How can I secure my home Wi-Fi?
Your home router is the front door to everything on your network. Most arrive reasonably safe, but a few default settings are worth changing, and it takes about ten minutes. You reach the settings by typing your router's address (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a browser on your network, or through its app.
The settings that matter
- Change the admin password. The password for the router's own settings page is often "admin", or printed on a label anyone can read. Set a strong, unique one - this is separate from your Wi-Fi password.
- Use modern encryption. Set the Wi-Fi security to WPA3, or WPA2 if that is the newest offered. If you see WEP or plain WPA, change it - those are long broken.
- Turn off remote management. Unless you genuinely need it, disable any option that lets the router be administered from the internet.
- Keep it updated. Turn on automatic firmware updates, or check now and then - updates close security holes.
Worthwhile extras
- Use a guest network for visitors and smart-home gadgets, keeping them apart from your main devices.
- Rename the network so it is not your name, flat number, or address.
- Glance at the list of connected devices occasionally, and look into anything you do not recognise.
If you only do one thing
Change the router's admin password from the default. It is the single biggest lock on the door.
Related: How can I use public Wi-Fi safely?
General information, correct when last reviewed. Platforms and threats change - always confirm critical steps on the official source. Product names are used only to describe their features; Monkleton Labs is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, them. No ads, no affiliate links.