How to Use a Router as a Wi-Fi Extender (2024)

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This guide will walk you through the steps for how to set up an old router as a Wi-Fi extender, also often referred to as a wireless internet or Wi-Fi repeater, to help boost your home or office network in areas with a weak signal.

How Do I Use a Second Router as an Extender?

The easiest way to use a spare router as an extender is to connect it to your main router via an Ethernet cable. The design and phrasing used for router settings and features can vary greatly from router model to model but the general setup steps are typically as follows.

1. Update the firmware on your old router. If you haven’t used your old router in a while, it may need to be updated to improve its internet connectivity and security.

2. Connect an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your main internet router.

   

3. Plug the other end of this Ethernet cable into the WAN port on the secondary router you want to use as a Wi-Fi repeater.

   

4. Log into your secondary router’s admin settings by using its IP address and login information.

   This information is often written on a sticker on the router itself or can be found in its manual or packaging. These are the same admin settings used when changing a modem or router’s password.

   See Also

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5. Once logged in, locate the router’s wireless settings and select AP Mode. This will turn your router into an access point for your internet connection, essentially extending the Wi-Fi beyond the main router’s range.

   You may need to click an option like Apply, Confirm, or Save for the change to go live.

How Do I Set Up My Router as a Repeater?

An alternative to the AP Mode solution is to set your extra router up in its Repeater mode. This is a good option if you don’t have an extra Ethernet cable lying around. Here’s how to do it.

1. Make sure your main router is turned on and is broadcasting its Wi-Fi signal.

2. Update your old router’s firmware so it has the latest security and feature improvements.

3. Log into your old router’s admin settings via a web browser or its official app.

   Check the bottom of the router for its login information.

4. Locate the old router’s wireless settings and select Repeating Mode.

   The exact phrasing and steps for this can differ quite a bit depending on your router’s model. Repeating Mode may also be called Wireless Bridge Mode, Extender Mode, Repeater Mode, or something similar.

5. Select the Wi-Fi network being created by your primary router and connect to it with its password and, if needed, username.

   This step can vary dramatically depending on the router you’re using. You may be asked to enter your main router’s IP address or Mac address and admin information instead of, or in addition to, the Wi-Fi network login information.

6. Confirm the changes.

How Can I Use an Old Router as a Wi-Fi Extender Without Cables?

The easiest way to use an old internet router as a Wi-Fi extender without an Ethernet cable is to place it in Repeating Mode as described above. When put in Repeating Mode, a router wirelessly connects to the Wi-Fi connection being produced by the primary router and then broadcasts an extension of the wireless network around itself.

Can I Use a Router as a Wi-Fi Extender?

Most modern routers and modem-router hybrids support Wi-Fi extension capabilities. Many older routers can also be used this way though it’s recommended they support at least the 802.11n Wi-Fi standard. A router with older Wi-Fi tech may work but it likely won’t provide the speeds or stability you're looking for.

Some routers, such as the Asus AiMesh line of products, feature extra support for Wi-Fi extending with their own mesh networking system. A wide range of Wi-Fi extenders are also available from a number of manufacturers and retailers. These dedicated devices can often be cheaper and a lot easier to set up than other Wi-Fi boosting or extending strategies.