about 5-10 seconds until the lights flicker or change.
- Release the button and wait for the extender to reboot.
- Choose a Setup Method: TP-Link range extenders typically offer a few ways to set them up:
- Method 1: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) – Easiest for many
- On your new router: Find the WPS button (it often has two arrows chasing each other, like a refresh symbol). Press it for a second or two. The WPS light on the router might start blinking.
- On your TP-Link extender: Within two minutes of pressing WPS on the router, press the WPS button on your TP-Link extender. (On the model shown, it’s likely the button near the bottom with the Wi-Fi signal icon, or it might be a dedicated WPS button if present).
- Wait: The extender’s Wi-Fi signal light should turn solid, indicating a successful connection.
- Method 2: Via a Web Browser (for more control or if WPS fails)
- Connect to the Extender’s Wi-Fi: On a computer or smartphone, scan for Wi-Fi networks. You should see a new Wi-Fi network broadcast by the extender, often named something like “TP-Link_Extender” or “TP-Link_Extender_XXXX” (where XXXX are the last four digits of its MAC address). Connect to this network. There’s usually no password initially.
- Access the Web Management Page: Open a web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and type one of the following addresses into the address bar and press Enter:
http://tplinkrepeater.net
http://tplinkextender.net
http://192.168.0.254
(This is a common default IP for TP-Link devices, but it might vary after a reset).
- Login: You’ll be prompted to create a new login password for the extender. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Quick Setup Wizard: Once logged in, the Quick Setup Wizard should start automatically.
- It will scan for available Wi-Fi networks.
- Select your new router’s Wi-Fi network (SSID) from the list.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password (security key) for your new router’s network.
- You may be given options to keep the extended network’s name the same or create a new one. It’s usually best to keep it the same for seamless roaming, but you can change it if you prefer.
- Follow the remaining prompts to complete the setup.
- Relocate and Verify: Once the setup is complete, you can unplug the extender and move it to an optimal location (halfway between your router and the area with weak Wi-Fi). Check the signal strength indicators on the extender (the Wi-Fi icon on the device, or often the 5G and 2.4G lights) to ensure it has a good connection to your router.
- Method 1: WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) – Easiest for many
Important Notes for the specific model shown (with 5G and 2.4G lights):
- This extender supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. During setup (especially via web browser), you might be asked which band you want to extend, or it might extend both.
- The lights on the device (5G, 2.4G, Wi-Fi signal, power) will give you visual cues about its status. Pay attention to them during setup. A solid Wi-Fi signal light generally means it’s successfully connected to the router.