Internet-related issues are quite frustrating, and if you are wondering why is WiFi extender causing internet to drop you have come to the right place.
In this article, you will learn the common reasons why your WiFi extender is causing the internet to drop and how to solve them.
A WiFi extender or WiFi booster is used to increase the range of your internet.
The working procedure of a WiFi extender is simple; these gadgets just rebroadcast the signals of your existing WiFi. To use a WiFi booster, you need replicates, receivers, electrical outlets and antennas.
If your WiFi extender is dropping the internet, you should update its firmware. Furthermore, try to change the location of your gadget, if possible. You can also power cycle your WiFi extender or connect it to the right network to increase its performance.
Reasons Why WIFI Extender Can Cause Internet to Drop
Even though WiFi extenders are used to increase the range of your WiFi, these gadgets can still drop your internet strength. Numerous reasons can cause this problem, including:
Outdated Firmware
WiFi extenders can cause your internet to drop because of their outdated firmware.
If you are using an outdated WiFi extender, your gadget might not be able to catch the frequency of your WiFi.
Wrong Network
A WiFi extender uses an existing WiFi to create a new one, meaning it will create a new name for your WiFi.
So, there are chances that you are still connected to your original WiFi instead of the new one.
Connection to a Wrong Network
It’s also possible that your Network Extender is connected to a different network (such as your neighbor’s WiFi) and is therefore not receiving a good signal.
Improper Placement
The wrong placement of your WiFi extender can also lead to an internet dropping issue.
For instance, if your gadget is behind aluminum studs or metal doors, it might not be able to extend your existing signals.
Besides these, several other reasons can lead to the internet dropping.
However, you don’t have to worry about the reasons because the solutions mentioned below will surely resolve the internet dropping issues related to WiFi extenders.
WIFI Extender Causing Internet to Drop – Solutions
WiFi extenders act as a bridge between your device and routers. They capture the signals from one WiFi router and rebroadcast them to another one.
As a result, you can use a single internet connection in your whole house.
Can WiFi extender cause problems? Like all other electronic devices, WiFi extenders come with both pros and cons.
While these gadgets can increase the range of your WiFi, they can still drop your internet occasionally.
If your WiFi extender is also causing the internet to drop, you can use the following troubleshooting solutions to solve this problem:
Solution #1 Update WiFi Extender Firmware
If a WiFi booster is constantly causing your internet to drop, there are high chances that your gadget is working on an outdated firmware version.
Just like software or operating system, an update is essential for your WiFi extender as well.
Follow these steps to update your WiFi extender:
- Connect your WIFI extender to the power source
- Go to the My WiFi Ext
- Sign up with a new account
- Go to the “Update” page
- Select a firmware supported to your extender and follow the steps
Once you follow the steps and update your firmware, you’ll need to reset your WiFi extender.
After that, connect your WiFi extender to your router and reconfigure your gadget.
Note: My WiFi Ext will automatically open the GUI interface of your extender.
All you have to do is select firmware and update your device to use fast and stable internet.
Solution #2 Power Cycle WiFi Extender
If your WiFi extender firmware is up-to-date, you can power cycle it to solve the internet dropping issue.
Power cycling your WiFi extender is just restarting it. This approach won’t delete any of our data; it will only flash unnecessary cache files.
To power cycle your WiFi extender, follow these steps:
- Disconnect your WiFi booster from the network
- Turn off your device
- Unplug it from the power source
- Wait for at least 30 seconds
- Plug it back in and connect it to the home network
If your extender dropped internet due to bugs and glitches, this method would solve your problem.
However, if you are still experiencing the “internet drop” issue, you might need to change the location of your extender.
Note: Power cycling and resetting your WiFi extender are two different things.
While resetting your WiFi extender can delete all your personal data and network settings, power cycling will only delete the temporary files from your extender.
Solution #3 Reposition WiFi Extender
A simple solution to WiFi extender causing the internet to drop issue is to simply reposition it.
A wrong placement can lead to a weak and unreliable internet connection.
According to many users, the perfect place for a WiFi is in a central position in the house.
However, if that’s not possible, you can use WiFi extenders to increase the range of your existing WiFi.
Here are some of the guidelines that you should keep in mind while placing a WiFi extender:
- Do not set it inside a cupboard, under a table or in a corner
- Keep it away from aluminum studs, metal doors, concrete walls
- Place it away from electronic gadgets
- Keep it in a neat and clean area
While selecting an ideal place for a WiFi extender, make sure it is not far away from the WiFi router.
This is because if your extender gets weak signals from the router to rebroadcast, it can cause the internet to drop.
Solution #4 Connect WiFi Extender to the Right Network
Are you sure you are connected to the right WiFi network? Once you connect your extender with a WiFi network, it offers a new extended network.
For instance, the name and specs of your new extended WiFi will be different from the old one.
Most users out there connect with their old ” WiFi SSID,” which can lead to internet dropping.
So, to enjoy a fast and reliable internet connection, you must connect to the right network.
Follow these steps to change the WiFi network on your smartphone:
- Go to the “Settings” app
- Select “Network and Connectivity”
- Choose “WiFi”
- Select your old “WiFi” and click on “Forget”
- Select your new ” WiFi” and enter password to connect
Once you connect to the network that is offered by your WiFi extender, there won’t be any internet dropping issue due to weak signals.
Tip: To always connect to the extended network, select the “Connect Automatically” feature from the WiFi info.
Make it a habit to update WiFi Extender firmware to fix any software-related glitches. If WiFi extender causes the internet to drop move it to a different location, then restart it to fix the issue.
Read Next: How to Get a Stronger WiFi Signal from My Neighbour?
Final Thoughts
WiFi extenders are basically used to improve your internet connection. So, why is WiFi extender causing internet to drop?
The above-mentioned reasons and fixes should get you covered. It’s also important to always get original WiFi Network extenders because there are a lot of fakes out there.
When you have original gadgets you can always contact the manufacturer and get quick fixes when your troubleshooting techniques don’t help.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.