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Despite the risks, sometimes unlocked Wi-Fi is the way to go
By
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.
Updated on December 13, 2021
What to Know
- Open a browser and enter therouter IP address in the address bar, then enter the username and password. Select Wireless or Network.
- Look for aSecurity OptionsorWireless Securitysection and change toNoneorDisabled. Select Apply.
- To re-enable security, return to the router settings, and find the security options. ChooseWPA2 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.
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