How to set up guest access on your home wifi network

Want to grant guests access to your internet without sacrificing security? A guest wifi network is an additional network provided by your router that requires a unique password. While this network can grant internet access to visitors, it prohibits them from accessing shared files as well as personal information and data.  

Worried about forgoing your password to visitors? Concerned about what they can access by connecting to your wifi? Think of your network like a set of keys. One unlocks your bank account, one unlocks internet access, and one unlocks everything — finances, personal information, browsing data, etc. When you give out your network password to guests, you might think you’re handing over the key to unlock internet access but you’re actually giving them the master key. To restrict their access to only the internet, set up a guest network and provide visitors with that unique passcode. This can also protect your network from accidental mishaps like downloading a computer virus or a malicious program.  

Many new home wifi routers automatically disable guest networks. To enable it, follow the directions below:

1.    Connect the device to an ethernet cable.

2.    Open your preferred browser and type your router’s IP address into the address bar. Start by trying the two most popular addresses: 192.168.1.0 or 192.168.1.1. If neither of these work, you can locate your IP address in one of two ways:
 

• Find the IP address on the bottom or side of the physical router.
• Use your phone’s mobile data connection to run a search query online for the model of your modem. The manufacturer’s site should list the correct address.

3.    The IP address should take you to a page hosted by your internet service provider. When prompted for login credentials, enter “admin" for the username and password. Alternatively, the password may be “password" or there may be no password.

4.    From there, steps can vary depending on the device manufacturer. Locate a section titled “guest wifi” and look for a button to turn it on.

If you are a Cox customer with a My Wifi-enabled modem, you can also change your password by using the My Wifi feature on Cox.com. Simply click into the Network Settings page and toggle the Guest Network button to ‘on’.