10 Easy Steps to Set Up a Wireless Router

PDF download Download Article
An easy-to-follow tutorial on setting up WiFi at home
PDF download Download Article

Getting your new wireless router set up doesn’t need to be complicated! If your modem has a built-in router, you can skip the whole process of buying one and configuring parts and just focus on connecting! This wikiHow article walks you through the process step-by-step—connecting the hardware, configuring your router, and getting your devices connected and ready to go—so you can enjoy your new wireless internet (without any headaches).

Things You Should Know

  • Check your modem first to see if you need to buy a router or if there's one built into the modem you already have.
  • First, connect the router to your modem and use a computer to log in to your router's admin page.
  • Give your wireless network a name and password that others can use to connect to.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. [1] Routers and wireless routers enable you to share your broadband internet connection with multiple devices. If your internet provider didn't give you a router/modem combo device, you'll need to connect the router to the modem. For best results, place your router near your modem.
    • Connect one end of an ethernet cable to the modem's LAN port, and the other end into your router's WAN port. Most routers come packaged with a short Ethernet cable that you can use for this.
    • Routers come in all shapes and sizes, so make sure you get what you need by comparing features. If you have more area that you need to cover or have lots of walls in your home, you’ll need a router that offers the option of upgrading antenna(s) with high gain types - if not supplied in the box. If more than one wireless device will be connecting at the same time at different speeds, a MiMo-type router is recommended, otherwise, the speed for all devices will drop to the highest supported by all at that time.
  2. For the purpose of setup, you'll need to connect one end of an ethernet cable to your router's LAN port, and the other end to your computer's LAN/ethernet port. The router will assign a local or "private" IP address to any device connected to its LAN Ports or WiFi signal from a pool of private addresses (listed further below). [2]
    • WAN stands for "Wide Area Network" which is what the internet actually is. LAN stands for "Local Area Network".
    • All modern routers should support 802.11n, or Wireless-N. This is the most stable, offers the fastest speeds, and is backward compatible with older standards such as 802.11g.
    Advertisement
  3. If this is a new installation or new router, find the default IP address that may be printed on a label on the router or in the documentation. [3] If you can’t find the router’s IP address anywhere, you can do a web search for the router model to see what the default address is.
    • IP addresses are formatted as four groups of up to three digits, separated by periods.
    • Commonly found "default" Local IP addresses for routers are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, 192.168.2.1, and 10.0.0.1. [4]
  4. Enter in the IP address of the router into the address bar and press Enter . Your browser will attempt to connect to the router’s configuration menu. [5]
    • If you can’t figure out the correct IP address, username, or password, search for your router model online to see what the default login is. If it has been changed, press the Reset button on the back of the router for 10 (to 30+ seconds as dictated in the instructions for the router model) to restore factory defaults and try again.
  5. Most routers have a basic account set up that you will need to use to log on. This varies from model to model but should be printed on the router or in the documentation. [6]
    • The most typical username is “admin”.
    • The most typical passwords are “admin” and “password”.
    • Many routers will only require a username and a blank password, and some allow you to leave all fields blank.
  6. When you log in to your router, you will be taken to the router’s main menu or status screen, which may look different depending on your router's manufacturer. The "Internet" section can usually be left at default settings unless you received specific instructions from your internet service provider. The "Wireless" section will allow you to set up your wireless network, so navigate there.
  7. In the "Wireless" section, you should see a field labeled "SSID" or "Name." Enter a unique name for your wireless network. This is what other devices will see when scanning for networks. [7]
    • Check the box to enable SSID broadcast. This will essentially “turn on” the wireless network so that it may be readily seen by anyone in range of the signal.
    • Leave this unchecked to make your network invisible . Only those who know your network name and password will be able to join.
  8. Choose from the list of available security options. For the best security, choose WPA2-PSK as the encryption method. This is the most difficult security to crack and will give you the most protection from hackers and intruders.
  9. Once you’ve chosen your security method, enter a passphrase for the network. This should be a difficult password, with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t use any passwords that could be easily deduced from your network name or from knowing you. [8]
  10. Once you are finished naming and securing your wireless network, click the Apply or Save button. The changes will be applied to your router, which may take a few moments. Once the router has finished resetting, your wireless network will be enabled.
    11. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I can't get internet access. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Contact your internet provider for help.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 50
  • Question
    Can I reset my admin's password if I forgot it?
    Babawale Oladapo
    Community Answer
    For you to reset your admin password, you will need to reset your router to its default factory settings
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 29
  • Question
    Can you use Wi-Fi with a phone?
    Community Answer
    You can use Wi-Fi with a smartphone (which is what most people have these days), not with a basic cell phone.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 29
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you have procured a used wireless router from a friend or store, make sure to reset it to factory settings before installing it. It may try to configure your wireless network according to the previous system. Find the reset button on the router, and press it for 30 seconds with a pin or pencil.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      See Who Is Connected to Your Wireless Network
      Mirror Your Screen to a TV: Miracast, Chromecast & Wireless HDMI
      How to
      Connect a Router to a Modem
      Easy Ways to Change the Wi-Fi Network Name
      7 Simple Steps to Hide Your Wireless Network
      How to
      Locate the SSID On Your Computer (Windows & Mac)
      How to
      Set Up and Connect to a Wi-Fi Network: Easy Guide
      How to
      Reset Your Router Password
      How to
      Find the WiFi Password of a Past Connection Using Command Prompt (CMD)
      4 Simple Ways To Add an HP Printer to a Wireless Network
      How to
      Use a Router As a Switch
      Set Up a Wireless Hotspot on Windows with Command Prompt
      How to
      Jam a Network
      Data Roaming: Should You Turn It On or Off?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.
      2. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/474115/how-to-set-up-a-wireless-router.html
      3. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 31 July 2019.
      4. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      5. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      6. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      7. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/internetbasics/how-to-set-up-a-wifi-network/1/
      8. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/474115/how-to-set-up-a-wireless-router.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,102,174 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Raphael Hoyles

        Oct 10, 2017

        "I was doing a presentation for school about how to setup a wireless router, and I instantly went on to wikiHow and ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement