Have a bit of spare time? You should change your WiFi password

It might seem trivial but changing the default password prevents freeloaders from using your WiFi without your knowledge.

SINCE YOU HAVE a bit of free time (fingers crossed) to catch up on a few things, it might be worth checking your WiFi connection and changing the password on it.

If you’ve opted for the one provided, that can put your connection at risk as anyone could come in and access it using the default code.

The process is straightforward so here’s how to change it for each provider.

eir
1) Type in 192.168.1.254 into your browser’s address bar (for third-party modems, it’s 192.168.1.1).
2) Enter in your username and password.
- If it’s a standard broadband service, it’s username: eircom@eircom.net and password: broadband1
- If it’s an eir Fibre connection, it’s username:admin and the password is the one on the back of your modem.
- Third-party modems have their own username and password. Check the manual for them.
3) Look for the Wireless LAN option and you should see an option to change your WiFi password.
4) Change your password.

eircom rebrand Brian Lawless / Press Association Images Brian Lawless / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Sky
1) Type in 192.168.0.1 into your browser’s address bar.
2) Enter in your username and password (default is ‘admin’ and password ‘sky’).
3) Go to useful settings > Change Wireless Password.
4) Enter in the same username and password
5) Change your password and click Apply.

Sky stock PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

UPC/Virgin
1) Type in 192.168.1.1 into your browser’s address bar.
2) Type in your username and password (default is ‘admin’ and ‘password’).
3) Go into Setup/Wireless and look for (WPA) Pre-shared key.
4) Change your password.

Virgin Media new brand launch Brian Lawless / PA Images Brian Lawless / PA Images / PA Images

This piece is part of 12 days of tech, a series offering quick tips and tech advice for you during the Christmas holidays. You can find more entries here.

Read: This is how you can back up your phone in the easiest possible way >

Read: Have a bit of free time? Activate Find my Phone when you get the chance >

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