There are many reasons for the question, “why can’t I get internet through my extender”. It’s important to note that the Wi-Fi extender acts as an exchanger between the Wi-Fi router and a Wi-Fi device that is placed out of the range of a Wi-Fi router’s signal.
The Wi-Fi extender has to connect to an existing Wi-Fi network and helps draw an internet connection nearer to the Wi-Fi device just like a wireless access point.
Quick Fixes to Wi-Fi Can’t Internet Through Extender:
1. Come closer to the router
You may not get internet access through your extender if you’re staying far from the extender. The nearer you are to the extender, the stronger the signal will your device get to connect to the internet.
1. Building structure may affect your Wi-Fi router signal
The building structure can hamper the signal strength or connectivity of the Wi-Fi extender. If the Wi-Fi cables are drawn through walls and floors, it affects its signal range and strength. Changing the location of your Wi-Fi router can solve the issue.
1. Reposition or Fix Wi-Fi extenders in your building
If your building structure won’t permit easy repositioning of the Wi-Fi device, then get a Wi-Fi extender to extend the signal range. With the extender, your Wi-Fi will have longer-range coverage for the building.
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Also, note that the SSID name of the Wi-Fi extender will not change, it’s the same with the router. For instance, if your router name is “Kim”, your extender SSID name will be “KimExt”. With this, if you can’t easily connect to the Wi-Fi device, then you can connect to the Wi-Fi extender with the SSID name.
Why Can’t I Get Internet Through My Extender: some factors to consider
So, here are other reasons why your Wi-Fi extender cannot connect to the internet:
- Your area’s internet connectivity is not working properly.
- Your extender range is not nearer to the router.
- The Wi-Fi extender is not properly configured to receive signals from the router.
- The extender range may not be fitted correctly or is not receiving proper electrical power. Check if the power outlet connected to the extender is supplying enough current to power the extender.
- The router may have failed to allocate an accurate IP address to the Wi-Fi extender.
- Your extender software/firmware needs to be updated or replaced.
- Maybe you’re connecting with a different range of devices not compatible with your Wi-Fi range extender.
- The extender connection cable is loose.
- If your Wi-Fi extender is placed in a dead zone, it can’t receive any signal.
- Finally, if the orange LED light on your extender doesn’t show, it can’t connect.
Why Can’t I Get Internet Through My Extender (Fix)
So, we have discussed the reason why you can’t get internet through your Wi-Fi extender and their quick fixes. Now, let’s get into detail on how to fix your Wi-Fi extender not connecting to the internet.
Netgear Range Extender
If your Wi-Fi extender is a Netgear range extender, check if your Netgear range extender is using the most recent firmware or needs to be updated.
To check if your Netgear is up to date, visit the Netgear site and type in your model number to confirm. Once you see there is new firmware available, download and update your Netgear extender with the new firmware. Alternatively, use the steps below to update your Netgear firmware.
- Firstly, connect your extender to a power outlet and put it ON.
- Place your extender to be within range of the router.
- Launch the extender GUI by going to www.mywifiext.net with your PC or mobile phone.
- Create an account if you don’t have one already.
- Now, check if your extender firmware has been updated or not. If not updated, you can install the firmware update from the GUI and,
- Finally, make sure that you reconfigure the updated extender.
Now, assuming you have updated your extender and it still can’t connect to the internet. Then, you will need to troubleshoot the extender to have it fixed. To do this, you will need to get the troubleshooting approach of your extender manufacturer so as not to damage your extender.
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- Check if the extender is being interfered with by any device such as fish tanks, microwaves, metal objects, and even Bluetooth devices and others.
- Now power your extender and then power it ON. And confirm that the network is reading properly by checking if the internet connectivity is properly configured and accessible.
- Confirm if your extender LED light is ON. Also, confirm the light of the router to see that it’s ON. The RED light on your extender means not connected.
- If the router is showing an ORANGE light, it means the extender is connected properly but has no internet connection.
- Now, if you can access the internet with any device here, check the extender cables if they are loose.
- You may reboot the network to resolve the issue. Even your devices like your PC, phone, router, and extender refresh the algorithm of the systems and probably fix the error.
- If all the steps have failed, you should reset the Wi-Fi extender entirely. Just press the RESET button on the extender to reset it. Note that after resetting your extender, you will need to reconfigure it.
What if the problem is still not resolved?
If you have followed every step listed here and still can’t solve the problem, then you can do advanced troubleshooting to resolve it.
1. The extender is not able to detect SSID
When the extender fails to detect the default SSID, power cycling the Wi-Fi range extender can be the best option. This will reset the SSID. To do this, login into your extender website with your Windows, Android, or iPhone. Now, at the hardware settings, check if the Wi-Fi bands, even the 2.4GHz, and 5GHz are functioning properly.
And also confirm that your extender is connected to the right SSID and not on any open SSID present. If you can’t handle this on your own, consider hiring an expert to do it.
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1. Even after properly setting up, the extender is not working
Now you have carried out the process above and still, the extender is not connecting. That means you have set up your extender properly and the next work now is to login into your extender backend with your PC, Android, or iPhone device and navigate to “Other Settings” and use the “Restore” option there to back up the old files.
When it requests confirmation, click OK and proceed. Now, your extender’s previous settings will be restored and rebooted. This should fix it now.
Conclusion
So far, we have been discussing why we can’t get internet through our extender. Though, the steps might be technically tasking when you have exhausted the basic steps above.
If you have successfully resolved your extender issue, you did a nice job, and if you couldn’t fix it, either you didn’t follow the steps accordingly or your extender has a hardware fault and might need replacement.