How to Lock a Wireless Router

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Password-protecting your wireless router prevents bandwidth theft.
Image Credit: Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

An unsecured wireless router will allow unwanted users to access your Internet connection and steal your bandwidth. Locking your wireless router prevents any unauthorized users from accessing your wireless router and Internet connection without your permission. When you secure your wireless router with the Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), you will control who is allowed to access your router by requiring them to enter a secure key that is associated with your router.

Advertisement

Secure Your Wireless Router

Video of the Day

Step 1

Open your Web browser and navigate to your router's address. This address varies between router manufacturers, but three of the most common addresses are "http://192.168.0.1", "http://192.168.1.1" and "http://192.168.2.1". Consult your router's manual for the correct address if you do not know the address.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Enter the username and password that is required to access your router. Consult your router's manual if you do not know the username or password.

Step 3

Click on the "Settings" or "Security" tab.

Advertisement

Step 4

Locate your router's security options on the page and secure your network by changing the "Unsecured" option to "WPA," "WPA2" or "WEP."

Step 5

Create a passphrase for your router and store the password in a safe place.

Advertisement

Step 6

Apply your new settings by clicking "Save Settings," "Apply" or "OK" on the router's security page.

Advertisement

Verify That the Network Is Secure

Step 1

Click on the Start button. Select "Control Panel" from the menu and click on "Network and Sharing Center."

Advertisement

Step 2

Click on the "Manage wireless networks" link on the left side of the screen.

Step 3

Locate your network in the list. Verify that your network is no longer listed as "unsecured" under the "Security" column.

Advertisement

Advertisement

references