Wifi name doesn’t appear on wifi list when I am trying to connect my router as a wifi repeater

Troubleshooting: Your Wi-Fi Network Isn’t Appearing When Setting Up a Router as a Repeater

If you’re attempting to configure your router as a Wi-Fi repeater but find that the target network’s SSID isn’t displaying in the available networks list, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this issue, even when the network appears to be within range and its SSID is broadcasting normally. Here, we’ll explore common causes and effective solutions to resolve this problem efficiently.

Understanding the Issue

In setting up a router as a repeater, the device must detect and connect to the existing Wi-Fi network. If the network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier) isn’t visible, it can prevent the router from establishing the repeater connection. Despite the network not being hidden and the router being in proximity, the issue persists. Various factors can contribute, including configuration settings, interference, or hardware glitches.

Troubleshooting Steps

Confirm Network Visibility:
Ensure that the Wi-Fi network is actively broadcasting its SSID. Use a nearby device (such as your smartphone or laptop) to verify that the network appears in the list of available Wi-Fi networks. If it doesn’t, the network might be hidden, or there could be issues with the router broadcasting it.
Verify Network Frequency Compatibility:
Check whether your main Wi-Fi network operates on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Some routers or client devices have difficulty connecting across different bands. Many repeaters primarily support 2.4 GHz. If your network is on 5 GHz, consider adjusting the main router to broadcast both frequencies or temporarily switch to 2.4 GHz for the setup.
Check Router Settings:
Access the main router’s admin interface and confirm that SSID broadcasting is enabled. Sometimes, SSID broadcast can be disabled unintentionally.
Ensure that the network isn’t on a non-standard channel that might not be detectable by your repeater device.
Reduce Interference and Improve Signal Quality:
Physical obstructions, electronic interference, and distance can impact signal detection. Try relocating your router closer to the repeater setup to improve detection.
Reset and Reconfigure Your Devices:
Power cycle both your main router and the device you’re using as a repeater.
Perform a factory reset on the repeater router to clear previous configurations.
Re-initiate the setup process, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Update Firmware:
Ensure that