I Stopped Sharing My Wi-Fi Password With Guests, and Now Do This Instead

We often share our Wi-Fi password when we have guests over. However, giving them access to your main wireless network could give them complete, unfettered access to all your devices, which could be risky. So, to help secure my network and keep my devices safe, this is what I do.

Some Routers Let You Set Up a Guest Network

I use a mesh Wi-Fi system in my home to deliver a seamless network experience. My TP-Link Deco Mesh Wi-Fi System comes with the Deco app to help set it up and control it. One advantage of this app is that if I tap on the More tab and choose Guest Network, I can create a different network that’s isolated from my main network but still allows my visitors to enjoy my home’s internet connection.

When I activate the app’s Guest Network feature, I can create unique name and password combinations to distinguish it from my main network. For example, I could generate a Wi-Fi QR code on my iPhone to make it easier for my guests to connect to the network.

If you don’t have a TP-Link Deco Mesh Router with the included app, you can still check your router manufacturer to see if your specific Wi-Fi router model has a guest network mode. Alternatively, you can also check its settings when you set up a Wi-Fi network on your new router to see if it offers a Guest Network functionality.

Download: Deco for Android | iOS (Both Free)

Buy a Cheap Router for Guest Use

If your current router doesn’t have the Guest Network functionality and you don’t want to upgrade your current system, your next best option is to buy one of the best routers for under $100. That way, you can just connect it directly to your modem and create a totally different wireless network for your guests. If you have a large home, you can just limit yourself to one router and place it near where your guests usually stay, like the living room, dining room, and guest room, instead of getting a more expensive mesh system that will cover your entire house.

Alternatively, you can get one of the best travel routers and set it up when you have people coming over. That way, you can also use it when you’re traveling and make your connections more secure. After all, you most likely won’t have guests over if you’re not at home.

Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network will help keep your home network safe, as it isolates it and keeps unknown devices from having access to your equipment. If your current router already offers this system, then you’re in luck as you don’t have to worry about spending extra to build one. But if not, the extra dollars and effort you spend setting up your own guest Wi-Fi could potentially keep you safe and save you from a ton of headaches in the future.