WiFi Extender Can’t Connect to New WiFi Router

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There can be many small reasons why your Netgear WiFi extender can’t connect to new WiFi router. Here, we explained most common causing facts why the WiFi extender isn’t connected with the router and how to troubleshoot extender-router connection.

Why WiFi Extender Can’t Connect to New WiFi Router?

1. Changed Network Name (SSID) and Password

After setting up your new router, you probably changed the WiFi name and password. Your extender still has the old settings saved internally

2. MAC Address Filtering Enabled

Many routers come with MAC address filtering to tighten security. In case of your extender’s MAC address isn’t added to router’s list, it won’t be able to connect.

3. WPS Connection Fails with New Router

Most extenders connect using WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) a simple push-button method. But here’s the catch: some modern routers either don’t support WPS anymore or have it disabled by default due to security risks.

4. Router Security Settings Too High

Your new router might be using WPA3 encryption, which many older extenders don’t support. This creates a barrier where the extender sees the network but fails to establish a connection.

5. Firmware Outdated on the Extender

Running on outdated firmware not compatible with modern router settings or frequencies. Firmware should be updated to function properly with new tech.

6. DHCP Conflicts Between Router and Extender

In rare situations, both the router and extender try to assign IP addresses, leading to issues. This action could block the connection entirely or cause performance that feels like it’s not connecting at all.

7. Wrong Placement During Setup

Placing the WiFi extender too far from the router while connecting them can result in failure. In case of signals are weak or fluctuating, the devices won’t lock on to the network properly.

Now, let’s troubleshoot extender-router connection with the help of simple to apply tips and solutions.

How to Fix Extender to Router Disconnection?

1. Update Extender’s Firmware

Check the firmware of the Netgear extender and if found that it is running outdated software that’s causing compatibility issues.

• Visit the Netgear official support website.
• Look for the model number.
• Download the latest firmware and follow instructions to update.

2. Check for IP Conflicts

In some of the cases, your extender and router fight over IP addresses. This causes intermittent disconnections.

• Log into your extender’s settings page.
• Look for something called “DHCP” or “IP settings.”
• Make sure the extender is not assigning IPs if the router already does (disable DHCP on the extender.

3. Update Your Placement Strategy

Most people treat extender placement like an afterthought just plug and play. That’s where things go wrong.

• You should choose spot for your extender halfway between your router and the area where you need signal.
• Placing near microwaves, baby monitors, or cordless phones can cause problems, avoid them.
• Never place directly on the floor put it on a table or wall mount.

4. Wi-Fi Band Confusion

Modern extenders can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. But here’s the trick:

• The extender’s 2.4GHz channel has longer range but slower speed.
• The extender’s 5GHz frequency is faster but gets blocked by walls easily.

In situation like extender is connecting to the 5GHz band but it’s too far from the router, the signal will drop frequently. Try connecting only to the 2.4GHz band for stability.

5. Look for Signal LED Indicators

Most extenders have LED lights to show signal strength.

• Green/Blue = Strong
• Amber/Yellow = Medium
• Red = Weak or disconnected

There are more troubleshooting tips that you can use to resolve issues within setup WiFi extender with new router.

Other Impactful Troubleshooting Tips

1. Restart Both Devices

Restarting both the extender and the router actually resets network assignments and clears minor glitches. It works more often than not.

• Unplug the router.
• Unplug the extender.
• Wait a full 60 seconds.
• Plug the router back in and wait until it’s fully booted up.
• Now plug the extender back in.

Once both devices are back online, check if the disconnection issue persists.

2. Reset and Reconnect

Sometimes, the connection between your extender and router is just bad from the get-go. Maybe setup didn’t go smoothly, or settings got corrupted. In this situation is better to Reset WiFi extender for new WiFi.

• Look for the reset pinhole on the extender.
• Use a paperclip to press and hold it for 10 seconds.
• Wait until all lights turn off and on again.

Then, reconnect it properly:

• Use the WPS method if both devices support it (press WPS on the router, then on the extender).
• Or manually connect using a browser by entering192.168.1.1 or the specific web address given in your extender manual.

The Conclusion

Hopefully, the extender device connects with the new router with the help of the above given tips and solutions.