WiFi extenders are becoming more popular as a way to boost your existing WiFi signal and eliminate dead zones in your home. They work by receiving the signal from your router and rebroadcasting it further into areas that may have poor coverage. When you get a new router, you will need to make sure to connect your existing Netgear WiFi extender to the new router so it can sync up and provide an extended signal.
In this article, we’ll walk through the steps required to connect Netgear extender to a new router. We’ll cover the setup process for various Netgear extender models and provide some helpful troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any hiccups along the way. Follow along and you’ll have your extender communicating with your new router in no time.
Table of Contents
Key Pre-Setup Steps to Complete Before You Begin
Before you connect Netgear extender to a new router, taking a few minutes to prepare will make the process quicker and avoid common setup issues. Having both devices ready and information on hand will get you off to a smooth start as you link up your extender to the new wireless router:
- Set up the new router first and get the WiFi network up and running. Follow the router manufacturer’s instructions to connect the router, access the interface, and configure the wireless settings. Make sure the new WiFi network name and password are configured, and the network is broadcasting a signal.
- Have your Netgear extender handy, along with the model number. You’ll need access to the extender and the model specifics to walk through the setup process. Some common Netgear extender models include the EX6120, EX3700, EX3800, and EX6000.
- Note the new router’s WiFi details: Write down the network name (SSID) and WiFi password of the new router. You’ll need it to connect Netgear extender to a new router’s wireless network during the setup process.
- Disconnect ethernet (if connected): If you had your extender connected to the old router via ethernet, make sure to disconnect the ethernet cable first. The extender needs to connect wirelessly to sync with the new router.
- Update firmware (if needed): Check the firmware on both the new router and extender and update to the latest versions if out of date. Keeping firmware updated can help with connectivity issues.
- Reset the extender (optional): If having trouble connecting, you may want to reset the extender to factory default settings to clear any old router info. Use the reset button on the device.
- Gather login details: Have your extender’s admin login and password handy to access the web interface. This is usually defaulted to “admin” and “password”.
Those are the key pre-setup steps to complete before connecting your Netgear WiFi extender to the new router. This will save time and avoid common issues when starting the setup process.
Steps to Connect Netgear Extender to a New Router
With preparation complete, now comes the key steps to getting your Netgear extender connected and communicating with the new router’s WiFi network. We’ll walk through the sequence to select the right network, sync settings between devices, and confirm connectivity. There are two most common methods to connect Netgear extender to a new router Web GUI and WPS button. Follow along carefully with the steps below to get your extended network up and running on the new router.
Web User Interface Method
The most common way to connect Netgear extender to a new router is through the extender’s web UI. Here are the steps:
Total Time: 10 minutes
Access the extender interface
Connect to the extender directly via WiFi or through the new router using ethernet. Then open a web browser and enter the extender’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.250). Log in with admin credentials.
Select the new router WiFi
In the extender settings, go to the WiFi/Wireless section and scan for available wireless networks. Find and select the WiFi network name (SSID) that matches your new router.
Enter the new password
Type in the correct WiFi password for connecting to the new router’s wireless network. Double-check that you enter the password exactly right.
Allow connections
Ensure the extender security settings allow connections to new networks. Choose WPA/WPA2 encryption and enable automatically connecting to new networks.
Connect and sync
Once credentials are entered correctly, the extender will connect to the new router network. You may need to restart the extender for the new settings to fully take effect.
Check the connection status
Verify the extender is connected by checking the status or dashboard page on the admin interface. The new router SSID should be listed as connected.
Test extended network
Connect devices to the extender’s WiFi network to verify you maintain a solid connection throughout your home. Walk around and test speeds.
WPS Button Method
For models that support WPS, you can use the physical WPS buttons to connect:
- Access the router interface: Access the WPS settings on the new router interface and enable the WPS pairing option.
- Press and hold on the router: Press the WPS button on the router and hold for 3-5 seconds. The router will enter WPS pairing mode.
- Press and hold on to the extender: Within 2 minutes, press and hold the WPS button on the extender for 3-5 seconds.
- Wait for WPS connection: The WPS handshake will automatically transfer the new router’s SSID and password to the extender.
- Extender is connected to the router: Once complete, the extender will connect to the new router’s WiFi network.
- Test extended network: Test connectivity to confirm the WPS process successfully connected the extender.
Note: The web GUI method works for all Netgear extender models, while the WPS button is only supported on some. Refer to your device manuals to see if WPS pairing is available.
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If the extender did not sync correctly, repeat the setup process. First, factory reset Netgear extender and then try to reconnect it to the new router by repeating the setup process again.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you run into issues getting your Netgear extender connected to the new router, don’t worry – there are some troubleshooting tips that can help:
- Double-check the router WiFi credentials – Make sure you are entering the correct wireless network name and password for the new router. An incorrect or mistyped credential is the most common cause of connection problems.
- Update the firmware on both devices – Check for the latest firmware on the new router and extender and install updates if available. Old firmware can sometimes cause connectivity glitches.
- Reset the extender to factory settings – If unable to access the extender interface or connect, use the reset button to wipe it to factory defaults, then try connecting again.
- Move the extender closer to the router – To rule out weak signal, temporarily place the extender in the same room as the new router for setup. Then move back after confirmed working.
- Check the extender compatibility – Make sure your extender model is compatible with your new router’s wireless standards. Check extender and router manuals for specifics.
- Contact Netgear support – If trying the above doesn’t resolve connection issues, reach out to Netgear support via live chat or call. They can provide troubleshooting tailored to your devices.
- Search online forums – Check sites like Reddit or Netgear’s community forums to see if anyone else with your devices had similar connection problems and how they resolved them.
With a bit of troubleshooting, you should be able to get your Netgear WiFi extender successfully communicating with your new wireless router. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance if needed.
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Conclusion
After reading this guide, you should now understand the key steps required to connect Netgear extender to a new router. The process involves accessing the extender interface, selecting the new router’s WiFi network, syncing the configuration, and testing the extended signal.
We covered specific setup instructions for Netgear extenders, but the general process will be similar if you need to connect other extender brands like Linksys, TP-Link, or D-Link. The same goes for any consumer wireless router model – simply swap in the specifics of your new router when connecting.
If any issues pop up, don’t hesitate to check our troubleshooting tips or contact Netgear support for assistance getting your devices happily communicating.
FAQs
How do I connect my Netgear WiFi extender to a new router?
To connect your Netgear extender to a new router, access the extender interface, select the new router’s WiFi network, enter the password, allow connections, restart it to sync settings, and test connectivity.
What is the easiest way to connect a Netgear extender to a new wireless router?
The easiest method is using the Netgear extender’s web GUI interface. Log in, browse available WiFi networks, select the new router SSID, enter the password, and save the settings.
Do I need to reset my Netgear extender when connecting it to a new router?
Resetting the extender is an optional step, but can help clear out any old router connection settings before linking to the new router.
How do I use WPS to connect my Netgear extender to a new wireless router?
Press the WPS button on the new router for 3-5 seconds to put it in pairing mode. Then press the WPS button on the extender within 2 minutes to automatically connect.
Why does my Netgear extender not connect to a new wireless router?
Common issues are incorrect WiFi passwords, incompatible devices, old firmware, or weak signal strength. Refer to the troubleshooting guide in this article.
Do I need to reconfigure my Netgear extender settings after connecting to a new router?
In most cases, the settings will sync automatically, but you may need to redo the extender setup process if you notice connectivity issues after connecting it.
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