How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network at home

Reading is great. Tracking makes it stick. Sign up for a free Dashboard to tick off tasks and see your Security Score.

Get my free Dashboard →

Cyber Nova AI helps you prepare for Cyber Essentials. It doesn't award or certify it. Follow the steps here to get ready, then apply for certification through an accredited Cyber Essentials body when you're set.

FirewallsMedium priority

About 20 minutes to complete

Create a separate Wi-Fi network for visitors and smart home devices. A guest network isolates your main computers and phones from anything you do not fully control or trust.

Step-by-step guide

Log in to your router's admin interface: type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a browser, or check the sticker on your router for the correct address.
Look for a 'Guest Network,' 'Guest Wi-Fi,' or 'Guest Zone' setting. Most modern routers support this.
Create a new network with a different name (SSID) and a strong password separate from your main network password.
Ensure 'Guest Network Isolation' is enabled. This prevents guest devices from communicating with devices on your main network.
Connect all smart home devices (TV, doorbell, thermostat, smart speaker) and visitors' devices to the guest network, keeping your main network for computers, phones, and tablets only.

5 steps

Why this matters

A guest Wi-Fi network creates a separate, isolated connection that keeps visitors and smart home devices away from your main computers and phones. Smart TVs, doorbells, and voice assistants are often poorly secured, keeping them on a separate network means a compromised device cannot access your personal files or passwords.

How to confirm it worked

The setting is saved and active on your device
You have tested it works before closing the page

Tick this task off in your Dashboard to update your Security Score.

Related security tasks

Track your security score for free

Create a free Cyber Nova AI account to tick off tasks like this one, see your Security Score, and stay on top of what you've done and what's still to do.

Start your free security check