How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network

⚡Fast fix

• Turn on guest Wi-Fi: Most modern routers have this feature built in, and you can switch it on in your provider app or the router’s admin page in just a few minutes.
• Set a guest Wi-Fi name and password: Both should be distinct from the ones you use on your main network.
• Connect your guests: After the guest Wi-Fi network setup, share the name and password with your visitors.
• Upgrade to a router with guest network support: If your current mesh router doesn’t have guest Wi-Fi, consider upgrading to a newer model that does.

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Visitors walk into your home, and the first thing they ask for is the Wi-Fi password. Meanwhile, your smart TV, speakers, cameras, computers, and other internet-connected devices are already using the same Wi-Fi. Add a few more guest devices, and the network can get congested like a traffic jam, slowing down loading speeds.

A guest Wi-Fi network keeps your visitors on a separate internet connection, so only your home devices stay on the main network. But how do you set up a guest network?

At Asurion, we help people with their Wi-Fi every day, from setting up a home network from scratch to updating a Wi-Fi password. Here’s how to set up a guest Wi-Fi network through an app or your router’s web page.

Set up a guest network using your router or ISP app

Most modern routers support guest networks, so you don’t have to buy extra equipment. You simply need to turn on the setting through an app from your router manufacturer or internet service provider (ISP).

1. Open your router or ISP app. If you don’t have it already, download it from the App Store® on your iPhone® or the Google Play™ store on your Android™ phone, then follow the on-screen instructions to log into the app.
2. Tap the name of your Wi-Fi network and look for guest Wi-Fi settings.
3. Turn on the guest Wi-Fi feature.

Set up a guest network from your router’s web page

A provider app isn’t the only way to set up a Wi-Fi network for your home visitors. Here’s how to create a guest Wi-Fi network through your router’s web page.

1. Connect your phone, laptop, or desktop to your home Wi-Fi network.
2. Find the router’s Internet Protocol (IP) address—a set of numbers that identifies a device on a network. The address is usually on the back of the router or in the paperwork that came with it.
3. Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP. Go to the address to open the router admin page.
4. Provide the admin username and password to log in. If it’s your first time logging in, the default credentials are usually on the back of the router or inside the router’s documentation.
5. Look for guest network settings, which are usually under Guest Network, Guest Access, or Wireless Settings, depending on your router.
6. Turn on the Wi-Fi guest network.

If your current router doesn’t support guest networks, you may need to upgrade to a newer model. However, not all newer models support guest networks, so check for this feature when choosing the right router for your home.

Add a password and access limits to your guest network

After turning on the guest network, choose a network name, often labeled Service Set Identifier (SSID), and password that are different from your main Wi-Fi credentials. That way, your home devices can stay on your main network while guests get visitor access through a separate Wi-Fi connection, reducing traffic on your main network.

Use a strong guest Wi-Fi password to reduce the risk of hackers breaking into your network. Make sure it’s more than six characters long and contains a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

If your router has a client isolation or access point (AP) isolation feature, turn it on. This prevents devices connected to the guest Wi-Fi from seeing or communicating with other devices on your main network, helping keep your whole home network secure. You can also limit the internet speeds of your visitors in guest network settings.

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FAQ

Is it worth setting up a guest network?

Yes. A guest network allows visitors to browse without connecting to your main Wi-Fi, keeping their gadgets separate from your smart home IoT devices and reducing traffic on your main network.

What are the disadvantages of a guest Wi-Fi network?

Visitors’ devices still use your available bandwidth, even if you limit their internet speed on a guest network. Some routers also offer fewer customization options for guest connections.

How do I connect to a guest Wi-Fi?

Select the guest network from your phone’s or computer’s Wi-Fi settings, enter the guest password, and connect.

Can guests see my other devices on a guest network?

Usually not. When client or AP isolation is enabled, guest devices can’t see or communicate with devices on your main home network.