You have dinner in the oven, you want extra glasses, and your cousin cries (again), “What’s the Wi-Fi password?” You’re juggling a hundred things at once, and the last thing you want to do is spell your password.
Here’s the good news: You can slap a printer on the fridge, and everyone can scan it with their phones to connect it. 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 access devices like smart TVs, printers, and even your laptop or phone if file sharing is enabled. Worse, if their device is compromised, your entire network could be at risk. A guest network keeps everyone happy while keeping your private life private.
Most modern routers allow you to set up a guest network without being a tech guru. Warning: This will take you a few minutes, but it is completely doable.
Related: Is your internet slo-oow? Let’s fix that.
Step 1: Log in to your router’s admin console. You will need your IP address. You can usually find this on a sticker on the bottom or side of your router. Seeing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 is normal.
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If you don’t see yours…
- On Windows: Open the Start menusearch for “Command Prompt” and, with your Command Prompt open, type ipconfig and press Come in. Look for the line “Automatic Gateway.” This is your router’s IP address.
- On Mac: Go to System Settings > The network. Choose your own Wi-Fi network > Advanced. Your router’s IP address is below Router.
Step 2: Open your browser, type http:// and attach your own IP address. Hit Come in to open the login page. For details, try the username admin and voice password for the password. If the default is different, it may be printed on your router. You can also check out this site which lists the default passwords for almost every router in use.
Step 3: Look at the setting called Guest Network or Guest Wi-Fi. Give it a different name (also known as SSID) than your main network, and a strong, unique password.
PRO TIP: BACK UP YOUR RECORDS BEFORE BACKING UP
If you have snoops in the family… When family and friends connect to your guest Wi-Fi network, you can block them from accessing your files or devices on your main network. close the local access preparation.
Sorry, but dedicated snoops won’t stop at one closed door. This is a sign that someone is playing.
While you’re at it, check out the quick safety
Before you’re done, take these extra steps to close things down:
BIOMETRIC DATA: IS IT SAFE TO PROVIDE TO ANY COMPANY INQUIRY?
- Change your administrator password: If your router is still using automatic login, update it.
- Update your firmware, and: Check for software updates to keep your router protected from vulnerabilities.
Your network is a bigger target than you realize.
Now for the fun part
Create a QR code that automatically connects guests to your new guest network — no hassle, no drama. For the free QIFI.org site, all you need are three pieces of information:
- SSID: This is the name of your Wi-Fi network. Find it on the back of your modem, in the administrator console or in your network application.
- Encryption type: Select WPA/WPA2/WPA3. You can find this in the Wi-Fi section of your phone under network information.
- Key: This is your router password. It’s behind your router if you haven’t changed it. (Please tell me you changed it!)
Hit Produce and your QR code is ready. Print some copies of it to keep around the house, or do what I did: Order this classy looking custom sign. Now, if someone asks for a Wi-Fi password, you can just point it out.
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