You’ve got dinner in the oven, you’re asking for extra glasses, and your cousin’s kid screams (again), “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” You’re juggling a hundred things at once, and the last thing you want to do is say your password.
Here’s the good news: you can put the printout on the fridge and anyone can scan it with their phone to connect. But first, I’ll show you how to create a separate network so you don’t have to worry about little Billy getting into your personal stuff on your devices and computers.
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Be my guest
When guests connect to your main Wi-Fi, they can potentially access devices like smart TVsprinters and even a laptop or phone if file sharing is enabled. Worse, if their device is compromised, your entire network could be compromised. The guest network keeps everyone happy while your private life stays private.
Most modern routers allow you to set up a guest network without having to be a technical guru. Warning: this will take a few minutes, but it’s totally doable.
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Step 1: Log in to your router’s admin console. You will need your IP address. You can usually find this on a label on the bottom or side of the router. Seeing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 is common.
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If you don’t see your…
- In Windows: Open it Start menusearch for “Command Prompt” and, with Command Prompt open, type ipconfig and press Come in. Look for the line that says “Default Gateway.” This is your router’s IP address.
- On Mac: Go to System settings > Mesh. Choose yours Wi-Fi network > Advanced. Your router’s IP address is below Router.
Step 2: Open a browser, type http:// and paste into your IP address. a hit Come in to open the login page. For credentials, try username admin and the word password for password. If the default settings are different, they are probably printed on your router. You can also check this place that lists the default passwords for almost every router in use.
Step 3: Look for a setting called Guest network or Wi-Fi for guests. Give it a different name (aka SSID) than your main network, along with a strong, unique password.
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If you have sniffers in the family… When family and friends connect to your guest Wi-Fi network, you can block them from accessing files or devices on your primary network. Turn off local access setting.
Sorry, but devoted snooping won’t stop at one closed door. Here’s a sign that someone is poking around.
While you’re at it, a quick security check
Before you’re done, take these extra steps to lock things down:
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- Change your admin password: If your router is still using the default login, please update it.
- Also update your firmware: Check for software updates to protect your router from vulnerabilities.
Your network is a bigger target than you think.
And now the fun part
Create a QR code that automatically connects guests to your new guest network — no hassle, no drama. With a free site QIFI.orgall you need is three pieces of information:
- SSID: This is the name of your Wi-Fi network. Find it on the back of the modem, in the administrator console, or in the network application.
- Encryption type: Select WPA/WPA2/WPA3. You can find this in your Wi-Fi section of the phone under network details.
- Key: This is your router’s password. It is located on the back of your router if you have never changed it. (Please tell me you changed it!)
a hit Generate and your QR code is ready. Print a few copies to hang around the house, or do what I did: Order this custom sign that looks fancy. Now, when someone asks for your Wi-Fi password, you can just show it.
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