If you have ever done the setting up of a Netgear wifi range extender then there are more chances that you have heard about two URLs which is mywifiext.net and mywifiext.local and if you are thinking that they are not the same terms then you are not the only one. Most of the users get confused between these two terms.
In this blog we will go through the actual meaning of these two URLs and which one is to be used and when.
What is Mywifiext?
This is not a website but it is a local web address which helps you to set up and manage your Netgear wifi extender. When you plug in a new extender and connect to its network, you are supposed to type mywifiext.net (or mywifiext.local) into your browser’s address bar. With this you will enter the extender’s settings dashboard and that is where you go to link the extender to your main WiFi, change settings, updating firmware and so on.
If you type mywifiext.net into the address bar of your browser on phone or computer without connecting to the extender’s network then it will not work and similarly with the mywifiext.local.
Difference between Two URLs
Here the real difference lies:
⦁ mywifiext.net is used when you are accessing the extender’s setup page through a Windows computer or a web browser.
⦁ mywifiext.local is mainly for Mac devices and iOS systems.
They both will lead you to the exact same setup page. They both serve the same function. But one is suitable with Windows and browsers, and the other is better suited for Apple devices.
Here’s a quick table to make it simple:
Address Best Used On Purpose
mywifiext.net Windows, web browsers Extender setup & settings
mywifiext.local macOS, iPhones, iPads Extender setup & settings
If you are a user of Windows laptop or PC, go for mywifiext.net. If you are using a MacBook or an iPhone then try mywifiext.local.
But make sure that you are connected to the extender’s network before typing the URL.
Common Mistakes Users Make
Let’s be honest, the average user doesn’t know or care about DNS redirection or local domain routing. Most just want their extender to work. But here are a few real-world mistakes that you can easily avoid:
⦁ Typing the URL in the search bar instead of the address bar.
Don’t Google it. Just type it directly into the address bar like you would for a real website.
⦁ Trying to open mywifiext.net while connected to home WiFi instead of the extender’s default network.
You won’t reach the page unless you are connected directly to the extender.
⦁ Using the wrong URL for the wrong device.
Mac users trying to use mywifiext.net might run into issues and same the other way around.
What If Neither Works?
If you have tried mywifiext.net on your PC and mywifiext.local on your iPhone and nothing works. What then?
Here is what you can try:
⦁ Type in the default IP address for your extender instead. Common ones are 192.168.1.250 or 192.168.0.1.
⦁ Restart your extender and your device.
⦁ Clear your browser cache and cookies.
⦁ Temporarily disable any VPN or firewall software that might be blocking access.
If it is still not working then go for a factory reset of your extender with the help of a tiny pinhole button on it and start over.
Why Netgear Uses Two Different URLs
This is because macOS handles local network name resolution differently than Windows. That is the advanced version. But in simple words Mac and PC connect to devices on the network in different ways. So Netgear had to offer two separate options to keep things smooth for both kinds of users.
Bonus Tip
Sometimes, you will type in mywifiext.net and it will redirect you to something like http://192.168.1.250/start.htm. That is totally normal. It just means your device reached the extender using its IP address instead of the domain. Functionally, it’s the same page.
Conclusion
Setting up a Netgear extender is not difficult but that mywifiext.local vs mywifiext.net confuse lot of users. So it is important to know the working of these two URLs. One opens better on PCs, the other on Apple devices.
Whether you go with mywifiext.net or mywifiext.local, both are there to help you get your extender up and running smoothly. They only work if you are connected in the right way.
