Having a TP-Link extender installed in the house seems useless when it does not connect to the 5GHz band of the router. Also, it is considered one of the most occurring WiFi extender problems occurring with respect to TP-Link range extenders. In case your TP-Link WiFi extender is also not establishing a connection with the 5GHz band, check out this post. Here, we have summed up some versatile troubleshooting hacks that work well with all models of TP-Link extenders.
[Fixed] TP-Link WiFi Extender Not Connecting to 5GHz
Modify the Extender-Router Distance
The very first reason why the connection error between the TP-Link WiFi extender and the 5GHz band has occurred is that your extender is not placed close to the router. Perhaps, you have placed them in two different corners of the house. To mend the situation, consider bringing them a little close. However, do not confuse it to place them too close. Otherwise, you won’t even notice and another extender-related problem will start troubling you due to the clash of their WiFi signals. Know that your job is to make them communicate effectively. Thus, try to maintain a safe distance between the TP-Link extender and the main router.
Check the Ethernet Cable
This point applies to the users who have employed a wired connection between the extender and router. Know that for successful wired communication between the devices, users are supposed to facilitate it via a non-damaged Ethernet cable. But, it seems that you failed to fulfill this condition. Therefore, consider recreating the wired connection with the usage of a brand-new Ethernet cable. However, it doesn’t matter which brand’s Ethernet cable you’ve used, the connection will remain weak if the connection is loose at the ports.
Update the Range Extender
The third reason behind the occurrence of the TP-Link WiFi extender not connecting to 5GHz issue might be an outdated firmware of the extender. Possibly, you did not pay attention to the pending firmware update. Well, what has happened can’t be undone. But, you can still carry out the firmware upgrade process on your extender. It is possible either with the help of the TP-Link mobile application or via the Quick setup wizard. Whichever method you choose, ensure that you do not interrupt the firmware upgrade process by disconnecting your extender from the router, or unplugging your WiFi devices [extender and router] from their power sources.
Remove Signal Interference
You are likely to get stumbled upon the connection issue with the TP-Link extender 5GHz band if there is a lot of WiFi interference present in the room where your extender is present. For your information, the range of the 5GHz band is much less than the 2.4GHz band. That is why try to cut off WiFi interference-creating factors as soon as possible. Some of the factors that are responsible for creating signal interference are televisions, microwave ovens, washing machines, baby monitors, etc. Additionally, your extender must be away from geysers and aquariums.
Restart Your Extender
Sometimes, technical glitches are the reasons why the TP-Link WiFi extender not connecting to 5GHz band issue occurs. Know that these glitches can also put you into the mess of some major extender-related issues. Therefore, before it happens, consider kicking them away by restarting your wireless range extender. For this purpose, disconnect your TP-Link range extender from the power socket. Also, disconnect your extender and router. Thereafter, wait for a moment. Once done, consider recreating the connections you’ve just discarded. Your extender might have started working properly now.
Final Words
So, this was all about how to fix the TP-Link WiFi extender not connecting to 5GHz issue. We are hopeful that the hacks discussed above will help you fix the problem like it never existed. However, if it is still in existence, then consider reconfiguring the extender. But, before you do that, reset your extender. It will require you to push the button labeled Reset on the extender. Know that resetting is the ultimate technique to fix major and minor issues like the WiFi extender not working.
Once you release the reset button on the extender, you’ll notice that it has started working in the default factory mode. It means you’re required to reconfigure it. Thus, refer to the instructions mentioned in the TP-Link user manual and set up the extender via the manual method, WPS method, or the mobile app. Whichever you find easy!
