{"id":5447,"date":"2019-01-24T07:00:09","date_gmt":"2019-01-23T20:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/?p=5447"},"modified":"2026-08-31T13:22:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T03:22:39","slug":"guest-wifi-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/","title":{"rendered":"How to set up a guest WiFi network (TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear and mesh routers)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Offering WiFi access to guests in your home is a given for most people.<\/span><\/p>\n

But handing out the password to your <\/span>home network<\/span><\/a> (or leaving your home network open and <\/span>password-free) <\/span>brings some unnecessary risk. You never know how much snooping your guests might try if given the chance. <\/span>Guests connected to your main network can potentially see and access your other devices too, from printers to smart TVs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The solution to this is setting up a guest WiFi network.<\/span> This is a separate WiFi for visitors that runs alongside your main network, giving guests internet access without letting them onto the network your other devices use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Doing so allows guests to share your Internet connection without gaining access to your networked devices. Some routers even allow you to set bandwidth limits or content restrictions on your guest network. In short, a guest network gives you greater control and security.<\/span> If you’re worried about speed, capping guest bandwidth like this also means a busy guest network is far less likely to slow down your main internet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a quick guide on <\/span>how to set up guest WiFi, whichever router or mesh system you\u2019re using.<\/span><\/p>\n

First, check your router<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your first step is to check the user documentation that came with your<\/span> wireless router<\/span><\/a>. Not all models have this capability<\/span>, though most popular guest network routers sold in Australia today \u2014 including TP-Link, ASUS and Netgear models, plus mesh systems like Eero and Google Nest WiFi \u2014 do<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Look for a \u201cGuest Network\u201d in your router\u2019s configuration manual. Other names for this include \u201cguest zone\u201d and \u201cguest access\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t see anything that sounds similar, it\u2019s time to upgrade. Look for a router that advertises a guest network feature on the box.<\/span> TP-Link, ASUS and Netgear all sell budget-friendly models with guest network support built in, as do most mesh systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of buying a new router, advanced users might experiment with hooking up a second router to the first or installing new firmware on their existing router. These are fine options for those with the skills, but if this guide is over your head, it\u2019s better just to buy a new router.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you have a capable router, it\u2019s time to set up the guest network. This guide is designed to give you a general idea of the steps necessary, but every router model is different. For best results, consult your user documentation alongside this guide.<\/span> The steps below apply broadly to TP-Link, ASUS and Netgear routers, with a separate section further down for mesh systems like Eero and Google Nest WiFi.<\/span><\/p>\n

Steps for setting up a guest wifi network<\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Log in to your router using your administrator credentials. (The default credentials are usually printed on the bottom or side of your router.) You can find out how to do this by looking at your router user manual or googling your router name. Generally, though, you\u2019ll want to plug your computer directly into the router using a LAN cable and then type in the IP address listed in your documentation. Once logged in, find the option to toggle the guest network on, and switch it to the on position.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Create or edit your guest network name. Your router may supply a new name, but you can change it to whatever you like. Just don\u2019t use the same exact name (or SSID) as your main network. If your main network is KatiesHouse, then something like KatiesHouse-Guest will work great.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. If you want your guest network to be visible (and you almost always do), ensure that SSID broadcast is set to \u201con.\u201d This is the default setting. If this is toggled off, devices won\u2019t see your network and will have to be connected manually.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Set up your guest network\u2019s security settings and password. If you\u2019re not sure about the various types of encryption, go with the default or first one (it\u2019s likely the newest, most secure standard that your router can use). Set a memorable password that\u2019s different from your home network password.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Add any other limitations or advanced options that you want in place, such as limiting access to network devices (printers, etc.) or limiting how many devices can connect at once.<\/span> Many routers also let you schedule your guest network or set a time limit, so it switches off automatically once your visitors have left.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Setting up guest WiFi on TP-Link, ASUS and Netgear routers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    The exact menu names vary, but on most TP-Link routers, you\u2019ll find the guest network toggle under Wireless > Guest Network in the web interface or the TP-Link Tether app. ASUS routers list it under Wireless > Guest Network too, while Netgear puts it under Wireless Settings > Guest Network in the Nighthawk app or genie interface. Whichever brand you\u2019re using, the steps above still apply \u2014 you\u2019re just looking at a slightly different menu.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Setting up a guest network on mesh routers (like Eero and Google Nest WiFi)<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Mesh systems work a little differently, since there\u2019s no single web browser login. Instead, open the Eero app or Google Home app on your phone, go to your network settings, and look for Guest network or Guest WiFi. Toggle it on, set a name and password, and every point in your mesh will broadcast it automatically \u2014 no matter how many you\u2019ve got set up around the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Using the guest network<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    After following these steps, using the guest network is as simple as connecting to it like you would any other WiFi network and entering the password.<\/span>Enabling a guest WiFi network is a safe, convenient way to offer Internet access to friends and guests<\/span>, whether you\u2019re running a TP-Link, ASUS or Netgear router or a mesh system like Eero or Google Nest WiFi<\/span>. Follow this guide to set it up, and your guests will enjoy your hospitality that much more. <\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    \n

    Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
    \nCan guests on my WiFi see my other devices?
    \n\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n
    No, that’s the whole point of a guest network. It keeps visitors on a separate WiFi so they can only reach the internet, not your laptops, printers or smart TVs on the main network.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
    \nWhat is the difference between a guest network and my main WiFi?
    \n\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n
    Your main WiFi links all of your own devices together so they can talk to each other. A guest network runs alongside it, sharing your internet connection but keeping visitors off your main network entirely.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
    \nHow do I set up a guest network on a TP-Link router?
    \n\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n
    Log into the TP-Link web interface or the Tether app, head to Wireless > Guest Network, and toggle it on. From there, set a name and password just like you would for your main network.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
    \nShould I use a different password for my guest network?
    \n\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n
    Yes. Always set a guest network password that’s different from your main WiFi password, so you can change or share it freely without touching your primary network’s security.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
    \nCan I limit how long someone can use my guest WiFi?
    \n\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n
    Yes. Many routers let you schedule your guest network or set a time limit, so it switches off automatically once you no longer need it.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
    \nDoes a guest network slow down my main internet?
    \n\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n
    Not if it’s set up properly. Most routers let you cap the bandwidth guests can use, so a busy guest network won’t eat into your own speed.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n
    \nHow do I set up guest WiFi on a mesh system like Eero or Google Nest?
    \n\u25bc<\/span><\/summary>\n
    Open the Eero or Google Home app, head to your network settings, and look for Guest network or Guest WiFi. Toggle it on, and every point in your mesh will broadcast it.<\/div>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Offering WiFi access to guests in your home is a given for most people. But handing out the password to your home network (or leaving your home network open and password-free) brings some unnecessary risk. You never know how much snooping your guests might try if given the chance. Guests connected to your main network…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5451,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[23,25],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to set up a guest Wi-Fi network at your home | MATE<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Set up a guest WiFi network to protect your main connection. Router guides for TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear, Eero and Google Nest, works with nbn.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network at your home | MATE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Set up a guest WiFi network to protect your main connection. Router guides for TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear, Eero and Google Nest, works with nbn.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"mate\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/matecommunicate\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2019-01-23T20:00:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-31T03:22:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/How-to-set-up-a-guest-wifi-network-at-your-home-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Mate\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@matecommunicate\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@matecommunicate\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Mate\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Mate\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/person\/e6bf9dbc55a574007c9bd2b696f94938\"},\"headline\":\"How to set up a guest WiFi network (TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear and mesh routers)\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-01-23T20:00:09+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-31T03:22:39+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/\"},\"wordCount\":1307,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Home & Business Internet Blog | MATE\",\"Home & Lifestyle Blog | MATE\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/\",\"name\":\"How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network at your home | MATE\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2019-01-23T20:00:09+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-31T03:22:39+00:00\",\"description\":\"Set up a guest WiFi network to protect your main connection. Router guides for TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear, Eero and Google Nest, works with nbn.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to set up a guest WiFi network (TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear and mesh routers)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/\",\"name\":\"mate\",\"description\":\"Mate Site\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Mate Communicate\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/logo.png\",\"width\":115,\"height\":31,\"caption\":\"Mate Communicate\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/matecommunicate\",\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/matecommunicate\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/person\/e6bf9dbc55a574007c9bd2b696f94938\",\"name\":\"Mate\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fd56f2a29cf13741377e662f6edcd47a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fd56f2a29cf13741377e662f6edcd47a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Mate\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network at your home | MATE","description":"Set up a guest WiFi network to protect your main connection. Router guides for TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear, Eero and Google Nest, works with nbn.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network at your home | MATE","og_description":"Set up a guest WiFi network to protect your main connection. Router guides for TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear, Eero and Google Nest, works with nbn.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/","og_site_name":"mate","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/matecommunicate","article_published_time":"2019-01-23T20:00:09+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-08-31T03:22:39+00:00","og_image":[{"width":900,"height":600,"url":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/How-to-set-up-a-guest-wifi-network-at-your-home-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Mate","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@matecommunicate","twitter_site":"@matecommunicate","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Mate","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/"},"author":{"name":"Mate","@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/person\/e6bf9dbc55a574007c9bd2b696f94938"},"headline":"How to set up a guest WiFi network (TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear and mesh routers)","datePublished":"2019-01-23T20:00:09+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-31T03:22:39+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/"},"wordCount":1307,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Home & Business Internet Blog | MATE","Home & Lifestyle Blog | MATE"],"inLanguage":"en-AU"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/","url":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/","name":"How to set up a guest Wi-Fi network at your home | MATE","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#website"},"datePublished":"2019-01-23T20:00:09+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-31T03:22:39+00:00","description":"Set up a guest WiFi network to protect your main connection. Router guides for TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear, Eero and Google Nest, works with nbn.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/guest-wifi-network\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to set up a guest WiFi network (TP-Link, ASUS, Netgear and mesh routers)"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/","name":"mate","description":"Mate Site","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-AU"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#organization","name":"Mate Communicate","url":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/logo.png","width":115,"height":31,"caption":"Mate Communicate"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/matecommunicate","https:\/\/twitter.com\/matecommunicate"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/person\/e6bf9dbc55a574007c9bd2b696f94938","name":"Mate","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fd56f2a29cf13741377e662f6edcd47a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/fd56f2a29cf13741377e662f6edcd47a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Mate"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5447"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5447"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30783,"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5447\/revisions\/30783"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.letsbemates.com.au\/mate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}