How to Change Wi-Fi Security on Your Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide with Pictures

Are you connected to your home Wi-Fi but notice that the network is slow or that other devices are connecting to it? The problem may be due to outdated security on your wireless network. In 2026 WPA3 remains the most secure encryption standard, but many routers still use WPA2 or even dangerous WEP, which are vulnerable to hacking in just minutes. Fortunately, you can change security settings directly from your phone—no computer or complicated steps required.

In this article you will find:

• 🔍 Why is it important to update your Wi-Fi security? and what risks does outdated encryption pose?
• 📱 Step-by-step instructions For Android And iOS (including iPhone 15 And Samsung Galaxy S24)
• ⚙️ How to choose the optimal type of protection (WPA3, WPA2/WPA3 Mixed, WPA2-PSK)
• ⚠️ Common mistakes and ways to fix them (for example, "password mismatch" or "no connection")
• 🛡️ Additional security measuresthat will strengthen your network beyond the standard settings

Although the process seems technically complex, in practice it takes no more than 5-10 minutes. The key is to follow the instructions and not skip any important steps. Let's start with the most important thing: why is it worth the time to change your protection?

Why You Need to Upgrade Your Wi-Fi Security: The Real Risks of Outdated Standards

If your router is still using WEP or WPA, your network is vulnerable to attacks like KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) or Evil TwinA hacker can:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Intercept your traffic (passwords, messages, banking information)
• 📡 Connect to the network without a password, using protocol vulnerabilities
• 💻 Launch a man-in-the-middle attack (MITM) and redirect you to phishing sites
• 📉 Slow down the internet, loading the network with its traffic

According to a 2026 study, 68% of home networks with WEP were hacked within 24 hours of a vulnerability scan. Even WPA2, which was long considered reliable, has critical vulnerabilities (for example, Dragonblood), if not updated to the latest version. WPA3 free from most of these problems thanks to:

• 🔐 Individual encryption for each device (even if the network password is known)
• 🛡️ Protection against brute-force attacks (brute force password cracking)
• 🔄 Automatic key update (autonomous rotation without user intervention)

However, not all devices support it. WPA3If you have an old smartphone (Android 9 and below or iPhone 6), the router will automatically switch to WPA2 for compatibility. In this case, the optimal choice is the mode WPA2/WPA3 Mixed.

⚠️ Attention: If your router was released before 2018, it may not support WPA3Check the model on the manufacturer's website or in the router's mobile app.

Preparation: What to do before changing your Wi-Fi security

Before you begin setting up your device, complete a few mandatory steps. This will prevent network loss and device connection issues.

Make sure your phone is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to change.

Write down your current Wi-Fi password (you'll need it to log in after changing the settings)

Check which devices are connected to the network (either through the router or through the app)

Disable the guest network (if enabled) - its settings are changed separately

Prepare a backup connection method (mobile internet or cable)

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Also check:

• 📶 Wi-Fi signal strength On your phone. If it's weak (1-2 bars), devices may not connect after upgrading the security feature. It's best to stay close to the router.
• 🔋 Charging your phone — at least 30%. If the phone runs out of battery during setup, you'll have to start over.
• 📱 Router firmware versionOutdated software may not support WPA3. Update it in advance via the manufacturer's mobile app (TP-Link Tether, Mi Wi-Fi, ASUS Router and others).

If you use Mesh system (For example, Google Nest Wi-Fi or TP-Link Deco), you need to change security settings in the system's main application, not through the router's web interface. Otherwise, secondary nodes may lose connection with the primary node.

⚠️ Attention: After changing the type of protection all devices will be disconnected from Wi-Fi and will require you to re-enter your password. Warn your family members or colleagues (if this is an office network) in advance.

How to Change Wi-Fi Security on Android: A Complete Guide

On Android The process varies by phone manufacturer, but the general process is the same. We'll look at two methods: router mobile application (the simplest option) and through web interface (if there is no application).

Method 1: Via the router app (recommended)

Most modern routers (TP-Link, Xiaomi, ASUS, Keenetic) have official apps for control from a phone. For example:

• 📱 TP-Link Tether — for routers TP-Link Archer/Deco
• 📱 Mi Wi-Fi — for routers Xiaomi
• 📱 ASUS Router — for devices ASUS RT-AX
• 📱 Keenetic — for routers Keenetic

Instructions (using an example) TP-Link Tether):

1. Open the app and connect to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to the section Settings → Wireless Network (or Wi-Fi).
3. Select Security settings (or Protection).
4. In the field Type of protection select WPA3-PSK (or WPA2/WPA3 for compatibility).
5. Create a new password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
6. Save the settings and reboot the router (if necessary).

Method 2: Via the router's web interface

If you don't have the app or have an older router, use the browser on your phone:

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network you want to configure.
2. Open your browser (Chrome, Safari) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Typically, it's:

   192.168.0.1
   192.168.1.1
   192.168.8.1

   The address is indicated on the router sticker.

3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or admin/password).
4. Go to the section Wireless Settings (or Wireless network → Security settings).
5. In the field Security Mode (or Type of protection) select WPA3-Personal.
6. In the field Password Enter a new password (we recommend using a password generator).
7. Save settings (Save or Apply) and wait for the router to reboot.

On some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic) the path may differ: Home Network → Wi-Fi Segment → Access Point → Security.

TP-Link

ASUS

Xiaomi

Keenetic

D-Link

Another

Don't know

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How to Change Wi-Fi Security on iPhone (iOS 15–17)

On iPhone the process is more complicated than on Android, because Apple It doesn't allow you to directly change router settings via your phone. However, there are two workarounds:

Method 1: Via the router manufacturer's app

Many routers (for example, TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys) have applications compatible with iOSDownload it from App Store and follow the instructions for Android (see previous section). The interface will be similar.

Example for TP-Link Tether:

1. Download the app and connect to your network.
2. Go to Advanced → Wireless Settings.
3. Select Security and change the type to WPA3-PSK.
4. Save the settings and reboot the router.

Method 2: Via Safari (web interface)

If there is no application, use a browser Safari:

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi network you want to configure.
2. Open Safari and enter the IP address of the router (for example, 192.168.1.1).
3. Enter your login and password (see the sticker on the router).
4. Go to the wireless network section (usually Wireless or Wi-Fi).
5. Find the security settings (Security Mode) and select WPA3.
6. Create a new password and save the changes.

On iPhone a warning may appear: "This connection is not secure."This is normal—the router's web interface uses a self-signed certificate. Click Continue (or Advanced → Proceed V Safari).

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone With iOS 14 and below, problems with connecting to networks may occur WPA3If the phone does not connect after changing the protection, go back to WPA2/WPA3 Mixed or update iOS to the latest version.

1. Forget the network (Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → Forget this network).

2. Reboot the router (turn off the power for 30 seconds).

3. Manually add a network with a new password.

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Common mistakes and their solutions

When changing Wi-Fi security, users often encounter serious issues. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If after changing the protection some devices (for example, smart light bulbs or printers) stopped connecting, check:

• 🔄 Compatibility mode: go back to WPA2-PSK, if the device was released before 2018.
• 📋 IP settings: In manual mode, specify IP, gateway and DNS (if using static IP).
• 🔌 Wi-Fi channel: some devices do not work on channels above 11 (change to 1–11 in the router settings).

Additional security measures for Wi-Fi

Changing your security type is just the first step. To make your network truly secure, take a few more steps:

Disable WPS (vulnerable to brute-force attacks)

Enable MAC address filtering (restrict access to your devices only)

Change the default login/password of the router (do not leave admin/admin)

Disable remote control (if not using)

Set up a guest network with a separate password for visitors

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Let's look at each point in more detail:

1. Disable WPS

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is designed to easily connect devices using a PIN code, but it has a critical vulnerability: the PIN can be cracked within a few hours. Disable it in your router settings:

• 📌 In TP-Link: Advanced → WPS → Disable
• 📌 In ASUS: Wireless → WPS → Disable WPS

2. Enable MAC address filtering

This feature allows only devices with authorized MAC addresses to connect to the network. Find the section MAC Filter or MAC address filter and add the addresses of your devices (you can find them in your phone settings: Settings → About phone → Wi-Fi MAC address).

⚠️ Attention: MAC filtering isn't 100% secure (MAC addresses can be spoofed), but it will make it harder for an attacker to access your data. Use it in conjunction with WPA3, and not instead of it.

3. Change your router login and password

By default, many routers use a combination admin/admin or admin/passwordThis is the first thing hackers check. Create a complex password (for example, k7#pL9!mQ2@xY4) and save it in a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden).

4. Set up a guest network

If you have frequent guests, create a separate network with limited access:

• 🔗 Limit the speed (for example, 10 Mbps).
• 🚫 Disable local network access (to prevent guests from seeing your shared folders).
• ⏱️ Set a time limit (e.g. 4 hours).

IN Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi The guest network is configured as follows: Wi-Fi Settings → Guest Network → Enable.

🔹 Protection type: WPA3-PSK (or WPA2/WPA3 Mixed for compatibility)

🔹 Encryption: AES (not TKIP!)

🔹 Password: 12+ characters with letters, numbers, and special characters

🔹 Additionally: Disabled WPS + MAC filtering + guest network

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing Wi-Fi security

netsh wlan show interfaces