How to set up a WiFi Booster

From setting up new or existing Boosters, to fixing any troubleshooting issues, here is your step-by-step guide.



In this article

What is a Booster?
Do I need a Booster?
Set up your first Booster
Set up an additional Booster
Booster not working

What’s a powerline Booster?

Our intelligent Boosters: WiFi and Wired, use your home's internal electrical wiring to help connect your devices to the Hub – from any room with a working socket.

Virgin WiFi Boosters can help tackle WiFi blackspots and are perfect for places where your existing home network won't reach.

Do I need a Booster?

If you’re experiencing poor WiFi coverage in your house, or office, then a WiFi Booster will help:

• It can be used to extend WiFi coverage throughout the whole home.

• Reduce connection problems on multiple devices.
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Setting up your first Booster

Follow these simple instructions to install the Booster. Or, take a look at our installation guide

  • Step 1

    Set up smaller Booster

    There are two Boosters in your pack. Take the smaller one first and plug it into a mains socket, next to the Hub. After the lights have flashed on, connect the Booster to the Hub, using the Ethernet cable provided.

    Note: Make sure you plug the Booster directly into a mains socket, not an extention lead, power strip or surge protector.

  • Back a step

    Step 2

    Set up the larger Booster

    Plug the larger Booster into a mains socket, in the same room, and switch it on. Leave for around 15 minutes to pair up to the smaller Booster and download the latest software updates.

    It’s important to leave the Boosters alone during this time, so that everything works properly.

  • Back a step

    Step 3

    Pair the Booster with the Hub

    Press and hold the WPS button on the larger Booster for about 10 seconds and release it. The wireless and power lights will start to blink.

    Press and hold the WPS/Virgin Media button on the Hub until the lights start blinking. The Boosters will then start copying the Hub’s details.

    You’ll know when the copying process is done as the wireless light on the larger Booster will stop blinking and go off. The power light will stay on.

  • Back a step

    Step 4

    Place the booster

    You can now unplug the larger Booster and move it to where you need in your home.

    Make sure you choose an internal wall, free from obstructions, such as: cupboards and shelves – with lots of ventilation.

  • Back a step

    Step 5

    Complete

    You can use the Virgin Media Connect app to scan your home and make sure the Boosters have eliminated any WiFi blackspots.

Setting up an additional Booster

  • Step 1

    Setting up an additional Booster

    Plug the additional Booster into a mains socket, in the same room as the Booster that is connected to the Hub. Now switch it on.

    The Power light will come on – and the Connection light will flash amber. When ready to be paired, the Connection light will flash red.

  • Back a step

    Step 2

    Pair the additional booster

    On the existing Booster, that’s already connected to the Hub, hold the Sync button on the side for 3 seconds. The Connection light will start to flash very quickly. Within 2 minutes, hold the Sync button on the additional Booster for 3 seconds. Once paired, the Connection lights will go out on both Boosters.

  • Back a step

    Step 3

    Place the booster in desirable location

    You can now unplug the additional Booster and move it to where you need in your home.

    Make sure you choose an internal wall, free from obstructions, such as: cupboards and shelves – with lots of ventilation.

  • Back a step

    Step 4

    Still not working?

    Virgin Media's Boosters use G.Hn technology and will only connect with other kit using G.Hn. You won't be able to connect Powerline adaptors, using HomePlug technology, to your Booster network.

    If you’ve a Virgin Media Booster, use the tip of a pen to press the Reset button on the additional Booster, for 7 seconds. This will return it to the default factory settings, then follow the steps to try pairing again.

Why is my Virgin WiFi Booster not working?

There are a number of reasons why the Booster isn’t working. Here are the most common – and what to look out for:

Find the booster's happy place

• Use power sockets on internal walls, but don’t use extension cables.

• Avoid direct obstruction to the Booster, such as cupboards or shelves.

• Position away from devices that may cause interference i.e. chargers.

• Provide ventilation as the Boosters can get very warm while in use.

Quick checks

  • Step 1

    Unplug the Booster

    Repeat this for all Boosters in your home: turn the power off, unplug and plug back in. Then switch the power on.

  • Back a step

    Step 2

    Check the cable

    Check the Ethernet cable is securely connected from the main Booster and the Hub.

  • Back a step

    Step 3

    Check WiFi button

    Make sure you haven’t pressed the WiFi button on the side of the Booster, as this turns the WiFi on and off.

  • Back a step

    Step 4

    Check Booster lights

    The Boosters are paired correctly if the connection lights (arrows) and the WiFi light are off. The power light (dots) will stay on.

Additional Checks

  • Step 1

    Relocate Boosters

    Move the Booster to another socket – ideally an internal wall. And away from interfering devices with a motor – like a washing machine.

  • Back a step

    Step 2

    Check Boosters are paired

    If the connect light’s flashing red, and the power light’s solide white – the pairing has failed. To try again:
    Press the sync button, on the side of the Booster connected to the Hub, for 3 seconds. A light should flash quickly.

  • Back a step

    Step 3

    Repairing Boosters

    Now, press the sync button on the second Booster for 3 seconds. This light will also flash quickly.
    The Boosters are successfully paired when the lights stop flashing.

  • Back a step

    Step 4

    Try factory reset

    Use a pen tip to press the rest button for 7 seconds – on all the Boosters in your home. Then follow the steps to set them up again in our installation guide

    Factory reset

Slow speed checks

If your WiFi Booster is working – but slowly, you can check your broadband speed or follow these steps to speed it up again:

• Turn WiFi on and off
It may sound simple but try turning the WiFi setting off and on again from the device you are using to find a stronger signal.
• Move closer to the Booster
Try moving to a different room or closer to the Booster before connecting the device
• Relocate the Booster
Move the Booster to another socket – ideally an internal wall and away from interfering devices with a motor like a washing machine.

Has this helped?