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My Wi-Fi is open or uses WEP. What do I do?

Lesson 2 of 10 in Your Wi-Fi And Router

Anyone nearby can join an open network, and WEP can be broken in minutes. In your router's app or settings, set the security to WPA2 or WPA3 and choose a long password.

Why It Matters

Anyone who joins your Wi-Fi is inside your home network, next to your phones, cameras and computers. A strong lock keeps strangers out.

What To Do

  1. Open your router's app, or its settings page. The address to type into a web browser is often printed on the router's sticker.
  2. Find the Wi-Fi security setting, usually called Security, Security Mode or Encryption.
  3. Choose WPA3, or WPA2/WPA3 if some older devices won't connect. If you only see WPA2, choose WPA2 with AES, not TKIP.
  4. Set a long password, at least 12 characters. A few random words strung together works well.
  5. Save, then reconnect your devices with the new password.

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