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.
Illustration showing a TP-Link Range Extender plugged into a wall socket. An arrow indicates the correct orientation for plugging in the device. The Power LED on the extender is shown as 'Solid On'.
2. Set Up
Scan the QR code or visit TP-Link Setup Videos and search for the setup video of your model.
Note: Images may differ from your actual product.
Method 1: Via the WPS Button
1. 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 methods to set it up.
The WPS button might look like one of these: [WPS button icon], [WPS button icon]
2. Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the extender for 1 second, and the LED starts blinking. Wait for the Power 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 turned on, try WPS again or use other methods.
Visual indicator: Blinking LED, Solid On LED.
Method 2: Via the Tether App
1. Get the up-to-date Tether app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or simply scan the QR code.
Visual representation: App Store icon, Google Play icon, QR code scanner icon.
2. Launch the Tether app. You can create an account or skip creation and set up directly.
Visual representation: 'Skip' button, 'Create a TP-Link ID' form fields, 'English' language selector, 'Continue' button.
3. Tap the ➕ button and select Range Extender.
Note: If you cannot find your device, please refer to FAQ > Q1.
Visual representation: 'My Devices' screen showing 'No devices found', 'Choose Your Device Type' options: Wireless Router, Gaming Router, Range Extender.
4. Follow app instructions to complete the setup. The LED should turn solid on, indicating successful connection to your router.
Note: If the LED does not turn solid on, please refer to FAQ > Q2.
Method 3: Via a Web Browser
1. Connect your computer or smartphone to the extender's network: TP-Link_Extender.
Visual representation: 'Connections are available' list showing 'Wireless Network Connection' and 'TP-Link_Extender'. Options: 'Connect automatically', 'Connect'.
2. Visit www.tplinkrepeater.net or 192.168.0.254 in a web browser. Create a password to log in.
Visual representation: Web page showing fields for 'Create Password', 'Confirm Password', and a 'Start' button. Password strength indicator: Low, Middle, High.
3. Follow web instructions to complete the setup.
3. Done. You can connect to the extender's Wi-Fi.
Extended Network Names: Router's network name with _EXT
at the end, or Same as your EasyMesh router (see back for EasyMesh details).
Passwords: Same as your router.
Visual representation: 'Solid On' LED indicator.
3. Relocate
1. 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.
2. 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 Tools > Location Assistant, or simply scan the QR code to visit TP-Link Location Assistant FAQ.
Diagram showing optimal placement for the Range Extender. It shows a Router, Devices, and the Extender positioned 'Halfway' between them. A color key indicates 'Blue: Suitable location' and 'Red: Too far from 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.
Icons representing various smart devices that can connect to the network: Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop, Smart TV, Game Console, Desktop.
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 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 you are 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 (For Range Extender Mode)
LED | Status | Indication |
---|---|---|
(Power) | On/Off | The extender is on or off. |
Blinking | The system is starting up or firmware upgrade is in progress. | |
Solid blue | The extender is connected to your router's wireless network and is in a suitable location. | |
(Signal) | 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. | |
2.4GHz | On/Off | The extender is connected or not connected to the 2.4GHz wireless network of your router. |
5GHz | On/Off | The extender is connected or not connected to the 5GHz wireless network of your router. |
EasyMesh-Compatible
You can 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.
Diagram illustrating the concept of EasyMesh, showing a router and extenders providing seamless Wi-Fi coverage throughout a home with a single network name and password for easy roaming.
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 all set up. TP-Link extenders in factory settings can be connected to form an EasyMesh network directly without any redundant setup.
Flexible Scalability
Flexibly scale your home networking with different vendors, different topologies, different Protocols, and different product categories.
Note: This product is compatible with standardized EasyMesh technology but has not obtained the Wi-Fi EasyMesh™ certification. 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.
For more information, visit TP-Link EasyMesh.
Scan for Setup Video link.
Access Point Mode (AP Mode)
AP Mode: Stable wireless performance, wire connection with main router required. To change your extender to Access Point Mode, do the following:
a. By Web:
Login → Find the Mode button on top. For details, refer to the user guide at TP-Link Support.
Visual representation: 'Mode', 'Logout', 'Reboot' buttons.
b. By Tether:
Login → Tools → Operation Mode
Visual representation: 'Operation Mode', 'System Time', 'System' menu items.
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.
- Follow app instructions to complete the setup.
Visual representation: Smartphone's Wi-Fi settings screen showing 'CHOOSE A NETWORK...' and 'TP-Link_Extender' selected.
Tip: If you have connected to the extender's Wi-Fi but still cannot find your device, try turning off your cellular data.
Visual representation: Tether app's 'My Devices' screen showing 'Local Device' with MAC address.
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 the configuration. Check the password 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.
Visual representation: Icon representing a reset button, typically a small pinhole.
If you need more setup help, please visit TP-Link Support FAQ, or simply 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. If you need service, please contact TP-Link.
- Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.
- The socket-outlet shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.
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 TP-Link EU Compliance.
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 TP-Link UK Compliance.
To communicate with TP-Link users or engineers, please join the TP-Link Community at community.tp-link.com.
For technical support, replacement services, user manuals, and other information, please visit TP-Link Support, or simply scan the QR code.
Models: AX1500/AX1800/AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Range Extender. Model numbers: RE500X/RE600X/RE700X.