How to Set Up a D-Link DAP-1650 WiFi Repeater

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

• How to set up and position your D-Link DAP-1650 AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender.

You'll Need:

• A router with the Wi-Fi already set up.
• Your router to have a WPS button for easy setup, or
• A computer or mobile device for the standard setup process.
• Your home network's Wi-Fi credentials:
• Wi-Fi network name (SSID),
• Wi-Fi password (security key).

2. Physical Setup

1. Unbox your D-Link DAP-1650.
2. Find an outlet near your wireless router and plug your extender in.
   

1. Wait until the Power LED is solid green.
   

1. Once you setup your extender you can move it if needed.

3. Setup Methods

There are two methods available to get your D-Link DAP-1650 AC1200 Range Extender set up for the first time. Before choosing which set up method to use, it is important to know which mode of operation you intend to have your Range Extender operate in.

Modes of Operation Available

Range Extender Mode (Default)

This is the default mode of operation and how the majority of range extenders operate. It is designed to extend the range of your existing wireless network by repeating the wireless signal of another access point or wireless router.

Access Point (AP) Mode

This mode is used to connect wireless clients (like laptops, tablets and smartphones) to your existing wired network.

Media Bridge Mode

This mode creates a wireless link between two existing networks, enabling you to attach a wired device to a wireless network.

The Wi-Fi Protected Setup or WPS method will only allow you to configure your Range Extender in the default Range Extender mode.

If you want to use your D-Link DAP-1650 in the Access Point or Media Bridge modes, you must choose the standard Wizard Setup.

Set Up Methods Available

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)

This is an easy setup method that many routers come equipped with. It is designed to make the process of connecting to a secure wireless network easier. Under normal circumstances, you would need to use some sort of interface to select a network, provide the password to said network, and attempt to connect. With WPS, all you have to do is press the WPS button on your router, then press the same button on your range extender, and they will exchange information and connect to one another automatically.

Wizard Setup (Standard)

If your router does not come equipped with a WPS button, or you'd rather not use WPS at all, the standard manual setup can be used. This is a more traditional setup method that requires the use of a web browser on a computer or mobile device. This process involves selecting the Wi-Fi network you wish to extend, and providing the Wi-Fi password manually. The upside to this process is that it offers more customization options for your new extended network than the WPS method does.

4. WPS Setup

1. Locate and press the WPS button on your router. It may be labeled with the symbol depicted below or it may simply say WPS.
   

1. 
   
2. Depending on the model of your wireless router, there may be a light of some sort that lets you know you've activated the WPS button on your router. This light should illuminate or blink when pressed. 
3. Within one minute press the WPS button on the back of the range extender.
   

1. The Power LED will begin to blink.
   

1. When both the Power LED and Internet LED are solid green, you are connected.
   

1. After connecting you can move your range extender.
   By default, your range extender's network will mimic your home network's Wi-Fi network name, but will simply have "_EXT" added to it. The Wi-Fi password for your range extender's network will remain the same as your home network.

5. Connect Device for Setup

In order to set up your range extender, you'll need to connect your computer or mobile device to its Wi-Fi setup network first. The Wi-Fi network should appear in the list of available Wi-Fi networks as EXT or EXT5G.

If you're using a computer that is wired directly to your router, you will need to unplug the Ethernet cable and connect to this Wi-Fi network before you can proceed.

Use the illustrations below to help you choose the type of device you are using:

Computer

Windows

macOS

Mobile Device

Android

iOS

6. Connect Android

Depending on your exact device (Smartphone or Tablet), and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

1. Open Settings.
   

1. Select Wi-Fi.
   

1. Select the EXT Wi-Fi network from the list.
   

1. 
   
2. The network is unsecured; this is normal. You will be using it to set up the device only. After, you will be using the device over a secured wireless connection.

7. Choose Mode

Your D-link DAP-1650 comes with three modes. If you don't select a mode, the device will select Extender mode for you.

Extender Mode

Use Extender Mode to extend the range of your existing wireless network by repeating the wireless signal of another access point or wireless router.

Access Point Mode

Use Access Point (AP) mode to connect wireless clients (like laptops, tablets and smartphones) to your existing wired network.
Multiple clients can connect wirelessly to the network at the same time.

Media Bridge Mode

Media Bridge Mode creates a wireless link between two existing networks, enabling you to attach a wired device to a wireless network.

8. Access Point Wizard Setup

1. Launch the browser that you use to go online.
   

1. Navigate to http://dlinkap.local./ and sign in with the default login credentials of the range extender.
   

1. 
   
2. The default password is blank. The default username is Admin.
3. The first time you connect the Wizard will ask to run.
   

1. If the Wizard does not direct you, select Setup.
   

1. Click Launch Wireless Setup Wizard.
   

1. Select Next.
   

1. Select Next.
   

1. Your DAP-1650 has three modes: Extender, Access Point, and Media Bridge.
2. By default Extender will be selected in the drop down menu. Select Access Point instead.
   

1. Click Next.
   

1. The configuration screen allows you to name your wireless network (SSID) and create a password.
2. Click Next.
   

1. Set a password for your web based utility and click Next.
   

1. Select your time zone.
   

1. 
   
2. Click Next.
3. A summary is displayed.
4. Click Finish.
   

1. Your device will reboot to save the settings. When rebooting the main screen will display.
   

9. Extender Wizard Setup

1. Launch the browser that you use to go online.
   

1. Navigate to http://dlinkap.local./ and sign in with the default login credentials of the range extender.
   

1. 
   
2. The default password is blank. The default username is Admin.
3. The first time you connect the Wizard will ask to run.
   

1. If the Wizard does not direct you, select Setup.
   

1. Click Launch Wireless Setup Wizard.
   

1. Select Next.
   

1. Select Next.
   

1. Your DAP-1650 has three modes: Extender, Access Point, and Media Bridge.
2. By default Extender will be selected.
   

1. Click Next.
   

1. The configuration screen allows you to name your wireless network (SSID) and create a password.
2. Click Next.
   

1. The Wizard will scan for available networks.
   

1. Select your network from the list and click Connect.
   

1. Enter your password and click Next.
   

1. Set a password for your web based utility and click Next.
   

1. A summary is displayed.
2. Click Finish.
   

1. Your device will reboot to save the settings. When rebooting the main screen will display.
   

10. Media Bridge Wizard Setup

1. Launch the browser that you use to go online.
   

1. Navigate to http://dlinkap.local./ and sign in with the default login credentials of the range extender.
   

1. 
   
2. The default password is blank. The default username is Admin.
3. The first time you connect the Wizard will ask to run.
   

1. If the Wizard does not direct you, select Setup.
   

1. Click Launch Wireless Setup Wizard.
   

1. Select Next.
   

1. Select Next.
   

1. Your DAP-1650 has three modes: Extender, Access Point, and Media Bridge.
2. By default Extender will be selected in the drop down box. Select Media Bridge.
   

1. Click Next.
   

1. The Wizard will scan for available networks.
   

1. Select your network from the list and click Connect.
   

1. Enter your password and click Next.
   

1. Set a password for your web based utility and click Next.
   

1. A summary is displayed.
2. Click Finish.
   

1. Your device will reboot to save the settings. When rebooting the main screen will display.
   

11. Connect iOS

Depending on your exact device (Smartphone or Tablet), and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Apple iOS devices and generations.

1. Open Settings.
   

1. Select Wi-Fi.
   

1. Select the EXT Wi-Fi network from the list.
   

1. 
   
2. The network is unsecured; this is normal. You will be using it to set up the device only. After, you will be using the device over a secured wireless connection.

12. Connect Windows

Windows 10 may show slightly different options, but the steps should be similar across all versions of Windows 10.

1. Select the Network icon in the bottom right.
   

1. Select the EXT Wi-Fi network from the list.
   

1. Select Connect.
   

The network is unsecured; this is normal. You will be using it to set up the device only. After, you will be using the device over a secured wireless connection.

13. Connect macOS

macOS may show slightly different options, but the steps should be similar across all versions and themes on macOS.

1. Select Wi-Fi from the menu bar, then select your the EXT Wi-Fi network from the list.
   

The network is unsecured; this is normal. You will be using it to set up the device only. After, you will be using the device over a secured wireless connection.

14. I Can't Remember My Wi-Fi Password

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