How to Set Up a Guest Wi-Fi Network at Home

When a guest needs Wi-Fi, you don’t have to hand over the password you use for your own devices. Many home routers let you create a separate guest network with its own name and password. The exact menus vary by router, but the basic process is similar.

A guest network can make it easier to manage access, but it isn’t a substitute for securing your router. Here’s how to set one up, what to look for and what to do if you can’t find the setting.

Before you begin

You’ll need access to your router’s app or its settings page, plus the administrator sign-in for the router. This is different from the Wi-Fi password you give guests. If someone else manages your home internet, ask them before changing settings.

Router apps and menus differ by provider and model. Your internet provider or router maker’s instructions are the best guide to the exact buttons on your device. Don’t press the physical reset button to try to open settings: a factory reset can erase your network configuration.

Steps to set up a guest network

1. Open the router’s app or settings page. Use the app you normally use to manage your router, or follow the maker’s instructions for accessing its settings in a web browser. If you’re unsure which router or app you have, check the label on the device or your internet provider’s account information.
2. Sign in with the router administrator account. Use the router’s administrator credentials, not the Wi-Fi password. If you never changed the default administrator password, check the router maker’s directions for changing it. CISA recommends changing default router login credentials.
3. Find the guest-network setting. Look for a menu or section called “Guest Network,” “Guest Wi-Fi” or something similar. It may appear under Wi-Fi, wireless settings or network settings. If you don’t see it, consult the maker’s help page or ask your provider whether your router supports guest access.
4. Turn on the guest network. If your router offers separate guest networks for different frequency bands, you can usually start with the default or recommended option. Don’t change unrelated wireless settings just to create a guest network.
5. Give it a recognizable name. Choose a network name that helps visitors identify it, such as one that includes “Guest.” Avoid using private details in the name. If the router offers a separate guest password, choose one that is different from your main Wi-Fi password.
6. Choose the strongest practical security option. If the settings offer WPA3-Personal, use it for compatible devices. WPA2-Personal is a common alternative when WPA3 isn’t available or some devices won’t connect. Avoid leaving the guest network open without a password. CISA recommends using WPA3 or WPA2 encryption when available.
7. Check the local-network access setting. Some routers let you block guests from reaching devices on your home network, sometimes with a setting such as “Allow guests to access local network.” If your goal is to keep visitor devices separate from your home devices, leave that access blocked or turned off. The wording and availability vary, so check your router’s documentation.
8. Save the settings and test the connection. Apply or save the changes, then use a phone or tablet to join the guest network. Confirm that it connects and can reach the internet. If your router provides a guest-network option, check that the device cannot access local devices you intended to keep private.
9. Share only the guest details. Give visitors the guest network name and password. Don’t give out the router administrator login or your main Wi-Fi password. When the visit is over, you can change the guest password or turn off the network if you no longer need it.

Tips and things to know

Guest Wi-Fi isn’t identical on every router. Some routers offer a separate guest network with a setting to restrict access to local devices; others provide fewer controls. A separate network name alone doesn’t tell you exactly how your router handles traffic. Check its documentation if you need to know what devices guests can reach.

Some connected devices may work differently. A guest network may block communication between a visitor’s phone and a television, printer or speaker on your main network. If a guest needs to cast to a device or use a printer, check your router’s options and consider whether you’re comfortable allowing that access. Don’t enable local access without understanding what it permits.

Keep the router’s software and login secure. CISA advises keeping router software up to date and changing default administrator credentials. If the router app offers updates, review its instructions and install them when appropriate. A guest network does not replace those basic security steps.

If you can’t find the feature, don’t guess. Look up the model-specific instructions or contact your internet provider. Some provider-managed systems use an app or web account rather than the router’s own settings page, and not every model offers the same controls.

A simpler way to welcome visitors

A guest network gives visitors a dedicated way to get online without sharing your main Wi-Fi password. Set it up through your router’s own controls, use a separate password and check what access the guest devices are allowed. If the menus don’t match these general steps, your router’s instructions can help you finish safely.