There’s nothing more annoying than slow or spotty WiFi, especially when you’ve invested in something like a Macard WiFi extender to fix that problem. So, when the extender itself starts acting up, it’s a major buzzkill. The good news? You’re not alone, and even better this is fixable. You don’t need to be a tech genius to get it working again. Just a bit of patience and the right steps.
Whether your Macard WiFi extender not connecting, showing no signal, or just flat-out refusing to cooperate, this guide breaks it all down into real-world, easy-to-follow solutions. No tech jargon. Just clear help.
Reasons Why Macard WiFi Extender Not Working
Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand what might be causing the issue. Most common problems fall into one of these categories:
- Poor Placement: It’s in a WiFi dead zone or too far from the router.
- Setup Issues: Something went wrong during installation or configuration.
- Power Glitches: A temporary power hiccup might be causing it to freeze.
- Firmware Problems: Outdated or buggy software in the extender.
- Signal Interference: Competing signals from other devices.
Now, let’s talk solutions. You don’t need fancy tools just follow along and you’ll be back to streaming, gaming, or scrolling TikTok in no time.
Step-by-Step Fixes for a Non-Working Macard WiFi Extender
1. Do a Simple Reboot First
Yeah, it sounds basic, but this works more often than you’d think.
- Unplug the Macard extender from the wall.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in and give it a minute to reboot.
Check to see if the light indicators change (typically blue or green = good, red or blinking = not so good).
If it’s still not working, don’t worry we’ve got more tricks which are given below.
2. Double-Check the Extender’s Placement
A lot of folks place their extender too far away from the main router. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure the extender is placed midway between your router and the area where your WiFi is weak.
- Avoid putting it near microwaves, cordless phones, or thick walls. These can block the signal.
Pro Tip: Use your phone to test signal strength in the area before placing the extender. If your phone struggles there, so will the extender.
3. Reset It and Start Fresh
If the setup is messed up or if you’ve changed your router recently, a full reset might be the best move.
Here’s how to reset your Macard WiFi extender:
- Look for a small reset button (usually at the back or bottom).
- Use a paperclip to press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the lights blink or go off.
- Release the button and wait for it to reboot.
Now you’ll need to set it up again. Don’t stress—it’s easier than it sounds.
4. Reconnect via the Web-Based Setup
Sometimes, the extender loses its link to the router and needs a little nudge.
To set it up again:
- Plug in the extender.
- Connect to the extender’s network on your device.
- Open a browser and type 192.168.10.1 into the address bar.
- Login (default username and password are usually admin).
- Follow the setup wizard to connect to your main WiFi network.
Make sure you select the correct network and enter the right password. One typo can throw everything off.
5. Update the Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause weird bugs or performance issues.
To update:
- Log into the extender using the same method as above.
- Look for the firmware update section in the settings.
- If there’s an update available, download and install it.
Note: Make sure the extender isn’t unplugged during the update. Interrupting the process can brick the device.
6. Try Using Ethernet
If your extender has an Ethernet port, use it. Even temporarily.
- Connect your laptop directly to the extender via Ethernet.
- This can help with a more stable setup and is useful for troubleshooting.
If things are working well over Ethernet, but not wirelessly, it could be a WiFi channel or interference issue.
Read Also:- How to Fix Wireless Printer Not Connecting to Orbi WiFi
7. Switch WiFi Channels to Reduce Interference
Your neighbors’ routers might be messing with your signal.
- Log in to your extender settings.
- Try switching the 2.4GHz or 5GHz channel to a different number.
- Save and reboot.
There are apps like WiFi Analyzer (on Android) that can help you find less crowded channels if you want to get fancy.
What If It’s Still Not Working?
If you’ve tried everything above and you are still facing Macard WiFi extender not working problem, the reasons may be:
- Defective hardware
- Not compatible with your newer router.
- Damaged from a surge or power issue.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have explained you reasons why your macard WiFi extender not working and how you can solve it with the help of simple solutions.