How to Use a TP-Link RE580D AC1900 WiFi Repeater

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

  • How to use your TP-Link Range Extender.

2. How to Set Up Your TP-Link RE580D AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender

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3. How to Proceed?

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4. 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 Wi-Fi status light on the front of the range extender:
Status light highlighted on front of TP-Link range extender.
  1. Solid Blue
Solid blue status light.
  1. Connected to wireless router with excellent signal.
  2. Solid Orange
Solid orange status light.
  1. Connected to wireless router with weak signal.
  2. Off
Off status light.
  1. Not connected to wireless router.
  2. If the status 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.

5. How to Update Your TP-Link RE580D AC1900 Wi-Fi Range Extender

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6. Indicator Lights

The indicator lights on the TP-Link RE580D AC1900 Range Extender have the following meanings:

Indicator lights highlighted on TP-Link range extender.

Wi-Fi Status

Solid Blue

Solid blue status light.

Connected to wireless router with excellent signal.

Solid Orange

Solid orange status light.

Connected to wireless router with weak signal.

Blinking Blue

Blinking blue status light.

WPS connection is being established.

Off

Off status light.

Not connected to wireless router.

2.4GHz Band

Solid Blue

Solid blue 2.4GHz light.

Connected to 2.4GHz wireless network.

Off

Off 2.4GHz light.

Not connected to 2.4GHz wireless network.

5GHz Band

Solid Blue

Solid blue 5GHz light.

Connected to 5GHz wireless network.

Off

Off 5GHz light.

Not connected to 5GHz wireless network.

Ethernet

Solid Blue

Solid blue Ethernet light.

Device connected to Ethernet port.

Off

Off Ethernet light.

No device connected to Ethernet port.

Power

Solid Blue

Solid blue power light.

Range extender is on.

Blinking Blue

Blinking blue power light.

Range extender is starting up.

Off

Off power light.

Range extender is off.

7. Check Status

You can check the status of your TP-Link RE580D AC1900 Range Extender in three ways:

  • On the device itself,
  • On a mobile device.
  • 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 network indicator lights on the front of the range extender:
Indicator lights highlighted on TP-Link range extender.
  1. Wi-Fi Status
  2. Solid Blue
Solid blue status light.
  1. Connected to wireless router with excellent signal.
  2. Solid Orange
Solid orange status light.
  1. Connected to wireless router with weak signal.
  2. Blinking Blue
Blinking blue status light.
  1. WPS connection is being established.
  2. Off
Off status light.
  1. Not connected to wireless router.

  2. 2.4GHz Band
  3. Solid Blue
Solid blue 2.4GHz light.
  1. Connected to 2.4GHz wireless network.
  2. Off
Off 2.4GHz light.
  1. Not connected to 2.4GHz wireless network.

  2. 5GHz Band
  3. Solid Blue
Solid blue 5GHz light.
  1. Connected to 5GHz wireless network.
  2. Off
Off 5GHz light.
  1. Not connected to 5GHz wireless network.

  2. Ethernet
  3. Solid Blue
Solid blue Ethernet light.
  1. Device connected to Ethernet port.
  2. Off
Off Ethernet light.
  1. No device connected to Ethernet port.

On Your Mobile Device

  1. Launch the TP-Link Tether app.
TP-Link Tether.
  1. Select your range extender then login with the admin credentials set on it.
  2. You will be taken to the Status page.
Status page in TP-Link Tether app.
  1. The status page will show the range extender's connection to the router and to your devices. Click each item to show more details about it.

On Your Computer

  1. Launch the browser that you use to go online.
Main Desktop Browsers.
  1. Navigate to tplinkrepeater.net and login with the admin credentials set on your range extender.
Address bar highlighted in internet browser.
  1. You will be taken to the Status page.
Status page in web interface of TP-Link range extender.

  1. The status page will show the router's connection to the internet, the range extender's connection to the router, and connection to your devices. Click each item to show more details about it.

8. Retrieve Wi-Fi Network Name

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 TP-Link range extender you need to use a computer:

  1. Launch the browser that you use to go online.
Main Desktop Browsers.
  1. Navigate to tplinkrepeater.net and login with the admin credentials set on your range extender.
Address bar highlighted in internet browser.
  1. You will be taken to the Status page. Click on the range extender and it will show the Wi-Fi network name as the SSID for each extended network. The Wi-Fi password is the same as on your wireless router.
Range extender icon and extended Wi-Fi SSID highlighted in web interface.
  1. You can then use the retrieved Wi-Fi network name to connect any device to the range extender's Wi-Fi.

9. I Can't Remember My Wi-Fi Password

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

10. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer or mobile device has.

For Computers

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Windows and macOS.

Windows

Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.

Windows 10

macOS

Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

macOS Mojave

For Mobile Devices

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android Smartphone

Android smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, Sony, Nokia, Lenovo, and HTC.

Android Home Screen

iOS Smartphone

Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

iOS Home Screen

11. Connect to Network (Windows 10)

Windows 10 may show slightly different options, but the steps should be similar across all versions of Windows 10.

  1. Select the Network icon in the bottom right.
Windows 10 System Tray area of task bar with network icon highlighted.
  1. Select the the network name you setup during the extender setup.
Windows Wi-Fi connections with extender network highlighted.
  1. Select Connect.
Connecting to extended network.

If you're asked for a password, it's the one you just setup on your range extender.

12. Connect to Network (macOS)

macOS may show slightly different options, but the steps should be similar across all versions and themes on macOS.

  1. Select Wi-Fi from the menu bar, then select the extended network you just setup.
macOS Wi-Fi list with extended network highlighted.

If you're asked for a password, it's the one you just setup on your range extender.

13. Connect to Network (Android)

Depending on your exact 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. Open Settings.
Android Settings
  1. Select Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi
  1. Select your extended network from the list.
Android Wi-Fi networks with extended network highlighted.

  1. If you're asked for a password, it's the one you just setup on your range extender.

14. Connect to Network (iOS)

Depending on your exact 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 Apple iOS devices and generations.

  1. Open Settings.
iOS Settings.
  1. Select Wi-Fi.
iOS Wi-Fi
  1. Select the extended network you just setup from the list.
iOS Wi-Fi list with extended network highlighted.

  1. If you're asked for a password, it's the one you just setup on your range extender.