TP-Link Range Extender Quick Installation Guide
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your TP-Link Range Extender to expand your Wi-Fi network coverage.
1. Power On
Plug the extender into a power outlet next to your router. Wait until its Power LED turns solid on.
Note: For safety, only plug the extender in the direction as shown below.
Visual Description: Diagram showing the TP-Link Range Extender plugged into a wall outlet next to a router. An arrow points to the extender, indicating it should be placed 'Next to' the router. The extender's Power LED is shown as 'Solid On'.
2. Set Up
Choose one of the following methods to set up your range extender.
Method 1: Via the WPS Button
- Activate the WPS function on your router by pressing the WPS button.Note: If you don't know how to do this, refer to your router's user manual, or use other setup methods.Visual Description: Illustrations of common WPS button appearances: one labeled 'WPS' and another with a circular arrow icon.
- Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the extender for 1 second, and the LED starts blinking. Wait for the LED, 2.4GHz LED, and 5GHz LED to turn solid blue, indicating a successful connection.Note: If only the 2.4GHz or 5GHz LED is solid blue, check if your router has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands enabled. If both are on, try WPS again or use other methods.Visual Description: Diagram showing the extender's WPS button being pressed, causing its LEDs to blink, followed by an illustration of the LEDs turning solid blue.
- Setup complete. You can now connect to the extender's Wi-Fi.
Extended Network Names: Router's network name with
_EXT
at the end, or the same name as your EasyMesh router.Passwords: Same as your router's password.
Method 2: Via the Tether App
- Get the up-to-date TP-Link Tether app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or scan the provided QR code.Visual Description: Badges for 'Download on the App Store' and 'GET IT ON Google Play'. A QR code labeled 'Scan for Tether'.
- Launch the Tether app and log in with your TP-Link ID. If you don't have an account, create one first.
- Tap the '+' button and select 'Range Extender'.
- Follow the app instructions to complete the setup. The extender's LED should turn solid on, indicating a successful connection to your router.Note: If the LED does not turn solid on, please refer to FAQ > Q2.Notes: If you cannot find your device, refer to FAQ > Q1. Due to Tether app updates, your actual user interface and pathway may differ from those depicted.Visual Description: Screenshots of the TP-Link Tether app interface showing 'My Devices', 'No devices found', and prompts to 'Choose Your Device Type' (Wireless Router, Gaming Router, Range Extender).
Method 3: Via a Web Browser
- Connect your computer or smartphone to the extender's network, named
TP-Link_Extender
. - Visit
http://www.tplinkrepeater.net
orhttp://192.168.0.254
in a web browser. Create a password to log in.Visual Description: A web browser interface showing a password creation screen with fields for 'Create Password', 'Confirm Password', and strength indicators ('Low', 'Middle', 'High'), with a 'Start' button. - Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
3. Relocate
- Plug in the extender about halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. Ensure the chosen location is within the range of your router.
- Wait for about 2 minutes until the LED turns solid blue. If it doesn't, relocate the extender closer to the router to achieve better signal quality.
Tip: For optimal Wi-Fi performance, access extender settings via the Tether app and use the Location Assistant, or visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3103/
.
Visual Description: A diagram illustrating optimal placement: a router on the left, a 'Devices' area on the right, and the extender positioned approximately halfway between them. Color-coded indicators show 'Blue: Suitable location' (closer to the router) and 'Red: Too far from router' (further from the router).
Enjoy!
- Connect your devices to the extender wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable to enjoy improved internet access. The password for your extended network is the same as your main router's password.
- You can also change the extender to Access Point Mode to transform your existing wired network into a wireless one. Refer to the 'Access Point Mode (AP Mode)' section for details.
Visual Description: Icons representing various connected devices: a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, a smart TV, a game console, and a desktop computer.
Access Extender Settings
After setup, you can access extender settings using the methods described below. This allows you to reselect the main network, change extended network settings, and more.
Note: If your extender and router use the same network name, Method 1 (Tether App) is recommended.
Method 1: Via the Tether App
- Connect your smartphone to the extender's or router's network.
- Launch the Tether app, select your extender, and log in.
- View or change extender settings as needed.
Method 2: Via a Web Browser
- Connect your computer or smartphone to the extender's network. If using a computer, unplug any Ethernet cable.
- Launch a web browser, enter
http://www.tplinkrepeater.net
in the address bar, and log in. - View or change extender settings as needed.
Access Point Mode (AP Mode)
This mode provides stable wireless performance and a wired connection with a main router. To change your extender to Access Point Mode:
- By Web: Log in, then find the 'Mode' button on top. For details, refer to the user guide at
https://www.tp-link.com/support
. - By Tether: Log in to your extender, then find the 'Operation Mode'.Note: Due to Tether app updates, images may differ from your actual user interface.
Visual Description: A snippet of a web interface showing buttons labeled 'Mode', 'Logout', and 'Reboot'. A snippet of the Tether app interface showing 'Operation Mode', 'Network', and 'More' options.
LED Explanation
LED | Status | Indication (For Range Extender Mode) |
---|---|---|
Power | On/Off | The extender is on or off. |
Blinking | The system is starting up or firmware upgrade is in progress. | |
Signal | Solid blue | The extender is connected to your router's wireless network and is in a suitable location. |
Solid red | The extender is receiving a weak signal. Try relocating it closer to your router. | |
Blinking | WPS connection is in progress. | |
Off | No wireless connection is established. | |
2.4 GHz | On/Off | The extender is connected or not connected to the 2.4 GHz wireless network of your router. |
5 GHz | On/Off | The extender is connected or not connected to the 5 GHz wireless network of your router. |
EasyMesh-Compatible
Experience strong, stable, and seamless wireless connections throughout your home with EasyMesh, a whole-home mesh standard that works across different access points for ultimate flexibility.
- Seamless Roaming: Connects mobile devices to your routers or extenders that provide the best coverage. Devices compatible with EasyMesh share a single Wi-Fi name, keeping you connected in every room.
- One-Click Settings: Press the WPS button on the main router and the extender within 2 minutes of each other to set up the EasyMesh network.
- Flexible Scalability: Scale your home networking flexibly with different vendors, topologies, protocols, and product categories.
Note: TP-Link EasyMesh-compatible products can network with other devices that use EasyMesh. Failed connections may occur due to firmware conflicts between different vendors. The EasyMesh-Compatible function is still under development for some models and will be supported in subsequent software updates. This product is compatible with standardized EasyMesh technology but has not obtained the Wi-Fi EasyMesh™ certification.
For more information, visit https://www.tp-link.com/easymesh/
.
Visual Description: A QR code labeled 'Scan for Setup Video'.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What should I do if the Tether app cannot find my device during setup?
Try another method by following the steps below:
- Connect your smartphone to the extender's network,
TP-Link_Extender
. - Launch the Tether app and select your extender.Tip: If you have connected to the extender's Wi-Fi but still cannot find your device, try turning off your cellular data.Visual Description: A screenshot of smartphone Wi-Fi settings showing 'TP-Link_Extender' as the selected network. A screenshot of the Tether app's 'My Devices' screen displaying 'Local Device' with a MAC address.
- Follow the app instructions to complete the setup. If you are still having problems, contact TP-Link technical support.
Q2. What should I do if the LED doesn't turn solid on after completing setup via the Tether app or web browser?
- You may have entered an incorrect Wi-Fi password for your host router during configuration. Check the password and try again.
- Ensure the extender is close to your router, preferably within 16 feet (approx. 5 meters), and away from large electrical appliances.
- If you have enabled wireless MAC filtering, wireless access control, or access control list (ACL) on your router, disable them first, then follow any setup method on the front page.
- Try setting it up via the WPS button.
- Reset the extender and go through the configuration again.
If you are still having problems, contact TP-Link technical support.
Q3. How do I reset the extender?
With the extender powered on, use a pin to press the Reset button for 1 second. The extender will reboot.
If you need more setup help, please visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3074/
, or scan the QR code.
Safety Information
- Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, or hot environments.
- Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. For service, contact TP-Link.
- Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.
Please read and follow the above safety information when operating the device. TP-Link cannot guarantee that no accidents or damage will occur due to improper use of the device. Use this product with care and operate at your own risk.
TP-Link declares that the device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of directives 2014/53/EU, 2009/125/EC, 2011/65/EU, and (EU) 2015/863. The original EU Declaration of Conformity may be found at https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/ce
.
TP-Link declares that the device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. The original UK Declaration of Conformity may be found at https://www.tp-link.com/support/ukca
.
Visual Description: Logos for CE and UKCA.