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

Troubleshooting Guide: When Your Wi-Fi Network Does Not Appear as an Option When Setting Up a Router as a Repeater

Many users turn to Wi-Fi repeaters or extenders to broaden their network coverage. However, it can be frustrating when your router, configured as a repeater, fails to display the primary network’s SSID during setup—especially when previous configurations worked seamlessly. If you’re facing this issue, here are some insights and steps you can take to resolve it.

Understanding the Issue

In typical setup scenarios, when setting up a router as a Wi-Fi repeater, the device scans for available networks. If your primary Wi-Fi network’s SSID does not appear, it indicates a connectivity or configuration problem. Notably, this issue can occur even if the network’s SSID is broadcasted (not hidden), and can be perplexing given that the network is detectable by other devices from the same location or even farther away.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

Verify Network Availability and Signal Strength
Ensure the primary Wi-Fi network is active and broadcasting.
Confirm that other devices in the vicinity can detect and connect to the network.
If other devices see the network, but your router does not, the issue may be at the router’s configuration level.
Assess Router Placement and Interference
While you mentioned changing locations, double-check the current placement’s signal quality.
Minimize potential interference from appliances or other electronics.
Confirm Wi-Fi Settings on the Primary Router
Ensure that the primary router’s SSID broadcast is enabled.
Check if your router has any MAC address filtering or security protocols that might prevent connection or detection.
Reset and Reconfigure the Repeater Router
Perform a full factory reset of the router used as the repeater to clear previous configurations.
Reconnect and set up the device, carefully following manufacturer-specific instructions for repeater or extender mode.
Ensure Compatibility and Mode Selection
Verify that the router supports the repeater or range extender mode.
Some routers require specific firmware or modes to function properly as repeaters.
Firmware Updates
Check for and install any available firmware updates on both the primary router and the repeater router. Updated firmware can resolve known bugs or compatibility issues.
Use Alternative Setup Methods
If Wi-Fi scanning isn’t working as intended, try manual setup options, such as entering network details directly, or using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup