Linksys WiFi range extenders are not broadcasting a WiFi name or SSID

If your range extender is not broadcasting the WiFi name or SSID, you can perform these troubleshooting measures below:
 

Check if your computer can Ping the range extender
Check if the settings of the range extender and the router are in sync
Perform a powercycle
Reset the range extender

 

Check if your computer can Ping the range extender
 
A Ping Test is performed using a computer through the Run or Command Prompt (Windows®) or Ping (Mac®) feature. The range extender should be directly connected to the computer using an ethernet cable before performing this test.
 
To Ping the range extender, you will need to obtain its IP address which can be found in the DHCP Client Table of your router’s web interface.

 
Once you have the extender’s IP address, 
perform a Ping Test on your operating system.
 
In this example, the IP address 192.168.1.138 is used as displayed in the image below:


The Ping Test pushes the computer to send a message to the range extender. The general rule is that if the computer receives a reply, your device is up and running and the connection between the router and the range extender is still present. If it does not, you can either perform a powercycle to refresh your network or reset the extender to configure it entirely.
 
 
Check if the settings of the range extender and the router are in sync
 
The range extender’s web interface helps you manage the configuration of your extender. It is important that the extender reflects the same settings of the router you are using, especially the Network Name (SSID), Password, Channel Width, and Security Mode.
 

Make sure that if you change the router settings such as the SSID, Security Mode, and Password, it should be applied to the range extender as well. Click on your range extender’s model number below to know how to check its WiFi settings:
 

Linksys RE6400, RE6300, RE6700, RE6500, RE3000W v2, or RE4100W
Linksys RE1000, RE2000, RE3000, RE3000W, or RE4000W

 
 
Linksys RE6400, RE6300, RE6700, RE6500, RE3000W v2, or RE4100W
 
1. You will need to connect your computer directly to the extender via the ethernet port and log in to the range extender’s web interface.
 
2. On the Wireless tab, scroll down to 2.4 GHz Wireless Settings then click Advanced settings. 
 
3. Make sure your WiFi settings match your WiFi router’s settings. Otherwise, make your changes in the Network Name (SSID) and Password fields.
  
4. Click Save.
 

 
Linksys RE1000, RE2000, RE3000, RE3000W, or RE4000W
 
1. You will need to connect your computer directly to the extender via the ethernet port and log in to the range extender’s web interface.
 
2. Go to the Wireless tab and select Basic Wireless Settings.
 
3. Select Manual.
  
You will now be able to edit the range extender’s WiFi settings. If you need to make any changes, enter the WiFi settings in the fields provided.
 
4. Click Save Settings.
 
It is not recommended to disable the SSID broadcast of your router especially when you use an extender.  A disabled SSID broadcast is not enough of a security feature on its own to protect the network. To strengthen the security of your network, opt for a higher Security Mode such as WPA2™ and utilize a strong password or passphrase. 
 
SSID broadcast issues with the range extender usually happen when a WiFi device tries to connect to an SSID that has been recently changed. If your computer, laptop and other WiFi devices are used to connect to the extender, ensure that you have deleted the previous WiFi name or SSID.
 

Perform a powercycle
 
To jumpstart your network without wiping off any personalized WiFi setting, perform a powercycle. To do this, power OFF the router and extender by unplugging the power cord and wait for 10 seconds before plugging it back in.

 
 
Reset the range extender
 
Press and hold the Reset button of your range extender for at least 10 seconds. Once the Power light starts blinking, the reset is successful and the extender is restarting at this point.


One of the most basic troubleshooting steps that you can take is to reset your range extender. A reset will wipe off any personalized WiFi setting, as this feature restores the device to its default factory settings, allowing you to configure the extender to ensure that it matches the configuration of your router.

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