Omnicron
Home TechnologyDifficulty: EasyEstimated time: 15 minutesUpdated

How to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi

Simple steps to keep neighbours, strangers and smart gadgets from becoming a risk on your home network.

Why this matters

Your home Wi-Fi connects phones, laptops, TVs, cameras and kids’ devices. If it is not secured, others could use your internet or reach your devices. Most of these settings take a few minutes and only need doing once.

What you'll need

  • Your modem/router
  • The admin details on the router label or provider app

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Step 1

    Open your router settings

    Many providers have an app (for example for Telstra, Optus or TPG modems). Otherwise, type the address on the router label, often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, into a browser.

  2. Step 2

    Change the admin password

    Replace the default admin password with a strong, unique one so nobody else can change your settings.

  3. Step 3

    Use a strong Wi-Fi password

    Pick a long passphrase, such as four random words. Avoid your address, surname or phone number.

  4. Step 4

    Check the security type

    Choose WPA3 or WPA2 (sometimes shown as "WPA2-PSK AES"). Avoid WEP or "Open".

  5. Step 5

    Turn on a guest network

    Give visitors and smart devices (TVs, cameras, speakers) the guest network so they stay separate from your computers and phones.

  6. Step 6

    Keep the router updated

    Turn on automatic firmware updates. If your router is many years old and no longer updated, ask your provider about a replacement.

Summary

A unique admin password, a strong Wi-Fi passphrase and a guest network make your home Wi-Fi far safer.

Still Need Help?

Some IT problems are easier to solve with a professional. If you've followed the guide and still need help, the Omnicron team can assist.

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