How to Fix a TP-Link RE450 AC1750 WiFi Repeater

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

Resolve basic problems you may encounter with your TP-Link range extender.

Before We Begin:

Be near your range extender.
Be prepared to test both your connection to your router's Wi-Fi network and your range extender's Wi-Fi network.

2. Check Devices Off Range Extender

Before checking your range extender at all, it's best to make sure the rest of your home network is functioning properly.

Test your connection using a computer, smartphone, or tablet that is not connected to the range extender. Preferably, it's best to test using a device that is directly connected to your router via Ethernet cable. If this is not possible, use a device that's connected wirelessly to your home's Wi-Fi network.

A home computer that is hard-wired to your router via Ethernet is ideal for this test. Otherwise, make sure the wireless device you're testing with isn't connected to the range extender's Wi-Fi network (this usually contains "_EXT" in the network name).

3. My Internet Doesn't Work

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

4. Problem Check

Depending on the problem you're having, different steps may need to be taken to help solve them.

Can't Browse

You can connect your device(s) to your range extender, but you're unable to bring up a web page, email, or other services on the Internet.

Slow Connection

You're able to connect your device(s) to your Range Extender, and you're able to bring up web pages, email, and other services, but the connection seems slow.

No Connection

You're unable to find your Range Extender's Wi-Fi network to connect your device(s) to.

Poor Connection Between Range Extender and Router

The connection between your Range Extender and your wireless router has weak or poor signal, making the connection slow.

Won't Turn On

The Range Extender won't turn on at all.

5. Reduce Wireless Interference

Wireless signal interference can cause performance issues such as slow or intermittent connections and even complete disconnects. This type of interference can be caused by the presence of:

Electromagnetic fields created by other electronic devices such as: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capable devices, cordless phones, baby monitors, remote controlled toys, microwave ovens, seasonal lighting, or even garage door openers.
Structural materials in walls, floors, furnishings or other large objects. The potential for structural materials in your home to absorb wireless signal and cause signal loss or undesirable behavior is as follows:

Interference PotentialType of MaterialLowSynthetic material, wood, glassMediumBrick, marble, waterHighConcrete, plasterVery HighMetal

To Reduce Wireless Signal Interference Caused by Other Electronic Devices:

Temporarily turn off or power down any of the devices listed above, and test your connection.
If the issue persists, try physically moving the device having connection problems away from any device(s) that could cause interference, and re-test.

To Reduce Wireless Signal Interference Caused by Other Objects or Structures:

Relocate the device having connection problems away from any obstacles, and test the connection.
If your range extender or the device having connection problems is set up inside of a cabinet, closet, or other type of enclosure, consider relocating them.

Range extenders are designed to be relocated easily. For this reason, finding and testing alternative locations in your home that may provide better and more reliable signal coverage and be less prone to wireless interference may be the best option.

6. Find Optimal Position

The purpose of a Wi-Fi range extender is to expand the Wi-Fi coverage in your home, by capturing the signal from your wireless router and expanding it further. To accomplish this, you need to place the range extender within the existing coverage area of your wireless router. However, to maintain an excellent wireless signal for your Wi-Fi devices, the range extender needs to be positioned within optimal distance from the wireless router. Here's how to accomplish this:

Plug your range extender into an available power outlet in the area you'd like to expand your home's Wi-Fi coverage to.
Check the circular status light on the front of the range extender:

Status light highlighted on front of TP-Link range extender.

Solid Blue

Indicates an excellent wireless signal.
Solid Red

Indicates a weak wireless signal.
If the status indicator light shows a weak signal, plug the range extender into a power outlet that's a bit closer to your wireless router.

Repeat this process until the range extender indicates an excellent signal.

7. Power Cycle

Press the power button on the side of the range extender and make sure the indicator lights on the front turn off.

Power button highlighted on side of TP-Link range extender.

Wait ten seconds.

Press the power button again and make sure the power light on the front turns on.

Power light highlighted on front of TP-Link range extender.

Wait one minute for the range extender to start back up fully.

8. Factory Reset Check

The next step in the troubleshooting process is to fully factory reset your Range Extender, and set it back up to ensure correct and proper configuration.

9. How to Factory Reset Your TP-Link RE450 AC1750 Wi-Fi Range Extender

Show Me How

Clicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

10. What's next?

11. Check Power

Make sure your range extender is not on a switched outlet, or that the switch is turned on.

Test the outlet that's being used with another electrical device, such as a lamp. Make sure the same outlet works.

Make sure your range extender's power indicator light turns on.

12. What's next?

13. Check Power

Make sure your range extender is not on a switched outlet, or that the switch is turned on.

Test the outlet that's being used with another electrical device, such as a lamp. Make sure the same outlet works.

Make sure your range extender's power indicator light turns on.

14. Check Devices On Range Extender

Test your Internet connection using a device that's connected to your Range Extender's Wi-Fi network. Try bringing up a webpage, checking your email, or streaming music or video.

15. Factory Reset Check