- Your router's app, or its admin page address and admin password (often on the router label)
- About 10 minutes
Find where your router's settings live
Most newer routers and mesh systems are managed in a phone app from the router maker or your internet provider. Older routers use an admin page you open in a web browser; the address (often something like 192.168.1.1) and login are usually on the router label or in its manual.
Look for “Guest”
In the app or admin page, look for Guest network, Guest Wi-Fi or Guest access. It's often under Wi-Fi, Wireless or Network settings. Every brand words this a little differently, so check your router maker's help pages if you can't find it.
Turn it on and name it
Switch it on and give it a clear name, like SmithHouse-Guest. Don't use your address or family names.
Set a password
Choose a different password from your main Wi-Fi. If there's a security choice, pick WPA3, or WPA2 if WPA3 isn't offered.
Keep guests away from your devices
If you see an option like “allow guests to see each other or access local network,” leave it off. That keeps visitors' devices away from your computers, printers and shared files.
Save and test
Save, then join the guest network from a phone to make sure it works.
💡 Tip: many people also put smart plugs, cameras and other gadgets on the guest network, so a weak gadget can't easily reach your computers. Some devices need to be on the same network as your phone to set up, so check the device's instructions.
Next, learn more in Smart home basics and Router vs. modem vs. mesh.
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