A WiFi extender, also known as a range extender, is a relay that receives wireless wi-fi signals from the access point or main router and transmits them to the endpoint users. As seen with other electronic devices, troubleshooting is required once it stops functioning as it should.
Although you’ll want to troubleshoot your extender for a wealth of reasons, the most common is connectivity. When your extender fails to work as it should, you may want to reset and notice if the issue disappears, but you don’t know where or how to begin. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of how to reset a WiFi extender the right way.
A Step-by-Step Process of How to Reset a WiFi Range Extender
To get started, follow the steps below.
1. Check all Cables
Old ethernet cables or a loose connection might not function as they should, so keep your eyes peeled for wires that are not plugged in or loose. You also want to check for the stability of the green lights. Blinking lights imply a problem. Additionally, check the power outlet, switch to another one, and observe if the extender setup functions as it should.
2. Make Sure You Have Stable Wireless Connectivity
Most times, the internet connectivity is the culprit while you assume that your WiFi extender is the issue. To resolve the problem quickly, reach out to the customer support of your network provider. That will save you the hassle of troubleshooting your extender. The team will provide technical support and aid in resolving any network-related problems relating to your connection.
3. Run a Power Cycle
Doing so for most electronics is effective in resolving minor problems. For that reason, customer care agents instruct users to turn off their extender and wait for up to 30 seconds before restarting it. While the generic response can be somewhat infuriating, it allows the extender to run a full power cycle and reset minor problems that were deterring it from working as it should.
To run a full power cycle, switch off the power outlet and remove the power cord. Ensure all lights are turned off and wait for up to 2 minutes of idling to allow the extender to consume all the power it has. Turn on the extender and wait until all the lights become green. Sometimes you might need to run the power cycle for the second time, which implies repeating the process. If you notice that your extender fails to function after the second cycle, it might be due for a replacement. That’s one of the tell-tale signs of an old extender.
4. Default IP Address
To reset your extender, you must know the default IP address associated with your model. By knowing the address, you can access the firmware and do a reset or adjust other admin settings. You’ll find the IP address in the user manual of your extender. Alternatively, you can check for the address on the manufacturer’s website. If you don’t find the IP address for your specific model, reach out to a customer support agent. Once you have it, open a new tab in your web browser and type it, followed by the password, and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. Update the Firmware
It’s the software embedded in your WiFi extender that allows it to function as it should. At times, you’ll need to update the firmware to elevate efficiency and functionality. You can check the latest status of your device once you log in via the respective IP address and administrator password. If you’re using an older model, it may require a firmware update. However, if you purchased the extender recently, no update is required. If you suspect a firmware problem is hindering your device from operating normally, reach out to customer support.
6. Reset the Extender Online
Head over to mywifiext.net to change the WiFi network name, reset your extender, and adjust other wireless network settings accordingly. Resetting your device virtually is referred to as a soft reset. The best part is that you can save the settings and access them when need be.
Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that a hard extender reset lacks this option. To access it, type mywifiext.net in the address bar of your browser and log in with the default username and password of your extender. Most devices use ‘admin’ as the default login credentials. The setup page will pop up and walk you through the step-by-step process. While most people find it user-friendly, if you’re not tech-savvy, you can choose the easy hard reset.
7. Factory Reset
We recommend a factory reset only when you don’t have the IP address, password, and username of your extender. You’ll notice a reset button labelled as such in the device that will allow you to perform a hard reset. Each extender and wireless router from all manufacturers have this button. You may require a sharp object to long-press the button for up to 15 seconds.
Remember to conduct the hard reset when the device is on. The lights will go off and on when the extender is rebooting, then the factory default settings will restore factory defaults. Next, repeat the setup process to reconfigure your extender. The reset process is a lifesaver when you want to connect another wi-fi router to your extender or switch to another wi-fi network.
Regardless of whether you opt for a hard or soft reset, both are equally effective. Nonetheless, a hard reset is more straightforward. It entails one press of a button and completion of the setup process to use the extender. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that you’ll erase all wireless settings and network data ranging from the username to the password, among other technical information.
Conclusion
Resetting the extender is the last resort when other troubleshooting methods prove futile. While you may realize a reset isn’t necessary, if it is, you now know how to reset a WiFi extender the right way and get your device up and running as it should.
