A method for controlling gain in a wireless repeater includes providing one or more gain control metrics where the gain control metrics is indicative of a loop gain of the repeater; measuring the one or more gain control metrics; and adjusting a variable gain of the repeater using a gain adjustment step size being a function of at least the loop gain of the repeater as measured by the one or more gain control metrics. In another embodiment, the gain control algorithm block is configured to divide the loop gain of the repeater into multiple gain adjustment control zones. The gain adjustment control zones may include a first zone having a loop gain in a stable operating region and a second zone having a loop gain outside the stable operating region.