5-Step Guide on How to Secure Netgear WiFi Extender

No matter which Netgear extender model you own, it is the best way to expand your current WiFi coverage in every corner of your home. While the WiFi device lets you access the internet on any of your connected devices, it also lets hackers get into your network if not secured. Thus, it is important for users to secure their WiFi network. In this blog, we've jotted some steps explaining how to secure Netgear WiFi extender from getting leeched.

How to Secure Netgear WiFi Extender – An Ultimate Guide

Step 1: Change the Default Password

Most Netgear extender users avoid changing the default password of their extender after completing the Netgear extender setup process. But, that's really important if you want to secure your WiFi from various threats. While changing the password of your extender,

• Keep in mind to set a hard-to-crack and unique password.
• Try adding special characters, numbers, and alphabets to it.
• Don't make use of your birth date, contact details, spouse name, etc.
• Consider keeping a track of your password by noting down it somewhere just in case you forget it.

Step 2: Hide SSID

Another way you can try to secure your Netgear WiFi extender's network from potential threats is to hide its SSID (Network Name). If you will stop your extender from broadcasting its network name, no one will be able to find your network. To hide the SSID of your extender:

• Log in to your device by accessing mywifiext web address.
• Navigate to Settings > Administration
• Locate the SSID (Network Name) option.
• If it is checked, select it to uncheck it and hide your extender's network name.

Step 3: Update Firmware

In our 5-step guide on how to secure Netgear WiFi extender, the next resort you can try is to update the firmware of your device. Yes, you read it right! Updating the firmware of your device will not only bring certain bug fixes and improvements to your device but also boost its overall performance. And, you may get agreed to the point that a high-performing device with no flaws could be really hard for hackers to access. To update the firmware of your extender:

• Download the latest firmware version for the extender model you have from the official site of Netgear.
• Log in to your extender and under Settings, locate the Firmware Update option.
• Select it and you will be asked to browse the downloaded file.
• Select the file by accessing the destination where you saved it and press OK to make the changes effective.

Step 4: Configure WPA or WPA2 Encryption

You can also secure your Netgear WiFi extender by configuring WPA or WPA2 encryption. This is basically changing the security level on your Netgear extender. To execute the process,

• Access mywifiext setup wizard on your computer.
• Select Wireless and navigate to the Security Options.
• Thereafter, choose the WPA2 option.
• Hit OK to save settings.

Step 5: Create a Guest Network

The most clever idea you can try to secure your Netgear WiFi extender is to set up another network. Wondering how? Wonder no more! The below-listed points will explain how to create a guest network on your Netgear extender.

• Keep your guests off from your main WiFi network by creating a guest network for them.
• For this, log in to your extender and find 'Create Guest Network' option under Administration.
• Hitting on it will ask you to set a new username and password.
• Fill in all the necessary details and click on Apply button.

Wrapping Up

This is all about how to secure Netgear WiFi extender from moochers and avoid getting into the trouble of a slow or pokey internet connection. We hope that the tips enlisted above will help you secure your WiFi from unknown hitchhikers. Just in case you are not technology-friendly and looking for assistance to make all these changes effective on your Netgear extender, consider contacting our team of experts.