TP-Link TL-WA850RE Quick Installation Guide
1. Power On
Plug the range extender into a power outlet next to your router. Wait until the Power LED turns solid on.
Note: For safety, plug the extender in the direction shown in the diagram.
Diagram: A router is shown connected by an arrow labeled 'Next to' to a TP-Link range extender. The extender has a power indicator that is shown as 'Solid On'.
2. Set Up
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. Create an account if you don't have one.
- Tap the '+' button and select 'Range Extender'. Note: If you cannot find your device, refer to FAQ > Q1.
- Follow the app instructions to complete the setup. The RE LED should turn solid on, indicating a successful connection to your router. Note: If the LED does not turn solid on, refer to FAQ > Q2.
Diagram: Shows app store logos (Apple App Store, Google Play), a QR code labeled 'Scan for Tether', and the Tether app icon. Another diagram shows a smartphone screen with a login interface for TP-Link ID and password. A third diagram shows a smartphone screen with 'My Devices' and a '+' button, followed by a screen to 'Choose Your Device Type' with 'Range Extender' highlighted. A final diagram shows the range extender with the RE LED indicator turning 'Solid On'.
More Setup Methods
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. - Follow the web instructions to complete the setup.
Via the WPS Button
- Press the WPS button on your router.
- Within 2 minutes, press the WPS button on the extender for 1 second. The RE LED should change from blinking to solid on, indicating a successful connection.
Extended Network Name: Router's network name with '_EXT' at the end.
Password: Same as your router's password.
For more details, refer to the user guide at https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/.
3. Relocate
- Plug in the extender approximately halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone. Ensure the chosen location is within your router's range.
- Wait for about 2 minutes until 3 or more LEDs light up. If not, move the extender closer to the router for better signal quality.
Tip: For optimal Wi-Fi performance, use the Tether app's 'Location Assistant' (under Tools) or visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3103/.
Diagram: Shows a router, an extender placed halfway between the router and devices. An indicator shows signal strength, with 'Best' at 5 LEDs and 'Good' at '≥ 3 LEDs light up'.
Enjoy!
Connect your devices to the extender wirelessly or via an Ethernet cable to enjoy internet access. The password for your extended network is the same as your host router's password.
Tip: You can also set up the extender in Access Point mode to convert your wired network into a wireless one. Refer to the user guide at https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/ for details.
Diagram: Shows a router connected wirelessly to the extender, which then provides Wi-Fi signals to a smartphone, tablet, and laptop. It also shows the extender connected via Ethernet cable to a smart TV, game console, and desktop computer.
Access Extender Settings
After setup, you can access extender settings through the Tether app or a web browser to reselect the host 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.
Diagram: Shows the Tether app icon and a smartphone screen indicating connection to the extender's network.
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.
Diagram: Shows a computer or smartphone accessing the web interface via http://www.tplinkrepeater.net
.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What should I do if the Tether app cannot find my device during setup?
Try another method by following these steps:
- 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.
Tip: If you are connected to the extender's Wi-Fi but still cannot find your device, try turning off your cellular data.
If you are still experiencing problems, contact TP-Link technical support.
Diagram: Shows a smartphone connecting to the 'TP-Link_Extender' Wi-Fi network and the Tether app showing 'Local Device TL-WA850RE'.
Q2. What should I do if the RE LED doesn't turn solid on after completing setup via the Tether app or web browser?
- Verify you entered the correct Wi-Fi password for your host router during configuration.
- Ensure the extender is close to your router (preferably within 16 feet) and away from large electrical appliances.
- If your router has MAC filtering, wireless access control, or an access control list (ACL) enabled, disable them before proceeding.
- Try setting up the extender using the WPS button.
- Reset the extender and repeat the configuration process.
If problems persist, 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: Shows the reset button on the extender being pressed with a pin.
For more setup help, visit https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3074/ or scan the QR code.
LED Explanation (For Range Extender Mode)
LED | Status | Indication |
---|---|---|
RE | On/Off Blinking |
The extender is connected or not connected to your router's wireless network. WPS connection is in progress. |
Wireless | On/Off | The extender's wireless function is enabled or disabled. |
Power | On/Off Blinking |
The extender is on or off. The system is starting up or firmware upgrade is in progress. |
IIIII (Signal Strength) | On/Off | Indicates the Wi-Fi connection between the extender and the router. More lit LEDs indicate better signal strength. |
Ethernet | On/Off | The Ethernet port is connected or not connected to a powered-on device. |
Diagram: Shows the LEDs on the TP-Link extender: RE, Wireless, Power, Signal Strength (5 bars), and Ethernet.
Safety Information
- Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, or hot environments.
- Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. Contact TP-Link for service.
- Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.
- The socket-outlet should be installed near the equipment and be easily accessible.
Please read and follow the safety information. TP-Link is not liable for accidents or damage due to improper use. Use this product with care and at your own risk.
TP-Link declares that this device complies with essential requirements and relevant provisions of directives 2014/53/EU, 2009/125/EC, 2011/65/EU, and (EU) 2015/863. The original EU Declaration of Conformity can be found at https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/ce.
TP-Link declares that this device complies with the essential requirements and relevant provisions of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. The original UK Declaration of Conformity can be found at https://www.tp-link.com/support/ukca.
Join the TP-Link Community at https://community.tp-link.com to connect with users and engineers.
For suggestions or needs regarding product guides, email techwriter@tp-link.com.cn.
For technical support, replacement services, user manuals, and other information, visit https://www.tp-link.com/support or scan the QR code.