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How to Unlock a Secured Wi-Fi Connection

Despite the risks, sometimes unlocked Wi-Fi is the way to go

By Nicholas Congleton Nicholas Congleton Writer William Patterson University Nick Congleton has been a tech writer and blogger since 2015. His work has appeared in PCMech, Make Tech Easier, Infosec Institute, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 13, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Home Networking The Wireless Connection Routers & Firewalls Network Hubs ISP Broadband Ethernet Installing & Upgrading Wi-Fi & Wireless

What to Know

Open a browser and enter the router IP address in the address bar, then enter the username and password. Select Wireless or Network. Look for a Security Options or Wireless Security section and change to None or Disabled. Select Apply. To re-enable security, return to the router settings, and find the security options. Choose WPA2 Personal > AES encryption. Save the changes.
If you want to unlock your Wi-Fi network so that others can access it without a password, change your router settings to create an open access point.

How to Unlock a Wi-Fi Network

These instructions apply broadly to all routers. Consult your router's manual or visit the manufacturer's website for more specific guidance. Launch your preferred web browser. In the address bar, enter your router's IP address. On most routers, the default IP is 192.168.1.1. You'll probably find your router at that address unless you configured it differently. Enter your router's username and password. You can find this information on your router. The password for the router is not the same as the network key. On many routers, the username is admin and the password is password. Select Wireless or Network in the main navigation menu. Look for a Security Options or Wireless Security section and change the setting to None or Disabled. The exact options may differ slightly based on your router. Select Apply to make the change permanent. Your router is now accessible by everyone, and you can connect without a password. When you're ready to re-enable your security, return to the router's settings, select the appropriate security dropdown, then select WPA2 Personal. Use AES encryption, create a strong password, then save and apply the changes again for them to take effect. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Change Your Wi-Fi Password How to Find a Wi-Fi Password on an iPhone Linksys E1000 Default Password NETGEAR WNR1000 Default Password How to Connect to Your Home Router as an Administrator D-Link DIR-600 Default Password How to Connect a Router to the Internet How to Find the Default IP Address of a Belkin Router Linksys Default Password List (Updated October 2022) Linksys WRT54G2 Default Password How to Fix Wi-Fi Connection Drops How to Open Router Settings on Windows D-Link Default Password List (Updated October 2022) Linksys E4200 default password D-Link DIR-655 Default Password How to Kick People off Your Wi-Fi Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies