The short answer
Sign in to your router's settings, change the default admin password, turn on WPA3 or WPA2 encryption with a strong Wi-Fi password, and turn on automatic firmware updates. Turn off remote management and WPS if you don't need them, and put smart devices and guests on a separate guest network.
Your router is the front door to your home network. Every phone, laptop, smart TV and doorbell camera goes through it. Yet many routers still run with the password printed on a sticker and software that hasn’t been updated in years.
The FTC and CISA both recommend a handful of simple settings. You can do them all in about 15 minutes.
Before you start
Find your router’s admin address and login on the label on the router, in the manual, or in your internet provider’s app. Many routers use an address like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Type it into a browser on a device connected to your network.
1. Change the admin password
The admin password controls the router’s settings. It’s different from your Wi-Fi password. Default admin passwords are often published online, so change it to a long, unique one and save it in your password manager.
2. Turn on strong encryption
In the wireless or security settings, choose WPA3 if available, or WPA2 (often shown as WPA2-Personal or WPA2-AES). Avoid older options like WEP or WPA, which are no longer secure.
3. Set a strong Wi-Fi password
Use a long passphrase that isn’t based on your address, family names or phone number. Our Password Generator can create one.
4. Turn on automatic updates
Router manufacturers release firmware updates to fix security flaws. Turn on automatic updates if your router offers them, or check for updates regularly. If your router no longer receives updates, consider replacing it.
5. Turn off features you don’t use
- Remote management (administration from outside your home): turn it off unless you need it.
- WPS (the push-button connection feature): it has a history of weaknesses; turn it off if you don’t use it.
- UPnP: some experts recommend turning it off unless a device needs it.
6. Use a guest network
Set up a guest network for visitors and for smart devices like TVs, cameras and speakers. That keeps them separate from the laptops and phones you use for banking and email.
7. Change the network name
Rename your Wi-Fi (SSID) to something that doesn’t reveal your name, address or router model.
Bonus: check what’s connected
Most router apps show a list of connected devices. If you see something you don’t recognize, change your Wi-Fi password, which will disconnect everything, then reconnect your own devices.
Related guides
While you’re at it, use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and keep them in a password manager. Clearing cookies and cache on shared family computers also helps protect privacy.
The bottom line
Change the admin password, use WPA3 or WPA2 with a strong passphrase, and keep the firmware updated. Those three steps protect every device in your home. Add a guest network for smart gadgets and visitors, and you’re ahead of most households.
Frequently asked questions
How do I log in to my router?
Look at the label on the router for the admin address and default login, or use your internet provider's app. Many routers use addresses like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
My router is very old. Should I replace it?
If your router no longer gets security updates from the manufacturer, or doesn't support WPA2 or WPA3, it's worth replacing. Check the manufacturer's website for its support status.
Is public Wi-Fi safe to use?
Most websites and apps now encrypt your connection, which makes public Wi-Fi much safer than it used to be. Still, avoid entering sensitive information on sites that don't use https, and keep your device updated.
Why you can trust this guide
- Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 3 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
- Checked and dated. Last checked on November 10, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
- Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
- Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission — How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network
- CISA — Home Network Security
- Federal Trade Commission — Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.
