How to set up guest Wi-Fi

A guest network gives visitors internet access without giving them your main Wi-Fi password or letting them see your computers, printers and other devices. It is also useful for smart gadgets you do not fully trust.

Why use one?

• Visitors cannot see your files or shared printers.
• If a guest's phone has a problem, it is kept away from your own devices.
• You can change or switch off the guest password without disturbing your family.

Setting it up

Most modern routers have a guest option, but where it lives differs between providers and models. Some use an app. Check the router sticker for the address and login, or your provider's help pages.

1. Sign in to the router's settings page or app.
2. Look for Guest network, Guest Wi-Fi or something similar, often under Wireless or Wi-Fi.
3. Turn it on.
4. Give it a name that is clearly different, such as Home-Guest.
5. Set a password of your own. Do not leave the network open, and use WPA2 or WPA3 security if asked.
6. If there is an option to stop guests seeing other devices, or to isolate them, make sure it is on.
7. Choose Save or Apply.

Sharing it with visitors

Many phones can show a QR code for the network, which visitors scan with their camera. That saves reading out long passwords.

Good habits

• Change the guest password every so often.
• Switch the guest network off when you do not need it.
• Do not use the guest network for your own work devices, as it may limit access to printers.

Smart devices

Putting smart plugs, cameras and TVs on the guest network is a neat way to keep them apart from your computers, but some need to be on the same network as your phone to be controlled. If something stops working, move it back.

When to get more help

If your router has no guest option, we can suggest ways to get the same result.