In-Depth Guide to Change Netgear Extender's Network Name

 

When you install a Netgear WiFi extender, you give a name to its network. This name is generally known as the Netgear_ext (SSID) and it enables you to connect your WiFi-client devices to the extender's network. However, a lot of users forget to change the network name of their Netgear extender due to which the security of their WiFi network gets jeopardized. This is because the encryption standard of the extender's default network name is weak and can be easily penetrated by hackers. If you have also not changed the Netgear extender's default network name, then do it right away!

Don't know how to change the Netgear extender's network name? Let us help you. But before that, give a read to the benefit of doing so.

Benefit of Changing the Extender's Network Name

There come instances when various WiFi devices have the same network name. In that scenario, there are great chances that your WiFi-enabled device gets confused about your extender's network name and ends up getting connected to the wrong WiFi. To avoid that conflict, you need to assign a unique network name to your Netgear extender.

Things to Keep in Mind While Changing SSID

• The Netgear extender's SSID should stand out from the rest of the neighboring networks.

• Avoid using common names as SSID such as Netgear, extender, WiFi, etc.

• Do not use a special character like % (a string format specifer) in your Netgear extender's SSID. Or else, your WiFi-client devices will find it difficult to connect to the network.

Now, have a look at the step-by-step guidelines to change the network name of your Netgear range extender:

Steps to Change Netgear Extender's Network Name

• Power up your Netgear wireless router after plugging it into an active electrical outlet.

• Hold on until the power LED on your extender doesn't turn green.

• Thereafter, grab an Ethernet cable and connect it to the Netgear extender and router.

• After establishing a proper connection between your WiFi devices, switch on your computer.

• Open a web browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, etc.

• Type the extender's default web address into the URL bar and press the Enter key.

• You will be taken to the mywifiext.net login page.

• Now, type the default username and password of the Netgear range extender into the given fields.

• Click Log In to reach the BASIC Home screen.

• Afterward, hover over the Settings tab.

• Select the Wireless option.

• The Wireless Settings page will appear on your screen.

• Thenceforth, enter the new network name for your Netgear extender into the Network Name (SSID) field.

• Scroll down and click the Save button to bring the changes into effect.

In this way, you can change the network name (SSID) of your Netgear wireless extender. Just in case you feel stuck while executing the process, give a try to the following troubleshooting hacks:

Can't Change Netgear Extender's SSID?

• Ensure that your Netgear range extender is receiving a fluctuation-free power supply. If not, then consider using a UPS.

• Verify that the Ethernet cable connecting your Netgear extender and router is in good condition. If it has cuts, get ready to bid it farewell, and welcome a new Ethernet cable home.

• The web browser you are using to access the mywifiext.net login page should be updated and not accumulated with cache, cookies, and browsing history.

• The username and password of your Netgear range extender are case-sensitive. So, be careful while typing them and consider turning the Caps Lock key on your keyboard off.

• Avoid switching off your Netgear extender or disconnecting the Ethernet cable amidst the process of changing the SSID.

Final Thoughts

Here, we wrap up our guide to change the network name of the Netgear extender. Signing off with the hope that this article will help you provide a new name to your extender in a hassle-free manner.