How to Use a D-Link DAP-1520 AC750 WiFi Repeater

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

  • How to use your D-Link Range Extender.

2. How to Set Up Your D-Link DAP-1520 AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender

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3. How to Proceed?

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4. How to Update Your D-Link DAP-1520 AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender

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5. Retrieve Wi-Fi Credentials

In order to connect to a range extender's Wi-Fi you need to know the Wi-Fi credentials set on that range extender. They are the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and the Wi-Fi password (security key).

To retrieve the Wi-Fi credentials set on your D-Link DAP-1520 AC750 Range Extender you need to use a computer:

  1. Launch the browser that you use to go online.
Main Desktop Browsers.
  1. Navigate to http://dlinkap.local and login with the admin password set on your range extender.
Address bar highlighted in internet browser.
  1. On the Home tab click your range extender in the middle and it will show the Wi-Fi credentials under the Extended Wi-Fi heading.
Range extender icon and Extended Wi-Fi info highlighted in web interface.
  1. You can then use the retrieved Wi-Fi credentials to connect any device to the range extender's Wi-Fi.

6. Connect to Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

  1. From the main screen of your Android device, tap on the Apps button.
Home screen with Apps button highlighted.
  1. Then look for and tap on Settings.
Apps page with Settings icon highlighted.
  1. Go to Wi-Fi.
Settings page with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On / Off switch to the On position then wait for the network list to populate and tap on the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to.
Wi-Fi settings with toggle highlighted with arrow pointing to toggle and list of available networks.
  1. Your Android device will automatically connect to the network if there is no security enabled, or you have connected to it in the past. The Wi-Fi network name will show Connected underneath and the Wi-Fi symbol will fill up in the top right corner of the screen.
Wi-Fi settings page with arrows pointing to connected Wi-Fi network and Wi-Fi symbol in the status bar.
  1. If the Wi-Fi network requires a password, then you will see a small padlock next to the Wi-Fi symbol, which also means the connection is secure. Tapping on a secured Wi-Fi networks name will prompt you to enter the password. Passwords are always case sensitive. Type it in using the on screen keyboard then tap Connect.
Secure and unsecure Wi-Fi symbols shown.

Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to field to type in your security key and another arrow pointing to Connect.
  1. If the Wi-Fi network you are trying to connect to is hidden, then tap the More option which looks like three dots positioned vertically, on the top right corner of the screen, then tap Add network.
Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to the Menu icon.

Wi-Fi settings page with Menu open and Add Network is highlighted.
  1. Enter the Wi-Fi networks name using the on screen keyboard and tap Save if no password is required to connect. If a password is needed to connect to the Wi-Fi network then tap on Security and select the security type. Type in the password, then tap Save.
Wi-Fi settings page with arrow pointing to a manually typed network name and another arrow pointing to the security type dialog box.

Wi-Fi settings page with an arrow pointing to the security key typed in and another arrow pointing to save.

At this point your Android device should be connected to Wi-Fi.

As an alternate way you can also try the following method:

  1. Swipe downwards from the top side of the screen.
Home scree with arrow indicating to swipe your finger down from top of the screen.
  1. Look for the Wi-Fi symbol in the drop down menu and tap on the word below it. If you're not connected to any network, it will say Wi-Fi. If you're already connected to a network, it will show its name.
Quick Menu options with Wi-Fi highlighted.
  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On / Off switch to the On position then wait for the network list to populate and tap on the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to.
Wi-Fi quick settings with arrow pointing to highlighted toggle and another arrow pointing to the list of available wifi networks.

7. Connect to Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be the same across all iOS devices and generations.

  1. From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.
Home screen with setting icon highlighted.
  1. After that, go to Wi-Fi. You will see that this option also shows one of three statuses to the right:
  2. Off - the Wi-Fi feature is disabled
  3. Not Connected - there is no Wi-Fi connection establishe
  4. the Wi-Fi connections name - there is a Wi-Fi connection already established.
iPhone settings screen with the Wi-Fi option highlighted.
  1. Make sure that the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On/Off switch to the green position. Locate and tap the Wi-Fi networks name that you wish to connect to from the list.
iPhone Wi-Fi menu with the switch set to the on position and a list of available networks underneath.
  1. Your iOS device will automatically connect to the network if there is no security enabled, or you have connected to it in the past. The checkmark and Wi-Fi symbol indicate you are connected.
iPhone Wi-Fi menu highlighting the Wi-Fi connection icon across the top and a check mark to the left of the Wi-Fi network name the device is currently connected to.
  1. If the Wi-Fi network requires a password, then you will see a small padlock to the right of its name, which also means the connection is secure.
iPhone Wi-Fi menu highlighting the small padlock to the right of each Wi-Fi network name.
  1. Tapping on a secured Wi-Fi networks name will prompt you to enter the password. Passwords are always case sensitive. Type it in using the on screen keyboard then tap Join on the bottom right corner. If tapping it does nothing, then it means the password you typed in is too short.
iPhone prompting the user to enter their Wi-Fi password.
  1. If the Wi-Fi network you are trying to connect to is hidden, then tap the Other... option.
iPhone Wi-Fi menu highlighting the Other option.
  1. Enter the Wi-Fi networks name using the on screen keyboard and tap Join at the bottom right if no password is required to connect. If a password is needed to connect to the Wi-Fi network then tap on Security.
iPhone other network menu where the user is being prompted to enter their Wi-Fi network name and select a security type.
  1. Choose the type of security the Wi-Fi network has by tapping on it.
iPhone security menu displaying all selectable security types for your Wi-Fi network.
  1. Finally, type in the required Wi-Fi password and tap Join at the bottom right corner to connect.
iPhone other network menu displaying the user being prompted to type in their Wi-Fi network password.

At this point your iOS device should be connected to Wi-Fi.

8. Connect to Wi-Fi

  1. Click the network icon in the system tray. By default, it will be in the lower right corner of the screen near the time and date.
Windows 10 system tray wired network icon.

  1. or
Windows 10 system tray wireless network icon.
  1. You will be presented with a list of available networks above the icon you just clicked.
Windows 10 list of available wireless networks.
  1. Identify your wireless network from this list, and click on it. Then click the Connect button.
Windows 10 list of available wireless networks highlighting a selected network.
  1. If your Wi-Fi network requires a password, you will be prompted to enter it. Type your password and click Next.
Windows 10 Wi-Fi connection process highlighting a selected network and a user-entered network security key.
  1. After this, you may be prompted to allow sharing options on the network you've chosen to connect to. Click Yes to continue.
Windows 10 Wi-Fi connection process highlighting a prompt to allow sharing.
  1. You should now be able to see your personal Wi-Fi network within this list and verify that it's status shows "Connected" or "Connected, secured."
Windows 10 list of available wireless networks displaying a successful connection.
  1. Congratulations! You are now connected to your wireless network.

9. Connect to Wi-Fi

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. By default it will be in the upper right corner near the time and date.
Wi-Fi symbols.
  1. If Wi-Fi is off, choose Turn Wi-Fi on.
macOS Wi-Fi menu with Wi-Fi On highlighted.
  1. The strength of each nearby network is shown next to its name. More darkened bars indicate a stronger network connection.
Wi-Fi menu with signal strength indicator highlighted.
  1. Select the Wireless Network Name (SSID) of the network you want to connect to.
Wi-Fi menu with networks highlighted.
  1. Networks that have a lock icon next to their name require a password. After you select your network, enter the network password when you're prompted. If you don't know the network password, check with the owner of the Wi-Fi network you're trying to join.

10. Indicator Light

The D-Link DAP-1520 AC750 Range Extender has one indicator light and has the following meanings:

Status light highlighted on front of D-Link range extender.

Solid Green

Solid green light.

Successfully connected to wireless router.

Blinking Green

Blinking green light.

Establishing connection when WPS button is pushed.

Solid Orange

Solid orange light.

Poor connection to wireless router.

Blinking Orange

Blinking orange light.

Not connected to wireless router.

Solid Red

Solid red light.

Range extender is starting up.

Off

Light off.

Range extender is not receiving power.

11. Check Status

You can check the status of your D-Link DAP-1520 AC750 Range Extender in three ways:

  • On the device itself,
  • On a computer.

The type and amount of network related information that you get depends on which method you use.

On Your Range Extender

  1. Check the indicator light on the front of the range extender:
Status light highlighted on front of D-Link range extender.
  1. Green light
  2. Solid - indicates an excellent wireless signal
  3. Blinking - indicates a connection is being established when WPS button is pushed
  4. Amber light
  5. Solid - indicates a weak wireless signal
  6. Blinking - indicates no connection with the wireless router

On Your Computer

  1. Open your preferred browser, and navigate to the D-Link Range Extender Administrator Page, and login with the admin password set on your range extender.
  2. D-Link Range Extender Administrator Page
    This page is only accessible when you are connected to your D-Link range extender or on your home network.
  3. D-Link Extender Administrator Page (External)
Address bar highlighted in internet browser.
  1. The Home tab will display the status or your range extender.
Range extender status highlighted in web interface.
  1. The status will show the range extender's connection to the router and connection to your devices. Click each item to show more details about it.

12. Find Optimal Position

The purpose of a Wi-Fi range extender is to expand the Wi-Fi coverage in your home, by capturing the signal from your wireless router and expanding it further. To accomplish this, you need to place the range extender within the existing coverage area of your wireless router. However, to maintain an excellent wireless signal for your Wi-Fi devices, the range extender needs to be positioned within optimal distance from the wireless router. Here's how to accomplish this:

  1. Plug your range extender into an available power outlet in the area you'd like to expand your home's Wi-Fi coverage to.
  2. Check the indicator light on the front of the range extender:
Status light highlighted on front of D-Link range extender.
  1. Green solid light indicates an excellent wireless signal,
  2. Amber solid light indicates a weak wireless signal.
  3. If the Wi-Fi indicator light shows a weak signal, plug the range extender into a power outlet that's a bit closer to your wireless router.
Range extender optimal position.
  1. Repeat this process until the range extender indicates an excellent signal.