(Solved) Netgear extender won’t connect to the internet – How to fix

When a Netgear extender fails to connect to the internet, this can be frustrating to the user. This sometimes occurs due to different reasons, and finding out the cause can help you solve the problem easily.

Sometimes, the Netgear extender can fail to connect to the internet when it is not configured properly or when the hardware or software is faulty. Loose cable connections can also prevent the Netgear extender from connecting to the internet. Interference in the signal and poor internet connectivity is also a common cause that prevents the Netgear extender from connecting to the internet. Luckily, you can work on all of these issues to get your Netgear extender to start connecting to the internet once again. Learn more!

How to fix a Netgear Extender that will not connect to the internet

Focus on basic checkpoints

Before you try any other advanced troubleshooting methods, you should try simple techniques. Confirm that your router and Netgear Extender are receiving power accordingly. The power supply should not have any fluctuations since this can affect the performance of the Netgear Extender. Ensure that the Netgear Extender hardware is not faulty since this may not connect to the internet.

Every Netgear Extender comes with LED lights that indicate its status. You should learn the meaning of each light so that you can figure out when something is wrong. Confirm that the lights on the Netgear Extender are all stable. Here are some of the Lights on the Netgear extender and their meanings.

Be keen on the placement

Where you place the Netgear extender can also affect its ability to connect to the internet. You should ensure that you put it in the same room as the router to avoid such connectivity issues.  This ensures that the Netgear extender is within the range of your wifi router.

If you have placed the Netgear Extender at a corner, you should change this position. Look for a central location where you can place it and avoid corners, ceilings, or walls. This is because such obstacles cause interference with the signals preventing the device from connecting to the internet.

You should also remove any electronic devices in the path of the Netgear wifi extender. Devices such as microwaves can easily cause interference and affect the performance of the extender. You can also remove any metal objects in this device’s path, such as metallic doors or aluminum studs. Since reflexive surfaces like glasses, fish tanks, and mirrors also obstruct signals from the Netgear extender, you should ensure that they are nowhere near it.

Consider power cycling the Netgear extender

If you have tried changing the position of your Netgear extender, but you still cannot connect it to the internet, you should power cycle it. Start by unplugging it from your wall socket and give it a few minutes. Plug it back into the power outlet and turn it on.

In case it still does not work, you should reboot the wifi router. A simple reboot can fix some of the minor technical issues with your devices. You can do this by unplugging the router for a few minutes then plugging it back to the power cord. Give it time to power up and assess if you have solved the connection problem.

Focus on the connections

If the Netgear Extender is still not connecting to the internet, the cause of the problem could be improper connections between the router and extender. You should consider switching from a wireless connection between the two devices to a wired one. Ensure that you are using an Ethernet cable that is not damaged and does not contain any cuts.

Work on software issues

Since software issues can also affect connectivity, you should also ensure that your Netgear extender uses the latest software version. If it is not, you should consider updating the firmware through www.mywifiext.net. You can also check if ad-blocking software on your computer is negatively affecting the connection between your router and Netgear extender. You can easily fix this by disabling such applications temporarily.

Reset it to factory settings

Before you opt for this option, you should understand that it will delete any personalized settings you may have made before. This includes information such as login password and username, security settings, and SSID name.

For you to conduct a factory reset, start by checking whether the power light of the device is on. Look for the reset button, which should be located on the Netgear extender. You may need a paper clip to press this button. Only release it when the power LED on the extender begins blinking. You can now start setting it up again from scratch then reconnect the wifi devices to your Netgear extender.

Conclusion

A Netgear extender depends on your router to connect to the internet. If you notice that the extender is not connecting to the internet, as usual, you should determine the cause. Things such as faulty hardware, loose connections, and improper configuration can lead to this problem. Try the steps we have highlighted above before you do a factory reset on the Netgear extender.

FAQs

Where can I place a Netgear extender?

You should ensure that it is at least halfway between your computer and wireless router. Expect excellent internet connection when the light of sight between the extender and router is clear.

Which devices should I connect to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands?

You should use the 2.4 GHz band to connect low bandwidth devices that you use for things like browsing and the 5 GHz frequency band to connect high bandwidth devices such as a streaming TV.