Guest Network FAQs

 

 
What is a Guest network?The Guest network is a feature of the Linksys Smart WiFi, Linksys WiFi Routers, and the Linksys X-series Gateways that creates a separate network for guests. This secured network provides internet access to guests' WiFi devices. The Guest network SSID is the same as the 2.4 or 5 GHz WiFi name (SSID), followed by a -Guest suffix. It is a totally different network with a different password from the network. This means devices connected to the Guest network will not be able to communicate with files and printers connected to the main network.
Is the Guest network available to all Linksys routers?No. It is available only to the Linksys Smart WiFi, Linksys WiFi Routers, and the Linksys X-series Gateways. The Guest network is enabled by default and can be configured through your Linksys cloud account.
How do I set up the Guest network?To set up the Guest network or Guest access feature, click on the links below:

Configuring Guest Access on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router using the local access interface
How to manage the Guest Access Feature using the Linksys cloud account
Setting up the Guest Network through the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi (VIDEO)
Can I disable the Guest network?Yes. To do this, follow the instructions below:

For instructions on disabling the Guest network using the web-based setup page of the router:
  • Access the web-based setup page, click Wireless then click Guest Access, select no, and then click Save Settings.

To disable Guest Access through Linksys cloud account:
  • Log in to your Linksys cloud account, click the Guest Access tool, and then set the toggle button to OFF under Allow guest access.

Note that disabling the Guest network depends on the router you are using.
Why can't I see the Guest network of my Linksys router even if I have already set it up?To ensure that the Linksys Smart WiFi or Linksys WiFi Router is set up properly and that all its features are working properly, use the setup wizard when setting up the device for the first time. Some features may not be functional when the device is set up manually.
Can I set up a different WiFi security mode for the Guest network?The Guest network does not support a secured WiFi network such as WPA2™. However, it supports a browser Guest password to use the internet connection and you can change this password. The prompt will appear after the device is connected to the network and opens a web browser to connect to the internet. This is to prevent unauthorized internet access.
Can I see the list of DHCP clients currently connected to the Guest network?Yes. They will be displayed on the DHCP client table along with the ones connected to your main network. You can check this by going to the router’s web-based setup page. Go to Status > Local Network then click on DHCP Client Table.

For Linksys Smart WiFi Routers, log in to your Linksys cloud account and click the Troubleshooting tool.
Can I change the name of the Guest network?Yes, but this is only applicable on Linksys Smart WiFi Routers. The Guest network will always follow the main 2.4 or 5 GHz WiFi name (SSID) followed by a -Guest suffix
What is the maximum number of computers and devices allowed to connect to the Guest network?The default number is five. However, a maximum of 10 computers and devicesare allowed at a time on the Linksys WiFi Routers and up to 50 on the Linksys Smart WiFi Routers.
Why can't I connect to the internet even if my computer is already connected to the Guest network?You may have to provide the Guest access password in your web browser. This is required to access the internet through the Guest network. Without entering the password, your computer or device is only connected to the Guest network without access to the internet. The password has to be entered on a web browser every time a computer connects to the Guest network. If your device is connected to the Guest WiFi, open a browser. You should be prompted for a Guest password. Enter the Guest password provided by the admin of the router in order to gain access to the internet.
My device does not have a built-in web browser. How do I connect to the internet when I am on the Guest network?Since a web browser is required for the Guest network, your device would have to connect to the main WiFi network to access the internet.
How do I check the Guest network password?For Linksys Smart WiFi Routers, log in to your Linksys cloud account then click the Guest Access Tool. 

Alternatively, you can log in to the router's web-based setup page then go to Wireless > Guest Network.
What other security settings are applicable to the Guest network?MAC address filtering will still work on devices that connect to the Guest network. On the other hand, the Guest network cannot be hidden even if the main network’s name or SSID broadcast has been disabled. MAC address filtering will still work on devices that connect to the Guest network.
Can I extend the WiFi signal of my Guest network using a repeater?Yes. You can also extend your WiFi signal with a router by using a LAN to WAN setup.
Can I change the Guest network password?Yes. To change the password, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your Linksys cloud account then click the Guest Access tool.

2. Click the Edit link.

3. Enter a new password in the Guest network password field. Then, click Ok.
Can I set Access Restrictions specifically for the Guest network?No. 
Can I access the Guest network of my Linksys Smart WiFi router that is set to Bridge mode?No. Once your Linksys Smart WiFi router is set to Bridge mode, only three tools can be seen in the router’s interface. These tools are Connectivity, Troubleshooting, and Wireless.
When cascading routers, do I have Guest access on the second router that is set to Bridge mode?For LAN to LAN connections, WiFi devices will not connect to the Guest network. However, for LAN to WAN connections, WiFi devices can connect to the Guest network.
Are there Linksys routers that have dual-band Guest networks?Yes. The Linksys EA4500 v3, EA7500, EA9200, EA9500, WRT1200AC, WRT1900AC and WRT1900ACS support dual-band Guest networks.

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