Is my extender breaking my LG smart TV?

The short answer

Works, but halves the speed available for 4K. Cheap extenders make a second network. Once your phone and the gadget end up on different halves of it, they can no longer find each other.

What's happening underneath

Needs local discovery for casting and for phone remote apps. An extender that makes its own network name puts your phone and the gadget on two different networks.

Source: Manufacturer documentation

Try these, in this order

• • Run a network cable to the TV if the router is in the same room — it beats any Wi-Fi fix.
• • Turn off the TV's 'quick start' power saving, which can drop the Wi-Fi overnight.
• • Move the router so it isn't directly behind the TV or a metal bracket.
• • Check the signal where the gadget actually lives, not where you're standing.
• • Move the router off the floor and out of any cupboard before buying anything.
• • Put the gadget and your phone on the same Wi-Fi name.
• • Restart the gadget before the router — it is quicker and it fixes more.

Setting it up again properly

• • Stand next to your router while you set it up, then move the gadget to where it lives.
• • Put your phone on the 2.4 GHz network name for the setup, or use one name for both bands so the phone can follow.
• • If your router splits bands into two names, turn the 5 GHz one off for five minutes rather than fighting it.
• • Turn mobile data off on your phone during setup — some apps quietly use it and never find the gadget.

When it's worth spending money

A £5 network cable or powerline adapter before any new Wi-Fi kit.