Boost your network coverage with the Reolink Wi-Fi Extender RLA-WE1. This step-by-step guide walks you through the complete wifi extender setup, from pairing to connecting your devices. Whether you're using a Reolink NVR, Home Hub, or standalone camera, this how to set up a wifi extender tutorial ensures a smooth experience.

Table of Contents

  1. Set Up Reolink Wi-Fi Extender RLA-WE1
  2. Find the Best Placement for the RLA-WE1
  3. Connect Devices to the Extended Network

1. Set Up Reolink Wi-Fi Extender RLA-WE1

Choose the pairing method that corresponds to your Reolink ecosystem.

  • 1.1 Pairing with RLN12W NVR (Mesh Network)

    Note:

    > Once added to the RLN12W, the extender can only be managed on the NVR's monitor and not via the Reolink App.
    > Ensure the extender is in factory default mode.

    Step 1. Power on the extender. Using an Ethernet cable, connect it directly to a downstream port on the RLN12W NVR. The Power, CPU, and LAN indicators should be solid.

    Step 2. Connect a monitor to the NVR via HDMI/VGA. Navigate to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Repeater Connection(s).

    settingsinitialize device

    Step 3. The NVR will automatically detect and add the extender. A success prompt will appear upon completion.

    auto add

    Step 4. Click the "Installation Method" button on the success prompt for detailed physical installation guidance. Then, unplug the Ethernet cable and place the extender between the NVR and your camera. Verify the connection in Network Topology.

    install guide firstsecond install guide

  • 1.2 Pairing with Reolink Home Hub (Mesh Network)

    Prerequisites:

    • Update your Reolink Home Hub to the latest firmware.
    • Use Reolink App version 4.53 or higher.
    • Note: Currently, Reolink Home Hub Pro does not support pairing with RLA-WE1 for mesh networks.

    Step 1. Plug the extender into a power outlet near the Hub. Ensure it powers on.

    Step 2. In the Reolink App, go to your Home Hub's settings. Tap the "+" icon in the top-right corner.

        Select "Scan" to scan the QR code on the extender;
        Or choose "Add Device" > "Manual Input" to enter the extender's UID.

    Scan extender QR code

    Step 3. Follow the in-app instructions to complete the pairing between the Home Hub and the Wi-Fi Extender.

    Note: The extender must be in factory default mode. If it has been previously configured, reset it:
    When the CPU indicator is flashing slowly, press and hold the 2.4G or 5G WPS button until the light stays on steadily.

    CPU flash slowly press WPS button

    Step 4. Tap "Next" to initialize after a successful connection. The extender will now appear under the "Others" section in your Hub's device list. Tap the extender's entry to view its status.

    connection succeededhub others section

    Step 5. You can now manage the extender directly within the App.
    Tap the gear icon (⛭) in the top right corner for Settings:
    Tap the extender's name to check detailed system information.
    Tap "Advanced" to find options to reboot the extender.

    wifi password repeater settings page

  • 1.3 Universal Setup (for Cameras, Hub, or Non-Reolink Devices)

    Use this method for any "how to connect wifi extender" scenario via the Reolink App (ensure you are using the latest version).

    Note for RLN12W Users:
    You can configure the extender using this generic App method, but we highly recommend using the dedicated Mesh network connection method (Section 1.1) for a simpler and more integrated setup with your RLN12W NVR.

    Step 1. Add the Extender to the App

    1. Power on the extender near your router. The power and CPU indicator lights should both be on.

    2. In the Reolink App’s homepage, tap the "+" icon > Manual Input

    add device manual input

    3. Enter the extender's UID (found on the product label) and tap Next.

    enter UID

    Step 2. Choose Initialization Method (Wired or Wi-Fi)

    Select the connection method that best suits your needs to connect the extender. Tap accordingly to check the way to the extender:

    Method 1. Hotspot connection: Connect to the hotspot released by the extender

    Method 2. Wired connection: Plug the network cable into the extender to connect it to the network. Then connect to the extender via the internet. 

    Method A: Hotspot Connection

    1. Tap "Hotspot Connection".

    WIFI connect

    2. Power on the extender and wait for the CPU light to flash slowly (reset the Wi-Fi extender if necessary). Tap Next.

    first time use

    3. Select your existing Wi-Fi network (the one you want to extend) and tap Next.

    wifi app

    4. Tap "Go to Connect" and join the extender's network on your phone.

    conect wificonnect wifi

    5. Wait for the connection to establish.

    wait

    6. Name your extender and set a password for its network. Tap Finish.

    PASSWORD EXTENDERNAME EXTENDER

    FINISH

    Method B: Wired Connection

    1.Tap "Wired Connection".

    wired connection

    2. The App will automatically detect the extender. Name your extender and set a password. Tap Finish.

    PASSWORD EXTENDERNAME EXTENDERFINISH

    3. In the Reolink App’s homepage, tap your extender > Go to configure.

    configure extended wife second

    4. Set passwords for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz extended networks. Tap Save and Confirm.

    configure extended wife settingsconfirm wifi configuration

    5. Wait for the extender to reboot. The extended Wi-Fi networks will now be visible in the App.

    extended wifi configured

2. Find the Best Placement for the RLA-WE1

Proper wifi extender setup includes optimal placement.

1. Positioning: Place the initialized extender approximately midway between your router/NVR and the weak signal area.

2. Signal Verification: Use RLA-WE1's indicator lights to assess connection quality.

  • Wireless Connection: If the 2.4G/5G light is off or orange, move the extender closer to the router to improve the signal.
  • Wired Connection: If the LAN light is off, check the Ethernet cable connections on both ends.

3.  Connect Your Devices to the Extended Network

Now that your Reolink wifi extender setup is complete, connect your devices to the new network.
Once setup is complete, connect your devices to the new Wi-Fi network broadcast by the RLA-WE1 extender. You can connect your device to this extended network just like you would with a regular Wi-Fi network on the Reolink App. The following explains how to connect devices using Wi-Fi or a wired connection.

  • Via Wi-Fi

    1. In the Reolink App’s homepage, find your extender or in your Hub’s device list.
    2. Tap on the extender to view the name and password of the extended Wi-Fi network.
    3. Connect your devices, such as a Reolink camera, to this network just like you would with a regular Wi-Fi network.

    Tip: To change the Wi-Fi network for your Reolink camera, see: How to Change WiFi for Battery-Powered and WiFi Cameras via Reolink App.

    new name

  • Via Wired Connection

    1. Power on the extender.
    2. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your device (like a Reolink camera) directly to the extender’s LAN port.
    3. Wait for the extender's LAN indicator to light up, signifying a successful connection.

That’s it! You’ve successfully completed the Reolink extender setup. With your RLA-WE1 in place, you’ve extended your Wi-Fi coverage and eliminated dead zones. Now you can easily connect your devices via Wi-Fi or cable and enjoy stronger, more reliable network performance.

For further help, review the provided documentation or contact Reolink Support.