The ultimate TP-Link Extender setup without WPS is right here, in this post!
We’ll go over each and every detail of getting your TP-Link WiFi Extender ready to go, by completely avoiding the usage of the WPS feature.
We know well already, that older router devices do not have the WPS feature and such a setup isn’t possible.
Here’s how it goes:
To set up a TP-Link Extender without using WPS, connect your extender to a PC/Laptop using an Ethernet cable. After that, launch a browser and reach TP Link’s setup page at “http//192.168.0.254” and follow the setup instructions.
To review the process in more depth, keep reading about the WPS-free setup!
Is It Possible to Setup TP-Link Extender Without WPS?
Before we proceed with the guide, it’s good to review what’s expected to come along during the WPS-free setup of your TP-Link Extender.
You’ll also be needing some extra equipment, without counting your router, since we’ll not be using WPS.
Here’s what you’ll need for the setup:
- A PC/Laptop Connected to WiFi, with an Installed Browser
- An Ethernet Cable
- A Running Router Device
Make sure you have all of the following things, before beginning the setup. Since we’ll not be using WPS, you’ll have to access your extender’s web setup and get the device running from there.
As of now, there is no other option to set up the extender, without the WPS.
TP-Link Extender Setup Without WPS – Full Walkthrough
After learning more about the setup of your TP-Link Extender, we could begin the walkthrough.
We’ll be going over some simple steps and provide you with easy instructions, so you could understand how to get your TP-Link Extender ready.
Let’s jump into the guide right away!
Step #1 Connect the Extender to Power & Ethernet
Assuming you still haven’t figured out a position for your TP Link WiFi Extender, now is the time.
You must place the extender in a dead WiFi zone in your house, to boost the WiFi coverage. Figure this out on your own and plug the extender where it has to be.
On the other hand, the extender must also be close to your laptop or PC, so it could connect via Ethernet.
Unfortunately, the device must be connected to the power and to Ethernet at the same time, in order to set it up without using WPS.
Follow these instructions to get the extender connected to Ethernet:
- If you still haven’t connected the extender to power, plug it into an outlet.
- Measure the distance between the extender and your PC (or use a laptop).
- Get an Ethernet Cable long enough to connect both devices.
- Make sure the Ethernet cable is resting and its hardware hasn’t tightened.
- Wait for your extender to blink.
The blink you’re expected to see from your extender is an indication that the device has successfully received power. The WiFi lamp on the extender will still be off since the device is not connected to any internet source yet.
Tip: If no light is coming up on your extender, reconnect the device from the outlet.
Step #2 Access the Extender’s Settings
Once your extender is successfully connected to a power outlet and your PC/laptop, your next step is to access the device’s settings.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, you’ll be needing a browser for that purpose and the extender being connected via Ethernet to your device.
- The setup of the extender is done through the web page of TP-Link
Follow these instructions to access the extender’s settings in easy steps:
- On your PC or laptop, launch a browser.
- Tap the search field.
- Paste the following address: “http//192.168.0.254”.
- Press the Enter Key.
- Wait to be redirected.
- On the login page, use “admin” for both username and password.
The following IP address is used to access TP Link’s configuration page.
Regardless of whether you’re setting up a router, extender, or another TP-Link device, pasting this address into a browser will allow you to enter the page.
Note: At the login screen of TP Link’s page, use “admin” for both of the login fields!
Step #3 Select Regional Settings
Once you’ve completed the login verification, you’ll be immediately forwarded to the setup screen of your extender.
Assuming the wired connection between your extender and PC/laptop has been established successfully, pressing “Quick Setup” will start the process.
Make sure to select “Quick Setup” since this is a user-friendly setup.
If technicians install your equipment, they’ll set up the extender in a rather different way that includes entering the information you do not have access to.
- In the “Regional Settings” tab of the Quick Setup, select your real-time location!
The first setup screen you’ll be forwarded to when you’ve selected “Quick Setup” is the regional settings adjustment.
You’ll have to select your real-time location in order for particular settings to be auto-generated according to the inserted location.
Note: Regional settings are mainly used by TP Link themselves, during troubleshooting.
Step #4 Choose the Network you Wish to Extend
After getting the regional settings set up, it’s time to select which network you’ll be extending.
If your extender is plugged in and the power light is on, the device will start scanning for available networks.
The results of that following scan will be displayed on the next TP-Link page you’re seeing in front of yourself right now.
Here’s how to select which network you wish to extend:
- When selecting a regional option, press “Next”.
- On the next page, wait for the extender to scan for available networks.
- Once results appear, choose the WiFi of your router.
- Press the “Extend” button at the bottom of the page.
Keep in mind that if you’re using a dual-band router and you want both of your WiFis boosted, you must select the appropriate checkboxes.
Highlight both of the WiFis you wish to extend and press the “Continue/Extend” button at the bottom of the page.
Alert: You’ll not be able to boost WiFis from different networks with a single extender.
Step #5 Connect with the Extended Network
The WiFi threads you selected in the previous step are about to be boosted in the upcoming moments.
It is likely that your extender will reboot and the internet light should start blinking. That means that the device has started “extending” and working now.
All you have to do is head into the WiFi settings of a device in your home and connect with the extender’s network.
Keep in mind that although the extender has boosted your router’s WiFis, the threads hosted by the router will remain.
Another WiFi hosted by the extender (still using your router’s internet) will appear. That’s considered as the “extended” network.
Alert: If your router shuts down or no longer has internet, so will your extender.
How to Test the Boosted WiFi?
If you wish to perform a test on the WiFi you’ve boosted just right now, you could easily do that by connecting to the extender’s network and running an infamous online test.
Based on how well you’ve positioned the TP-Link extender, you should be getting the same speeds.
- Head to https://www.speedtest.net/ and press the “Run” button!
Once the checker has completed testing your WiFi connection, results in regard to download and upload speed will be displayed.
- The Download Speed is how quickly you download from the internet
- The Upload Speed is how quickly you upload data to the internet
Based on your router’s base speed and the ISP’s delivery speeds, the optimal result you should get is 200 Mbps for both upload and download speed.
Tip: If you’re seeing a decrease in performance, place the extender closer to the router.
Quick Recap:
To set up a TP-Link Extender setup without WPS, plug the device into a power outlet and connect it to a PC/laptop using an Ethernet cable.
After that, access TP Link’s webpage and press “Quick Setup”, before following the setup instructions.
Read Next: TP-Link Extender 5GHz Not Working? – Here’s How to Fix!
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.