Your router stores the layout for your home internet connection. In case you plan to attempt alterations to your network, you should start by signing into the software, called firmware, on your router. You will then get the liberty to alter the password, enhance the safety level, as well as establish a guest system.
However, how did you access the router to implement these changes? The technique for getting into your network should be the same whether you are utilizing your ISP’s router or a personal one.
And knowing these techniques is very crucial because you may need to know how to get into the settings of your router on occasion. But, because that opportunity comes so rarely, it’s easy to forget how to take advantage of it. If you are like the majority of Americans who have high-speed Internet, you presumably have a router at home that transmits the Wi-Fi network that your gadgets use. Many people rent a modem with a built-in Wi-Fi router from prominent Iinternet providers like Spectrum. By subscribing to Spectrum offers, you not only enjoy a free router but also get access to hassle-free internet that is reliable, affordable, and involves no technical issues.
Coming back to the discussion on WiFi routers, they provide excellent performance as well as added security. You will most likely need to dial into your router remotely using a web browser on a device linked to its Wi-Fi network, no matter what router you have. This can be a difficult process because you will need to discover your router’s IP address in order to get in and begin changing settings, and then you will need to supply the correct login and password to log in and start modifying the settings.
Following the methods given here, which assume you have access to a Windows computer, should make the process go more smoothly. If you have any problems, contact the manufacturer of your router for assistance with troubleshooting.
- Determine your router’s IP address
A browser is used to access the firmware of your router. Any web browser will suffice. Fill up the address area with your router’s IP address. The most common router IP is ‘192.168.1.1’. However, this actually is not applicable every time, thus always check the address of your router, that too in the beginning.
- Go to your router and log in
With the IP address of the router in hand, use the default gateway number, open a web browser and type it into the address box, then press Enter. Your router’s login screen should now appear. To make changes to the router’s settings, you will be asked for an admin password.
This should be written on the router, but if it has not been updated, use that password instead. If you do not remember your router’s password, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to factory reset it. Have trouble getting to the login page? Keep scrolling.
Pointers for troubleshooting
It is possible that you could not view the login screen because the gateway IP address was manually put in your network adapter settings. To find out, launch Windows’ Control Panel and type ‘network’ into the search box. Under Network and Sharing Center, select View Network Connections.
Choose Properties from the right-click menu on the internet adapter you are using. Then look for Internet Protocol Version 4 at the bottom of the list. Then select Properties from the drop-down menu. An IP address and DNS server should both be selected automatically. Repeat the preceding steps to determine if the problem persists.
- Modify your router’s settings
You will be able to change whatever aspects need to be changed after you have access to your router’s firmware. The network name and password, as well as the security level and Wi-Fi password, are all included in this list.
You can also manage attached devices, set up parental controls, and create a guest network. Just make sure to save your modifications before moving on to the next screen. If you are not sure how to adjust the different parameters, documentation and built-in support should be accessible to help you out. Most new routers come with setup wizards that might help you save time and effort.
- Modify router credentials
You should, for example, modify the username and password on your router from the defaults. This ensures that only you have access to the router’s firmware. You can change the username as well as the password on some routers. Others allow you to alter simply the password, but the username is usually set to admin. To change your password, go to the Administration tab and seek a password change option.
The screen will most likely ask you for your present router password before prompting you to create a new one. Remember the standard advice for creating a secure password while you construct the new password. Choose one that is simple enough to remember yet complicated enough to prevent guessing.
A pass that consists of a series of easy-to-remember words is likewise a viable choice. Simply remember the new password so you do not have to strain to remember it or, in the worst-case scenario, have to reset the router. Another useful technique to authenticate your identity is to put up security queries as well as answers in your router’s firmware. After that, you will need to log back into your router and implement the adjustments.
- Examine the Wi-Fi Password
You should also double-check the strength and security of your Wi-Fi password. To do so, search the router’s firmware for a wireless or Wi-Fi section. Your current Wi-Fi name and password should appear on the list. If you believe your present password is insecure, make a new one.
Remember to follow the regular password guidelines while doing this. Change the default Wi-Fi name to something unique. Make sure your network’s security is set to WPA2-PSK [AES] under a comparable area, which is currently the greatest level available for household wireless networks. When you are finished, save your changes and shut the browser window.
Additional checks
Whether you are still having trouble connecting to your router, check to see if any software firewalls are turned off. These could be included in your antivirus or internet security software, or they could be a separate program like ZoneAlarm. Disable these for a while to check if they are the source of the issue.
The built-in firewall in Windows should not be a problem. Check for other software, like parental control tools, that may block you from visiting specific websites the settings interface on a router is just a webpage. Your web browser’s settings may be causing the issue, so try a different browser to rule it out.
Final words
We hope that after reading this article, you will get a proper grasp of the guidelines and will be able to access your WiFi router’s settings very efficiently.
