A method for controlling gain in a wireless repeater includes computing a gain control metric indicative of a loop gain of the repeater and detecting changes in a signal power of a gain control input signal where the gain control input signal is taken from any point in the feedback loop of the repeater. When a large power swing in the gain control input signal is detected, the method operates to discard at least a portion of each gain control metric measurement for a first duration before continuing with computing the gain control metric. In another embodiment, the method may include discarding samples of the gain control input signal used in computing the gain control metric for a first duration when a large power swing in the gain control input signal is detected.