Quick Installation Guide
Range Extender
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.
Setup with videos: Scan the QR code, or visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/setup-video/#range-extenders and search for the setup video of your model.
* Images may differ from your actual product.
Diagram Description: An illustration shows the TP-Link Range Extender plugged into a wall outlet, positioned next to a router. The Power LED indicator is shown as solid on.
2. Set Up
Method 1: Via the WPS Button
Tip: The WPS button on the extender serves as the WPS button and the signal LED.
- 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.
- Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the extender for 1 second. The signal LED starts blinking. Wait for the signal 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 the router has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands enabled. If both are on, try WPS again or use other methods.
Diagram Description: Illustrations show typical WPS buttons on routers. The extender's WPS button is shown, first blinking, then solid on.
After successful connection, the extended network names will be: Router's network name with "_EXT" at the end, or the same as your EasyMesh router. Passwords will be the same as your router.
Method 2: Via the Tether App
- Get the up-to-date Tether app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or scan the QR code.
- 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". Note: If you cannot find your device, please refer to FAQ > Q1.
- Follow app instructions to complete the setup. The 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.
Diagram Description: A smartphone displays the Tether app interface, showing options to download from app stores or scan a QR code. A "No devices found" message is shown, with an option to add a device.
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 or http://192.168.0.254 in a web browser. Create a password to log in.
- Follow web instructions to complete the setup.
Diagram Description: A computer or smartphone is shown connecting to the "TP-Link_Extender" wireless network. A web browser window displays the login page with fields for creating a password.
3. Relocate
- Plug in the extender about halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. The location you choose must be 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: To place the extender for optimal Wi-Fi performance, access extender settings via the Tether app and go to find Location Assistant, or visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3103/.
Diagram Description: An illustration shows a router, a range extender placed halfway between the router and devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop, smart TV, game console, desktop). LED indicator colors are explained: Blue indicates a suitable location, while Red indicates it is too far from the router.
Enjoy!
- Connect your devices to the extender wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable, then enjoy the internet. The password of your extended network is the same as your main router.
- You can also change the extender to Access Point Mode to transform your existing wired network to a wireless one. For details, see Access Point Mode (AP Mode) on the back page.
Access Extender Settings
After setup, you can access extender settings via any of the methods below. You can 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 the Ethernet cable if any.
- Launch a web browser, enter http://www.tplinkrepeater.net in the address bar, and log in.
- View or change extender settings as needed.
LED Explanation
LED | Status | Indication (For Range Extender Mode) |
---|---|---|
Solid blue | The extender is connected to your router's wireless network and is in a suitable location. | |
Solid red (Signal) | The extender is receiving a weak signal. Try relocating it closer to your router. | |
Blinking (Signal) | WPS connection is in progress. | |
Off (Signal) | No wireless connection is established. | |
On/Off (2.4GHz) | The extender is connected or not connected to the 2.4GHz wireless network of your router. | |
On/Off (5GHz) | The extender is connected or not connected to the 5GHz wireless network of your router. | |
On/Off (Power) | The extender is on or off. | |
Blinking (Power) | The system is starting up or firmware upgrade is in progress. |
Access Point Mode (AP Mode)
Stable wireless performance and a wired connection with a main router are required. To change your extender to Access Point Mode, do the following:
- By Web: Login > Find the "Mode" button on top. For details, refer to the user guide at https://www.tp-link.com/support/.
- By Tether: Login to your extender > Find the "Operation Mode". Note: Due to Tether app updates, images may differ from your actual interface.
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 also share a single Wi-Fi name so you stay connected in every room.
- One-Click Settings: Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the main router and the extender, then the EasyMesh network is set up. TP-Link extenders in factory settings can be connected to form an EasyMesh network directly without redundant setup.
- Flexible Scalability: Flexibly scale your home networking with different vendors, different topologies, different protocols, and different product categories.
* TP-Link EasyMesh-compatible products can network with other devices that use EasyMesh. Failed connections may be due to firmware conflicts of different vendors. The EasyMesh-Compatible function is still being developed on 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/.
Diagram Description: An illustration shows multiple TP-Link devices (router and extenders) connected to form a unified mesh network covering a house, with a "SAME Network Name & Password for seamless roaming" label.
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, turn off your cellular data.
- Follow app instructions to complete the setup.
If you are still having problems, contact TP-Link technical support.
Diagram Description: A smartphone screen shows Wi-Fi network selection, highlighting "TP-Link_Extender". Another screen shows the Tether app's "My Devices" list, indicating "No devices found" and a local device entry with MAC address.
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 incorrect Wi-Fi passwords for your main router during configuration. Check the passwords and try again.
- Make sure the extender is close to your router, preferably within 16 feet, 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 method on the front page to complete the configuration.
- 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.
Diagram Description: A small pin is shown pressing a "Reset" button on the back of the extender.
If you need more setup help, please visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3074/.
Safety Information
- Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, or hot environments.
- Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. If you need service, please 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. Please use this product with care and operate at your own risk.
TP-Link hereby declares that the device is in compliance 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 hereby declares that the device is in compliance 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.
To communicate with TP-Link users or engineers, please join the TP-Link Community at https://community.tp-link.com.
For technical support, the user guide, and other information, please visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/.
Model: RE450/RE550