How to Change the Wi-Fi Security Mode on Your Router

What Wi-Fi security modes are

Wi-Fi security modes control how your router authenticates devices and encrypts their traffic. The Wi-Fi Alliance describes WPA3 as offering cutting-edge security protocols, more robust authentication, and increased cryptographic strength. It also says WPA3 is mandatory for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices, which is why newer routers and clients are expected to support it.

WPA2 is the earlier mode that most devices have used for years. WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode lets a router accept both WPA3 and WPA2 clients at the same time. The Wi-Fi Alliance notes that WPA3 networks use the latest security protocols, disallow outdated legacy protocols, and require Protected Management Frames, so a WPA3-only network may refuse devices that only understand older security methods.

• WPA2: the previous-generation mode with broad device support.
• WPA3: the latest mode, mandatory for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices.
• WPA2/WPA3 mixed: accepts both modes during a transition.

Before you change the security mode

Before changing anything, check the devices that will connect to the network. Phones, laptops, streaming boxes, smart speakers, printers, and IoT gadgets all need to support the mode you choose. Because WPA3 is mandatory for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices, recent hardware should support it, but older equipment may only work with WPA2. Update the router's firmware first, since firmware updates are how router makers add and improve WPA3 support. See how to update router firmware for the steps.

It also helps to review router security basics and WPA3 explained before you start. That way the change makes sense in context and you know what the different modes actually protect.

• Note your router model and firmware version.
• List the devices that use the network and roughly how old they are.
• Write down the current Wi-Fi name and password.
• Look for a backup or export option in the router admin page.

How to change the security mode

Log in to the router admin page using the router's local IP address and admin password. If you need help finding it, see how to login to router admin page. Once inside, look for a section named Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Security. The security mode setting is usually labeled WPA type, Encryption, or Security Mode.

Choose WPA3 if every device supports it, or WPA2/WPA3 mixed if you have older devices. Enter or confirm the Wi-Fi passphrase, save the changes, and let the router apply them. Some routers keep the same SSID and password, so your devices may reconnect without extra steps; others require you to reconnect manually.

Router makers use different labels for the same idea. Mixed mode may be called WPA3 Transition Mode or WPA2/WPA3. It means the network can serve WPA3 clients while still accepting WPA2 clients. After you save, test a few devices and confirm they can connect before you close the admin page.

WPA2, WPA3, and mixed mode compared

The main trade-off is compatibility versus protection. The Wi-Fi Alliance says WPA3-Personal provides increased protections from password guessing attempts, and WPA3 networks require Protected Management Frames. WPA2-only is still supported by many devices, but it is an older protocol. If you want a deeper comparison, see WPA3 transition mode vs WPA3 only.

What to do if an older device cannot connect

If a device stops connecting after you switch to WPA3-only, it probably only understands older security protocols. The Wi-Fi Alliance explains that WPA3 networks disallow outdated legacy protocols and require Protected Management Frames, so a legacy device cannot meet those requirements.

The fastest fix is to set WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode. If you want to isolate an old device, you can put it on a separate guest network, but that network may use a lower security level. See guest network explained for how to separate devices. If a very old device still fails in mixed mode, try updating the device's own firmware, or replace it. The WPA3 device connection failures page covers this troubleshooting in more detail.

Which mode should you choose?

Use WPA3-only if every phone, laptop, and smart home gadget on the network supports it. This is the most future-proof setting and matches the direction of Wi-Fi security, since WPA3 is mandatory for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices. Recent Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 routers should offer WPA3 along with mixed mode. If you are shopping, look at best Wi-Fi 6 routers and best Wi-Fi 7 routers.

Use WPA2/WPA3 mixed if one or two older devices will not work with WPA3-only. Newer devices will still use WPA3 when they connect, while older devices fall back to WPA2. Avoid WPA2-only unless you have no other option, and never leave the network open.

• All devices support WPA3: choose WPA3-only.
• One or two older devices: choose WPA2/WPA3 mixed.
• An old device still fails: update it, isolate it, or replace it.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Is WPA3 safer than WPA2?

Yes. The Wi-Fi Alliance describes WPA3-Personal as giving increased protections from password guessing attempts, and WPA3 networks use the latest security protocols and require Protected Management Frames.

What is WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode?

Mixed mode lets the router accept WPA3 clients and older WPA2 clients at the same time. Newer devices use WPA3, while older devices that cannot support WPA3 still connect. It is a transition setting, not a permanent ideal.

Where is the security mode setting on my router?

Log in to the router admin page and look for Wireless, Wi-Fi, or Security settings. The exact label varies by maker; it may say WPA mode, Encryption, or Security Mode.

Why will my older device not connect after I switch to WPA3?

WPA3 networks disallow outdated legacy protocols and require Protected Management Frames. A device that only supports older security methods cannot join. Switch to WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode or update the device.

Do I need to change my Wi-Fi password when I change the security mode?

Usually not. You can keep the same passphrase, but after the change you may need to reconnect devices. If you do change the password, use a long, unique one.

Should I leave my Wi-Fi open if a device cannot connect with security?

No. Open networks provide no data encryption. Use WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode or replace the device instead.