How to Change Wi-Fi Encryption Type: From WEP to WPA3 – A Complete Guide with Examples

The encryption type of your Wi-Fi network determines how easily attackers can intercept your traffic or connect to your router without permission. If you're still using outdated WEP or even WPA, your network is vulnerable to handshake attacks or password guessing within minutes. Modern standards— WPA3-Personal And WPA2/WPA3-Transition — offer protection against most known vulnerabilities, but not all routers support them.

Changing the encryption type is not only a security issue, but also a compatibility issue. For example, older devices (printers, smart light bulbs) Xiaomi 2018–2020 or First-generation Amazon Echo) may not connect to the network with WPA3In this article, we'll look at how to check the current protocol and why WPA2-AES is considered the golden mean for most home networks in 2026., and we will give step-by-step instructions for popular brands of routers - from budget ones TP-Link Archer C6 to the flagship ASUS RT-AX88U Pro.

Why you should change your Wi-Fi encryption type

The main reason is - vulnerabilities of old protocols. For example:

• 🔓 WEP (1999) is hacked for 2–5 minutes using free tools like Aircrack-ngEven a 128-bit key won't save you.
• 🛡️ WPA-TKIP (2003) vulnerable to attack Chopchop, which allows you to decrypt packets without knowing the password.
• 🔄 WPA2-PSK (2004) is theoretically reliable, but only when used AES, not TKIP. Many users mistakenly select mixed mode. WPA2-PSK [AES+TKIP], which reduces the protection to the TKIP level.

The second reason is - performance. Modern protocols (eg, WPA3) are optimized to work with Wi-Fi 6/6E And Wi-Fi 7, reducing latency and increasing speed through an improved encryption algorithm SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals).

⚠️ Attention: If your router was released before 2018, it may not support WPA3Check the model specifications on the manufacturer's website—sometimes support is added via a firmware update.

How to check the current encryption type

Before changing settings, make sure you know your current protocol. There are three ways to do this:

Method 1: Via the router's web interface

1. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

2. Log in (default logins: admin/admin, admin/password or see the sticker on the device).

3. Go to the section Wireless network → Security SettingsThe parameter you are looking for may be called:

• 📡 Security Mode (at TP-Link)
• 🔒 Network Authentication (at ASUS)
• 🛡️ Encryption Type (at Keenetic)

Method 2: Via smartphone (Android/iOS)

On Android (version 10+):

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap your network → Share (or Share).
3. The protocol will be indicated under the QR code (for example, WPA2-PSK [AES]).

On iPhone (iOS 14+): There is officially no way to see the encryption type without third-party apps (e.g. WiFi SweetSpots).

Method 3: Via the command line (Windows/macOS/Linux)

For Windows:

netsh wlan show interfaces

Look for the line Security type (Security type).

For macOS/Linux:

nmcli -f SECURITY dev wifi list

⚠️ Attention: If the results show WPA-PSK without indication AES/TKIP, this means that the router is using an outdated one TKIP default. This protocol needs to be changed urgently.

What type of encryption should you choose in 2026?

The choice depends on two factors: device compatibility And level of protectionBelow is a table with recommendations:

Expert recommendation: If all your devices were released after 2018, choose WPA3-PersonalFor networks with devices from 2010–2017 (e.g., Samsung Smart TV F Series or HP LaserJet Pro M402 printers) is optimal WPA2/WPA3-Transition.

Step-by-step instructions: how to change encryption on your router

The process varies depending on the manufacturer, but the general logic is the same. Below are instructions for popular brands.

1. TP-Link routers (Archer, Deco, TL-WR)

1. Go to the web interface at tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1.

2. Go to Basic → Wireless (or Advanced settings → Wireless mode for new models).

3. In the section Security select:

• 🔐 WPA3-Personal (recommended)
• 🔄 WPA2/WPA3-Personal (if you have old devices)

4. In the field Version please indicate AES (don't choose Auto or TKIP!).

5. Save the settings and reboot the router.

2. ASUS routers (RT-AX, RT-AC, ZenWiFi)

1. Open router.asus.com and log in.

2. Go to Wireless → General (or Wireless Network → General).

3. In the section Authentication Method select:

• 🛡️ WPA3-Personal for maximum safety
• 🔄 WPA2-Personal + WPA3-Personal for compatibility

4. In WPA Encryption install AES.

5. Click Apply and wait for the reboot.

Back up your router settings|Write down your current Wi-Fi password|Check the list of connected devices|Make sure your router is connected to a UPS (if applicable)-->

3. Keenetic routers (Giga, Hero, Viva)

1. Go to the interface at the address my.keenetic.net.

2. Go to Wi-Fi network → Access point.

3. In the block Security select:

• 🔒 WPA3 Personal
• 🔄 WPA2/WPA3 Personal (for mixed networks)

4. In Encryption please indicate CCMP (AES).

5. Save the changes by clicking the button Apply.

4. Zyxel routers (Keenetic before 2020, NBG)

1. Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1 and log in.

2. Go to Network → Wi-Fi → Security.

3. In Security Mode select WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK (if available).

4. In Encryption install AES.

5. Click Apply and confirm the reboot.

⚠️ Attention: After changing the protocol, all devices will be disconnected from the network. Prepare a list of devices that might not connect in advance (for example, Tuya smart plugs 2017–2019 or Nintendo Switch first-release gaming consoles). They may require a separate guest network with WPA2-PSK.

What should I do if my device won't connect after changing encryption?

1. Check whether the device supports the selected protocol (information is available in the instructions or on the manufacturer's website).

2. Create a second network (eg. MyWiFi_Legacy) With WPA2-PSK [AES] especially for problematic gadgets.

3. Update the firmware of your device (for example, for Samsung Smart TV this often solves the problem).

4. If nothing helps, go back to WPA2/WPA3-Transition and write to the device manufacturer's support asking them to add support WPA3.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when changing encryption. Here are the most common ones:

• 🔌 Selecting a mixed mode WPA2-PSK [AES+TKIP]This is a forced router to use. TKIP for compatibility, which negates all the benefits AESAlways choose AES only.
• 📵 Using simple passwords. Even WPA3 it won't save you if the password is - 12345678 or qwertyMinimum requirements in 2026:
• 🔑 Length: 12+ characters
• 🔤 Combination: uppercase + lowercase + numbers + symbols (For example, BlueSky$2026!WiFi)
• 🔄 Settings not savedAfter changing the protocol, be sure to click Save/Apply and wait for the router to reboot (may take up to 2 minutes).
• 📡 Ignoring the guest networkIf you have smart devices (lamps, cameras) that do not support WPA3, create a separate network for them with WPA2-PSK [AES] and restrict access to the local network.

Example of bad setup:

Security Mode: WPA2-PSK [TKIP]
Password: 12345678

An example of a good setup:

Security Mode: WPA3-Personal
Encryption: AES
Password: CorrectHorseBatteryStaple$2026

Additional security measures

Changing the encryption protocol is only part of the protection. To make your network truly secure, take a few more steps:

• 🔄 Disable WPSThis function is vulnerable to brute force attacks even when used WPA3Look for the option in the router interface WPS or QSS and deactivate it.
• 📡 Hide the SSID (Don't show network name). This won't protect you from professional hackers, but it will reduce the number of accidental connections. The option is called Hide SSID or Hide network.
• 🔒 Enable MAC address filteringThis isn't a panacea (MACs are easy to spoof), but it will add complexity for novice attackers. A list of allowed addresses can be found in the section Wireless MAC Filter.
• 🛡️ Update your router firmwareManufacturers regularly patch vulnerabilities. Check the latest version in the section Administration or System Tools.
• 🌐 Set up a separate guest networkThis isolates smart devices (which are often vulnerable) from the main network. In the settings, look for Guest Network.

Example of setting up a guest network on TP-Link:

1. Go to Advanced → Guest Network.
2. Turn on guest Wi-Fi and set:
• 🔐 Security: WPA2-PSK [AES]
• 🚫 Allow guests to access my local network: Disabled
• ⏱️ Enable Schedule: On schedule (e.g. from 8:00 to 23:00)

What to do if your router doesn't support WPA3

If your router is older than 2018 (for example, ASUS RT-N66U or TP-Link TL-WR841N), he most likely won't get it WPA3 Even after a firmware update, you have three options:

• 🔄 Use WPA2-PSK [AES] with a strong passwordIt's still safe if the password is long (16+ characters) and complex. Example: P@ssw0rd!With$p3c!@lCh@rs.
• 🆕 Buy a new router. Modern models (for example, TP-Link Archer AX21 or ASUS RT-AX55) support WPA3 and cost from 3-5 thousand rubles.
• 📶 Connect the second router in access point modeFor example, buy an inexpensive one Xiaomi AX3000 (supports WPA3) and connect it to the main router via cable. Set up a separate network with modern encryption on it.

Comparison of options:

Option	Price	Security level	Difficulty of setup
WPA2-AES + complex password	0 ₽	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐
New router	3 000–10 000 ₽	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Access Point + WPA3	2 000–5 000 ₽	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

⚠️ Attention: If you choose the option with two routers, make sure their DHCP servers don't conflict. DHCP should be enabled on the main router, and disabled on the access point (mode AP Mode).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WPA3 on a 2015 router?

Most likely not. WPA3 It was introduced in 2018, and only routers released after that (or with hardware support) can use it. Check your model's specifications on the manufacturer's website. For example, ASUS RT-AC86U (2017) received support WPA3 via firmware update, and TP-Link TL-WDR3600 (2012) - no.

Why do some devices not connect after switching to WPA3?

This is due to lack of support SAE (authentication algorithm in WPA3) on older devices. Solutions:

1. Return to WPA2/WPA3-Transition (hybrid mode).
2. Update the firmware of the problematic device (for example, for Sony Bravia 2016–2018 (This often helps).
3. Create a separate network with WPA2-PSK [AES] for such gadgets.

List of devices that do not support WPA3:

• 📺 Televisions LG And Samsung until 2019
• 🎮 Game consoles Nintendo Switch (2017 model) and PS4 (before update 8.00)
• 🖨️ Printers Canon And HP until 2020

What password is considered secure for WPA3?

In 2026, the minimum requirements are:

• 🔑 Length: 12+ characters (optimally 16+).
• 🔤 Complexity: uppercase + lowercase letters + numbers + symbols (!@#$% and others).
• 🎲 Non-obviousness: Avoid dictionary words, names, and birth dates.

Examples:

• ✅ Good: Tr0ub4dour&3-Fa1r1es
• ❌ Bad: Ivanov1985 or password123

You can use password generators (for example, Bitwarden or KeePass) to create reliable combinations.

Do I need to change encryption on my guest network?

Yes, but you can use WPA2-PSK [AES], If:

• 🔄 Guest network is only needed for older devices.
• 🚫 Local network access is disabled in it (AP Isolation or Client Isolation).
• ⏱️ It works on a schedule (for example, only during the day).

If the guest network is used for modern gadgets (guests' smartphones, laptops), set it up WPA3-Personal.

How can I verify that the encryption has actually changed?

Verification methods:

1. 📱 On Android: Go to Wi-Fi settings, tap on the network and check Security.
2. 💻 On Windows: run the command netsh wlan show interfaces and find the line Security type.
3. 🌐 Via the router's web interface: Make sure the settings have been saved and the router hasn't been reset to factory settings.
4. 🔍 Using apps like WiFi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (macOS/Windows).

If after changing the protocol the devices connect without entering a password, then:

• ❌ Settings were not saved (check again).
• ❌ The router has reset (possibly due to an interrupted firmware update).