To do that, you first need to gain access to your router. The process for logging into your router should be the same whether you use your internet provider's router or you purchased your own router. In this guide we explain how to change your router settings and also the reasons behind doing this.
By a wireless connection
You won’t need to install anything as you can access your router's software via any web browser. This can be done on your laptop or computer. Just ensure you are connected to your Wi-Fi network.
By a wired connection
The best way for uninterrupted connection purposes is by directly hooking up your laptop by an ethernet cable to one of the LAN ports on your router.
By an app
Many providers have an app that you can download and use to edit your router settings. These will probably have a more limited level of access and options, but for straightforward tasks these will be a good go-to. Check with your provider for more detail.
Every device that can connect to the internet – router, computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet – has an IP address. Standing for Internet Protocol, it’s a unique numerical label that identifies a device on a network. IP addresses allow devices to communicate with each other and transfer data efficiently.
You’ll be very used to seeing them regularly – and probably, quite rightly, totally ignoring – they look something like: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1
So, to find your router’s IP address, you can either:
Check the router's label: look for a sticker on the bottom or side of your router. It will usually display the default IP address e.g. 192.168.1.1
Or,
Use your computer's settings
If you are on Windows
3. Open a web browser Launch any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc.).
a) Enter the IP address
Paste the IP address that you found in step 2 into the address bar of your browser and press the enter key.
b) Log in
You should then see a login window or a welcome page. This should prompt you to enter a username and password.
The next step is to log in as administrator. Remember your router password is different to your Wi-Fi password. Look at the information sticker on the bottom or back of the router for these.
Or, if this information isn’t appearing there and you haven’t changed your router’s admin password, there’s a good chance that “admin” will work for both the default username and the password. However, this can vary depending on your router's brand and model. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for specific instructions.
c) Access the settings page
Congratulations, you’re in! You'll see your router's administration interface. The layout and options will differ depending on your router's model. You are now free to change your settings.
After you gain access to your router's firmware, you’ll be free to change whatever elements you think should be modified. Here are some common what – and whys – you can choose to modify.
Choose a new name for your Wi-Fi network
You can change your assigned Wi-Fi network name (also known as a SSID) to anything you like! But why would you actually want to go from BTWholeHome-WHM to The Bat Cave?
Well, apart from the fact that having a personalised name makes your home network easy to identify, changing your SSID can also help protect your network from hackers. Cyber criminals often target default SSID’s because they assume the owner hasn’t taken precautions to secure their network.
Change your Wi-Fi Password
A good password will help keep your devices secure and will prevent people from using your network without you realising it. Regularly changing your password is one of the easiest ways to protect your Wi-Fi (and connected devices) from getting hacked.
Swap to a less crowded Wi-Fi Channel for better performance
To choose a less crowded Wi-Fi channel you can use a free app like WiFi Analyzer or NetSpot to scan Wi-Fi channel use and pinpoint the least crowded channel in your home. Then on your settings you can swap over to. This Wi-Fi modification is recommended for those with a bit more tech knowledge as it can actually create more problems if done incorrectly.
Creating a separate Wi-Fi network for guests
A guest Wi-Fi network is the safest way of letting visitors use your internet. It will mean you don’t have to dish out your primary password to visitors and they’ll be free to browse the broadband to their hearts content, just with no access to any devices on your home network. If you think this is only needed for those renting out their spaces to strangers on Airbnb, think again. Find out more about Guest networks.
Set restrictions with parental controls
Parental controls enable you to restrict or limit Wi-Fi access to any connected device. Most Wi-Fi routers have settings that can help you limit your child's screen time and the content they can see. The ‘pause Wi-Fi access’ is also a useful function for when you want less distractions at bedtime.
If you’ve been playing around with the settings and managed to create more problems than when you started, don’t worry. You can always reset. Either:
Restart your router
This is the simplest solution and often resolves minor issues. Turn off the router, wait for a few seconds, then turn it back on.
Or, reset your router
If a restart doesn't work, you can reset your router to its factory default settings. This will erase all custom settings, so be prepared to reconfigure your network afterwards.
Locate the reset button on your router (usually a small hole on the bottom). Then, use a paperclip or similar object to press and hold the reset button for about 10-30 seconds.
The router will reboot and you'll be back to square one and ready for set up as if from new.
