Turn an Old Router Into a WiFi Extender

Got an old router collecting dust? Don't throw it away. You can turn it into a WiFi extender to boost your internet signal to dead zones in your home. This saves money and gives your old hardware new life.

Setting up an old router as an extender takes about 30 minutes. You'll need access to your main router's settings and your old router's admin panel. The process works with most brands including Netgear, TP-Link, Asus, Linksys, and D-Link.

What You Need Before Starting

Before diving into the setup, gather these items:

• Your old router (any brand that's still functional)
• An ethernet cable
• Your main router's WiFi name and password
• Access to both routers' admin panels
• A computer or smartphone for configuration

You'll also need to know your main router's IP address. Most routers use 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Check the sticker on your router or visit our IP address tool to find it.

Step 1: Reset Your Old Router

Start fresh by resetting your old router to factory settings. This clears any old configurations that might interfere with the setup.

1. Unplug your old router for 30 seconds
2. Plug it back in and wait for it to boot up completely
3. Find the reset button (usually a small recessed button)
4. Hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds while the router is powered on
5. Release the button and wait for the router to restart

After the reset, all lights should be stable. The router will return to its default settings, including the default username and password printed on the label.

Step 2: Connect to Your Old Router

Now you need to access your old router's settings. Connect your computer directly to the old router using an ethernet cable.

1. Connect an ethernet cable from your computer to any LAN port on the old router
2. Open your web browser and type the router's default IP address
3. For most routers, try 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1
4. Enter the default username and password (usually "admin/admin" or "admin/password")

If you can't remember the default login, check our router login guides for specific brands like Netgear or TP-Link.

Step 3: Change the Router's IP Address

Your old router can't have the same IP address as your main router. You need to change it to avoid conflicts.

Here's how to change the IP address on different router brands:

For Netgear Routers

1. Go to "Advanced" in the main menu
2. Click "Setup" then "LAN Setup"
3. Change the IP address from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.2
4. Keep the subnet mask as 255.255.255.0
5. Click "Apply" and wait for the router to restart

For TP-Link Routers

1. Navigate to "Advanced" then "Network"
2. Click "LAN"
3. Change the IP address to 192.168.1.2
4. Save the settings and restart the router

For Asus Routers

1. Go to "LAN" in the left menu
2. Find "LAN IP" settings
3. Change the IP address to 192.168.1.2
4. Apply settings and reboot

After changing the IP address, you'll need to reconnect using the new address (192.168.1.2 in this example).

Step 4: Disable DHCP on the Old Router

DHCP assigns IP addresses to devices. Since your main router handles this job, turn off DHCP on your old router to prevent conflicts.

1. Look for "DHCP Server" or "LAN Settings" in the router menu
2. Find the DHCP option and disable it
3. On Netgear routers, go to "LAN Setup" and uncheck "Use Router as DHCP Server"
4. On TP-Link routers, go to "Advanced" → "Network" → "DHCP Server" and turn it off
5. Save the settings

Step 5: Configure WiFi Settings

Set up the WiFi on your old router. You have two options: use the same network name as your main router or create a different one.

Option 1: Same Network Name (Recommended)

Using the same WiFi name creates a unified network. Your devices will automatically connect to the stronger signal.

1. Go to "Wireless" or "WiFi" settings
2. Set the network name (SSID) exactly the same as your main router
3. Use the same password as your main router
4. Choose a different channel (if your main router uses channel 6, use channel 1 or 11)
5. Set the security type to WPA2-PSK

Option 2: Different Network Name

If you prefer separate networks, create a unique name like "YourNetwork_Ext".

1. Set a new network name that indicates it's an extender
2. Use a strong password
3. Choose a different wireless channel
4. Apply the settings

Step 6: Position Your Extended Router

Location matters for good coverage. Place your old router halfway between your main router and the dead zone you want to cover.

Good placement tips:

• Keep it elevated (on a shelf or table, not on the floor)
• Avoid metal objects and thick walls
• Stay away from microwaves and baby monitors
• Test the signal strength in your target area

Step 7: Connect the Routers

Now connect your old router to your main network. You can do this wirelessly or with an ethernet cable.

Wireless Connection (Most Common)

1. In your old router's settings, look for "Repeater Mode" or "Wireless Bridge"
2. Some routers call this "Range Extender Mode"
3. Select your main router's network from the list
4. Enter your main router's password
5. Save and apply the settings

Wired Connection (More Stable)

1. Run an ethernet cable from a LAN port on your main router
2. Connect it to a LAN port (not the WAN port) on your old router
3. This creates a wired backhaul for better performance

Testing Your WiFi Extender

After setup, test your extended network:

1. Walk to the area where you had weak WiFi signal
2. Check if you can connect to the internet
3. Test the speed using your phone or computer
4. Make sure devices can switch between routers smoothly

If you have connection issues, try restarting both routers. Wait for them to fully boot up before testing again.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Can't Access Router Settings

If you can't log into your old router, try these solutions:

• Make sure you're using the correct IP address
• Check that your computer's ethernet connection is working
• Try a factory reset and start over
• Use the default login credentials from the router label

Weak Signal from Extended Network

If your extended network has poor performance:

• Move the old router closer to your main router
• Check for interference from other devices
• Make sure both routers use different wireless channels
• Consider using a wired connection between routers

Devices Won't Connect

If devices have trouble connecting:

• Restart your devices' WiFi connections
• Forget and reconnect to the network
• Check that you're using the correct password
• Verify the security settings match between both routers

Alternative: Use Router Firmware for Better Features

Some old routers support custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt. These provide better repeater functions and more control over your network settings. However, this requires technical knowledge and can void your warranty.

Before trying custom firmware, check if your router model supports it and follow installation guides carefully.

When to Buy a Dedicated Extender Instead

While using an old router works well, sometimes a dedicated WiFi extender makes more sense:

• If your old router is very outdated (more than 5 years old)
• When you need the latest WiFi standards like WiFi 6
• If setup becomes too complicated for your technical comfort level
• When power consumption matters (dedicated extenders use less electricity)

Converting your old router into a WiFi extender is a smart way to improve your home network without spending money. With proper placement and configuration, you'll eliminate dead zones and enjoy better internet coverage throughout your home. The setup takes some time initially, but the improved WiFi signal makes it worthwhile.