Revamp Your Home Network: How to Use a Router as a WiFi Extender

Got an old WiFi router gathering dust in a closet? Don’t let it become electronic waste! With a little know-how, you can transform that forgotten device into a powerful WiFi extender, breathing new life into your home network and banishing those frustrating dead zones. This clever repurposing not only saves you money on new hardware but also gives you more control over your network’s coverage and performance.

Why Bother Turning Your Old Router into a WiFi Extender?

Many of us experience the frustration of a patchy WiFi signal in certain areas of our homes. Whether it’s a weak signal in the bedroom, a dropped connection in the backyard, or buffering in the basement, poor WiFi coverage can disrupt everything from streaming to online gaming. Here’s why using an old router as an extender is a smart move:

• Cost-Effective Solution: Why buy a new range extender when you might already own a perfectly capable device? This is hands down the most budget-friendly way to boost your WiFi.
• Eco-Friendly: Repurposing electronics reduces waste and gives devices a second life, contributing to a greener planet.
• Improved Coverage & Performance: A properly configured old router can offer a more stable and robust signal than many basic range extenders, especially when utilizing a wired connection (Access Point mode). You can eliminate dead zones and enjoy faster, more reliable internet access in every corner of your home.
• Better Control: Unlike some simpler plug-and-play extenders, configuring your old router gives you granular control over its settings, allowing for a more tailored network experience.

Our Picks for the Best WiFi Router in 2026 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Num	Product	Action
1	TP-Link Archer BE6500 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router (Archer BE400) - Dual 2.5 Gbps Ports USB 3.0 - Covers up to 2,400 Sq. ft and 90 Devices - Quad-core CPU- HomeShield, Private IoT, Free Expert Support
2	TP-Link AX1800 WiFi 6 Router (Archer AX21) – Dual Band Wireless Internet, Gigabit, Easy Mesh, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device, Free Expert Support
3	Amazon eero 6+ mesh wifi router with 1 month free eero Plus (auto-renews) - Coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft., Connect 75+ devices, 1-pack
4	Amazon eero 6 mesh wifi router with 1-month free eero Plus (auto-renews) - Supports internet plans up to 900 Mbps, Coverage up to 1,500 sq. ft., Connect 75+ devices, 1-pack
5	TP-Link Tri-Band BE9300 WiFi 7 Router (Archer BE550) - 6-Stream, Full 2.5G Ports w/ 6 Internal Antennas, Up to 2,000 Sq Ft, Add Easy-Mesh Device for Extended Coverage, VPN Support, Free Expert Support
6	TP-Link AXE5400 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (Archer AXE75), 2025 PCMag Editors\' Choice, Gigabit Internet for Gaming & Streaming, New 6GHz Band, 160MHz, OneMesh, Quad-Core CPU, VPN & WPA3 Security
7	TP-Link AC1200 Gigabit WiFi Router (Archer A6) - Dual Band MU-MIMO Wireless Internet Router, 4 x Antennas, OneMesh and AP Mode, Long Range Coverage
8	TP-Link Dual-Band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Router Archer BE230 - 4-Stream - 2×2.5G + 3×1G Ports, USB 3.0, 2.0 GHz Quad Core, 4 Antennas - VPN, EasyMesh, HomeShield, MLO, Private IOT - Free Expert Support
9	TP-Link AC1200 WiFi Router (Archer A54) - Dual Band Wireless Internet Router, 4 x 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Ports, EasyMesh Compatible, Support Guest WiFi, Access Point Mode, IPv6 & Parental Controls
10	RBLHGG-5acD-US LHG 5 ac - 5GHz 802.11ac Wireless Device with 24.5 dBi Dual-Pol Grid Antenna - 716 MHz CPU, 256MB RAM, Gigabit Port, RouterOS L3, PoE, US Version

Before You Begin: The Essential Checklist

Before diving into the configuration, a little preparation goes a long way. This checklist will ensure a smooth setup process for your repurposed router:

• 1. Check Compatibility: Not all routers are created equal. Your old router needs to support either “Repeater Mode,” “Wireless Bridge Mode,” or “Access Point (AP) Mode.” Most modern routers offer at least one of these functionalities. You’ll typically find this information in the router’s manual or by searching its model number online. If your router doesn’t have these modes natively, advanced users might consider custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT, but this is a more complex undertaking.
• 2. Factory Reset the Old Router: This crucial step clears out any old configurations that could conflict with your existing network.
  • How: With the router powered on, locate the small, recessed “Reset” button (often a pinhole) on the back or bottom of the device. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10-20 seconds until the lights on the router blink or change. Release the button, and allow the router to reboot.
  • Why: A factory reset restores the router to its default settings, including its default IP address, username, and password, which are usually printed on a sticker on the router itself.
• 3. Gather Main Network Information: You’ll need the following details from your primary router:
  • Your main WiFi network’s name (SSID).
  • Your main WiFi network’s password.
  • Your main router’s IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). You can usually find this by checking your computer’s network settings or looking at your main router’s label.
• 4. Essential Equipment:
  • Your old router (now reset).
  • Its power adapter.
  • An Ethernet cable (useful for initial setup and essential for Access Point mode).
  • A computer or smartphone to access the router’s administration panel.
• 5. Update Firmware (Recommended): If your router hasn’t been used in a while, updating its firmware can improve performance, security, and compatibility. Visit the manufacturer’s website, search for your router model, and download the latest firmware. Follow their instructions carefully to install it.

Understanding the Modes: Repeater vs. Access Point

When transforming your old router, you’ll generally have two primary options: Repeater Mode or Access Point Mode. Knowing the difference is key to choosing the best setup for your needs.

Repeater Mode (Wireless Extension)

• How it Works: In Repeater Mode, your old router wirelessly connects to your main WiFi network and then re-broadcasts that signal, effectively “repeating” it to extend coverage. It acts like a middleman, receiving and then sending the WiFi packets.
• Pros: The biggest advantage is flexibility—no Ethernet cables required! You can place the extender router anywhere within range of your main WiFi signal.
• Cons: The primary drawback is a potential reduction in bandwidth. Because the repeater uses the same wireless radio to both receive and transmit data, it can effectively halve your speeds. It’s also more susceptible to interference and can be less stable than a wired connection.

Access Point (AP) Mode (Wired Extension)

• How it Works: In AP Mode, your old router connects directly to your main router via an Ethernet cable. It then creates a new WiFi network (or extends your existing one) from that wired connection. The old router essentially acts as a simple WiFi transmitter for your primary network.
• Pros: This is the gold standard for performance. A wired “backhaul” provides a stable, full-speed connection between the two routers, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput. If you can run an Ethernet cable, this is almost always the superior choice.
• Cons: The main hurdle is the need to run an Ethernet cable from your main router to the location of your old router, which might not be practical in all homes.

“When you’re looking to eliminate WiFi dead zones, always prioritize a wired Access Point connection if possible,” advises Lena Nguyen, Senior Network Architect at Xzike.com. “The stability and speed of a wired backhaul far surpass the convenience of a wireless repeater, offering a truly seamless and high-performance network experience.”

Step-by-Step Guide: Configuring Your Router as an Extender

The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your router’s brand and model, but the general principles remain the same.

Option 1: Setting Up as a Wireless Repeater (Less Ideal, but Cable-Free)

1. Connect to Your Old Router: Plug in your old router. Once it boots up, connect your computer or smartphone to its default WiFi network (SSID and password usually on a sticker) or directly via an Ethernet cable from your device to a LAN port on the old router.
2. Access the Admin Panel: Open a web browser and type the router’s default IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) into the address bar. Log in using the default username and password (often admin/admin or admin/password).
3. Find Repeater/Extender Mode: Navigate through the router’s settings. Look under “Wireless Settings,” “Operation Mode,” “Network Mode,” or “Advanced Settings” for an option like “Repeater Mode,” “Wireless Extender,” or “Universal Repeater.”
4. Scan and Select Main Network: Once in repeater mode settings, you’ll usually find a “Scan” or “Site Survey” button. Click it to find available WiFi networks, then select your main WiFi network (SSID) from the list. Enter your main WiFi’s password when prompted.
5. Configure SSID and Password (Optional but Recommended): You’ll often have the choice to use the same SSID and password as your main network (for seamless roaming) or create a new, distinct network name for the extended signal. For a truly seamless experience where devices automatically switch to the strongest signal, matching the SSID and password is preferred.
6. Disable DHCP: This is a critical step. Disable the DHCP server on your old router. Your main router will handle all IP address assignments to prevent conflicts.
7. Save Settings and Reboot: Apply the changes, and the router will reboot. This may take a few minutes.
8. Placement: Once rebooted, unplug the old router and move it to a strategic location. Place it roughly halfway between your main router and the area you want to extend coverage to. Ensure it receives a good signal from your main router.

Option 2: Setting Up as a Wired Access Point (Recommended for Performance)

This method provides the most reliable and fastest extension.

1. Connect to Your Old Router: Connect your computer or smartphone to your old router via an Ethernet cable from your device to a LAN port on the old router. Plug in the old router.
2. Access the Admin Panel: Open a web browser and type the router’s default IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) into the address bar. Log in using the default username and password.
3. Disable DHCP: Go to the LAN settings or DHCP server section and disable DHCP. Your main router should be the only DHCP server on the network.
4. Change Old Router’s IP Address: Change the old router’s IP address to one that is within your main network’s subnet but outside its DHCP range. For example, if your main router’s IP is 192.168.1.1 and its DHCP range is 192.168.1.100-192.168.1.199, you could set your old router’s IP to 192.168.1.2 or 192.168.1.250. This prevents IP conflicts.
5. Configure Wireless Settings: Go to the wireless settings. Set the SSID (WiFi name) and password to match your main network’s credentials (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz if applicable) for seamless roaming. You can also choose a different SSID if you prefer. Ensure the security type (e.g., WPA2-PSK) matches your main network.
6. Switch to AP Mode (If available): Some routers have a dedicated “Access Point Mode” in their “Operation Mode” or “System Mode” settings. If so, enable it. If not, simply disabling DHCP and changing the IP address will effectively make it function as an AP.
7. Save Settings and Reboot: Apply all changes and let the router reboot.
8. Connect the Routers: Once the old router has rebooted, run an Ethernet cable from any LAN port on your main router to any LAN port on your now-configured Access Point router. Avoid using the WAN/Internet port on the old router for this setup unless its specific AP mode instructions dictate it. Connecting LAN-to-LAN ensures it acts purely as an extension of your existing network.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• No Internet Connection: Double-check that DHCP is disabled on the old router and that its IP address is unique within your network. Ensure the Ethernet cable (for AP mode) is securely connected to LAN ports.
• IP Conflicts: If devices can’t connect or get strange IP addresses, it’s likely an IP conflict. Verify DHCP is off on the old router and its static IP is outside your main router’s DHCP range.
• Router Doesn’t Have Repeater/AP Mode: Some very old or basic routers might lack these features. Consider installing third-party firmware like DD-WRT if you’re comfortable with advanced steps, or invest in a dedicated extender/AP.
• Slow Speeds: In Repeater Mode, some speed reduction is normal. For AP Mode, check your Ethernet cable (ensure it’s Cat5e or Cat6) and connections. Ensure your old router supports the WiFi standards (e.g., Wireless-N or AC) you expect.

Expert Insights: Maximizing Your Extended Network

Maximizing your repurposed router’s potential involves more than just setup. “The placement of your extended router is just as crucial as its configuration,” states Lena Nguyen from Xzike.com. “For Access Point mode, run that Ethernet cable and place the AP strategically where coverage is weakest. For Repeater mode, find that sweet spot where it receives a strong signal from your main router while still being close enough to the dead zone to effectively re-broadcast.”

• Optimal Placement: Whether wired or wireless, place your extended router where it can effectively cover the weak signal areas. For wireless repeaters, ensure it’s not too far from the main router to receive a strong signal itself.
• Matching SSIDs: Using the same SSID (network name) and password for both your main router and the extender allows for seamless roaming. Your devices will automatically connect to the strongest signal without you having to manually switch networks.
• Consider Dual-Band: If your old router is dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz), configure both bands. The 5GHz band offers faster speeds over shorter distances, while 2.4GHz provides better range and wall penetration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can any old router be used as a WiFi extender?
No, not every old router can be used. It needs to support Repeater, Bridge, or Access Point mode in its firmware. Always check your router’s manual or manufacturer’s website for compatibility before you begin.

2. Will using an old router as an extender slow down my main network?
If used in Repeater Mode (wireless), it can potentially halve your bandwidth due to the single radio receiving and re-broadcasting. However, if used in Access Point (AP) Mode with a wired Ethernet connection, it generally won’t slow down your main network and can provide full speed to connected devices.

3. What’s the best place to put my extender router?
For a wireless repeater, place it roughly halfway between your main router and the WiFi dead zone, ensuring it still gets a strong signal from the main router. For an Access Point, place it directly in the area needing better coverage, as its performance is backed by a stable Ethernet cable.

4. Should the SSID and password be the same as my main network?
For seamless roaming, yes, it’s generally recommended to use the same SSID and password. This allows your devices to automatically switch to the strongest signal without interruption. However, you can use different SSIDs if you prefer to manually control which network your devices connect to.

5. What if my old router doesn’t have a “repeater” or “AP” mode?
If your router lacks these modes, you might be out of luck with the standard firmware. Advanced users can explore installing custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT, which often add these functionalities. Otherwise, a dedicated range extender or access point would be necessary.

6. Is it better to use a dedicated range extender or an old router?
For the best performance and stability, especially if you can run an Ethernet cable, an old router configured as an Access Point is often superior to a dedicated wireless range extender. Simple range extenders can be convenient but often sacrifice speed for ease of setup.

7. Do I need to update the firmware on my old router?
Yes, it’s highly recommended. Updating the firmware ensures you have the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes, which can significantly improve performance and stability when repurposing your router.

Conclusion

Transforming an old router into a WiFi extender is a fantastic way to boost your home network, save money, and make the most of your existing hardware. By understanding the differences between Repeater and Access Point modes and following the step-by-step configuration guides, you can effectively eliminate dead zones and enjoy robust, reliable WiFi throughout your entire home. Don’t let that old router gather dust – give it a new mission and experience the joy of a fully connected living space! Try it out, and you might be surprised by how much better your WiFi experience becomes.