How to Setup Netgear WiFi Extender?
Netgear’s Wi-Fi Extender is one of the best solutions to improve your router’s wifi coverage in your home.
The extender solves your connection problems by connecting to your current Wi-Fi network and expanding its coverage.
There are two ways you can install this wifi extender in your home. You can use the Netgear Nighthawk app or set up the extender manually.
Netgear WiFi Extender Setup with Netgear Nighthawk app
Netgear WiFi Extender Setup
The Nighthawk app is designed to help users quickly install their router and Wi-Fi extenders.
Users can access the extender to make changes and configure its settings without a hassle on the app.
It’s available on Android and iOS mobile operating systems and only works with several newer router versions.
To install your extender with the app, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Download the Netgear Nighthawk app from the App Store or Google Store.
2. Connect your extender to a power outlet in the same room as your Wi-Fi router.
3. Power on the extender and ensure its power LED turns green. Move it closer to the router if it doesn’t turn green or amber.
4. Connect the extender to the existing wifi network using WPS. If the router-extender connection is good, the Link LED should be light blue or white. If it turns red, try moving the extender closer to the router. During this step, you should also choose which Wi-Fi band (2.5GHz or 5GHz) the extender should connect to.
5. Open settings on your mobile device, go to Wifi Networks and Connect to the extender’s Wi-Fi network. It usually doesn’t have a password, and the SSID name is most likely NETGEAR_EXT. Note: for some extender networks, the SSID and password will be similar to the router’s.
6. Return to your Nighthawk App, use the instructions displayed to complete installation and use the Netgear extender to access the internet.
7. Once the extender is fully set up, you can move it to the area in your home with the poor network. If you receive no connections, move it closer to the router and watch for the blue or white Link LED light.
If you want to check the status of your extender, you can always find it on your Nighthawk app. You can customize its name on the app to avoid confusing it with the router settings.
Manual Netgear WiFi Extender Setup
netgear wifi extender set-up diagram
While the Nighthawk app makes installing the Netgear extender easy, it’s incompatible with all routers.
If your router happens to be incompatible with the app, don’t worry. Installing the extender manually is still fast and easy.
Here’s how to go about it.
- Plug the extender into a power outlet and turn it on. The power LED light should light green. If not, retry by pressing the on/off button.
- Connect the extender to the router’s Wi-Fi network by pressing the WPS button on both the extender and router. When the connection between the devices is good, the WPS LED will turn green.
- Use your phone or computer to connect to the extender’s default Wi-Fi network. The SSID name is usually NETGEAR_EXT and the password can be ‘password’. The network might also have no password.
- Open your browser on your preferred device and look for the mywifiext login page.
- If you don’t have an account, set one up, then click ‘New Extender Setup. ‘ Read the terms and conditions, and if you agree, choose your admin credentials.
- Select a unique password for the account and set up two recovery security questions. If you already have an account, enter your login details, then select the network you’d like to extend.
- Change the security settings for the extender, i.e., network band 2.4GHz or 5GHz, then tap Continue.
- Enter the password and SSID names for your network. The default password will usually be similar to your existing network’s. The default SSID name will also be different for each network band. For instance, _2gext and _5gext are used for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, respectively.
- Click Continue and give your extender time (a few minutes) for the settings to apply, then click Finish to complete the process.
Now, move your extender to any room and connect your device to its Wi-Fi. Test it in rooms with poor connections to see your new Wi-Fi coverage.
Besides the above two methods, you can also use an ethernet cable to connect your Netgear Wi-Fi extender to your router. Most of the setup steps will be similar!
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