Put Smart Home Devices on a Guest Wi-Fi Network

Cheap smart plugs, bulbs and cameras rarely get security updates. Putting them on their own guest or IoT network keeps a hacked gadget away from your laptops, phones and files.

1. Open your router settings

Use your router's app (Eero, Google Home, Deco, Orbi and others) or its admin page, often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.

Router app or http://192.168.1.1

2. Turn on a guest or IoT network

Create a guest (or IoT) network with its own name and a strong password. Some routers have a dedicated IoT network option; use it if you see one.

Guest network: On

3. Keep it separate

Make sure the guest network cannot reach your local network. The setting is often called Allow guests to see each other and access my local network; leave it off.

Access local network: Off

4. Move your devices

Many smart plugs and bulbs only support 2.4 GHz, so keep 2.4 GHz enabled on the guest network. Reset or re-add each device in its app and connect it to the new network.

FAQ

Will my phone still control the devices?

Usually yes, through the device's cloud app. Some local features like casting or local hubs need the phone and the device on the same network; test before moving everything.

Is a guest network as good as a VLAN?

For most homes it is a big improvement. A separate VLAN with firewall rules gives more control, but needs a router that supports it.