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

Understanding and Resolving Wi-Fi Visibility Issues When Configuring a Router as a Repeater

If you’re attempting to set up your Wi-Fi router as a repeater and encounter the issue where the target Wi-Fi network does not appear in the available networks list—even though the SSID is visible—it can be quite perplexing. This problem can disrupt your network extension plans, but with a systematic approach, you can usually identify and resolve the underlying cause.

Common Scenario

Many users experience a situation where their router, previously configured successfully as a Wi-Fi repeater, no longer detects the target network during setup. Despite the network being visible on other devices and the SSID not being hidden, the router fails to list it as an option.

Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

1. Distance and Signal Strength

2. While your router might detect networks further away, the specific network you’re attempting to connect to might be too weak or unstable at your current location.

3. Solution: Move your router closer to the primary Wi-Fi source during setup to strengthen signal reception. Once configured, you can reposition it for optimal coverage.

4. Network Compatibility and Frequency Bands

5. Some routers have limitations regarding the frequency bands they can detect and extend. For example, they might only work on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.

6. Solution: Verify whether the target network operates on a compatible band and ensure your router’s repeater mode supports it.

7. Router Configuration and Settings

8. Incorrect or incomplete configuration can prevent the router from detecting the desired Wi-Fi network.

9. Solution:

   • Factory reset your router and reconfigure it as a repeater.
   • Confirm that the repeater mode is correctly enabled.
   • Ensure the correct network type (e.g., infrastructure mode) is set.

10. SSID Broadcasting and Network Visibility

11. Although you mentioned the SSID is not hidden, double-check that the wireless network isn’t intermittently hiding or switching SSIDs.

12. Solution: Use a mobile device to scan for networks to confirm the SSID’s visibility and stability.

13. Firmware Updates

14. Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues.

15. Solution: Update your router’s firmware to the latest version provided by the manufacturer.

16. Interference and Other Restrictions

17. Electronic interference or MAC filtering on the primary network can inhibit detection.

18. Solution: Ensure no