The netgear_ext is the WiFi network name that Netgear extender shows when connected with power. Well, it is the setup name when you are starting the installation of the extender.
So, now the situation arise like you can’t able to find the Netgear_ext name on the WiFi. There can be many reasons, but this issue is resolvable. Just follow this guide to solve Netgear_ext not showing up in network list issue.
Reasons Why Netgear_ext not showing up in Network List
1. Power and Placement Issues
If the extender isn’t fully powered or is too far from your router, it can be invisible. Those LED lights? They matter. Green? Good. Red? Nope. And don’t put it behind a couch or in a cabinet. Wi-Fi hates walls.
2. Wrong SSID / Hidden Network
Some extenders don’t just slap the network name right on. They might clone it with a “_EXT” at the end, or if you set it to hide the SSID, your device won’t see it at all. Check the settings via the Netgear app or web login.
3. Firmware Problems
That little thing nobody updates until it breaks everything. If the extender is running old firmware, it might not broadcast correctly. Update it. It’s annoying, but necessary.
4. Device Already Connected or IP Conflict
If your extender was connected to another router before, it might still be trying to grab an IP from that old setup. Or your main router is being a diva and refusing to hand out a new IP. Sometimes a full factory reset on the extender and reconnecting is the only way.
5. Interference and Channel Conflicts
Other Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, microwaves, baby monitors… they all mess with Wi-Fi. If your router and extender are on the same crowded channel, the extender might decide to “hide” itself. Change the channel on the router, move the extender slightly, or just pray.
6. Wrong Band
Dual-band extenders can be tricky. If your device only sees 2.4GHz but the extender is broadcasting 5GHz, it’ll look like it’s gone missing. Check which band is active.
7. Browser or App Glitch
Sometimes the extender is showing up but your laptop/phone is glitching. Clear Wi-Fi cache, reboot the device, or just try a different device to see if the www.mywifiext.net setup pops up.
Solutions: Netgear_ext not Showing Up
1. Power Cycle Everything
Unplug the extender. Unplug the router. Wait like 30 seconds. Plug them back in. Sounds dumb, but sometimes the devices just needed a little nap. Your extender might finally pop up.
2. Check WiFi Bands
Netgear_EXT only shows up if your device is on the right frequency. Some extenders only broadcast 2.4GHz initially. Make sure your phone or laptop isn’t stuck on 5GHz. Switch it, scan again.
3. Move Closer
If you’re trying to detect the extender from the far side of the house, it might be too weak to broadcast. Move within 3–6 feet of the extender. Scan. If it shows up here, then reposition it somewhere in the sweet spot.
4. Reset the Extender
Hold the reset button for like 10–15 seconds. Let it reboot. Then run the setup again. This wipes weird config hiccups that sometimes prevent detection.
5. Use the Web Interface Instead of the App
Sometimes the Netgear app is buggy. Your phone just won’t see the device. go into a browser, type in 192.168.1.250 (or whatever the default IP is), and log in. Here, you finish the setup or at least confirm it’s working.
The Conclusion
Hope you have followed this guide to troubleshooting the issue named Netgear_ext not showing up in network list.