What are the different WiFi network security modes, and how can I change them?

There are different security modes for home WiFi networks with Xfinity. These are the most common:

• WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
• WiFi Protected Access — Personal (WPA3)
• WiFi Protected Access — Personal-Transition (WPA3)

Security mode details

Security mode	Details
WPA2	Offers great protection. Uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) instead of Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) to provide a stronger encryption. Note: Downgrading to WPA2 may cause issues with devices like: Modern devices may get stuck on 6 GHz causing lag and connectivity problems. Lower security standard.
WPA3 — Personal	Designed for individual users and home networks. Uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) for stronger protection against password guessing. Provides forward secrecy, meaning past data remains secure even if a password is compromised later. More resistant to offline dictionary attacks than WPA2. Requires compatible devices to connect.
WPA3 — Personal-Transition	Facilitates upgrading to WPA3 without losing WPA2 compatibility. Uses WPA3’s SAE and WPA2’s Pre-Shared Key (PSK) for device compatibility. Modern devices use more secure WPA3 protocol. Legacy devices can still connect with WPA2 protocol. Suitable for networks with both new and most old devices. Note: There are rare cases where an older device may not be able to connect to WiFi.

Note: You can also use an open security mode, which means there are no security settings and anyone within range of your network can access it without a password. Using an open security mode may put your private information at risk and isn't recommended.

Change your WiFi security mode

Using the Xfinity app 

1. Sign in to the Xfinity app using your Xfinity ID and password.
2. Go to the WiFi tab.
3. Select WiFi details.
4. Select Edit WiFi settings from the pop-up card.
5. Use the drop-down menu to change your Security mode.
6. Once finished, select Save.

Note: If you change these settings, you may need to reconnect your devices to your home network.

Using the Admin Tool

If you have WiFi Extenders, you can't change your security settings in the Admin Tool. Refer to the steps above for changing your security mode in the Xfinity app.

1. Connect to your WiFi network.
2. In a web browser, navigate to http://10.0.0.1 and sign in.
   • You may have to enable Admin Tool access. 
     • See Allow Xfinity WiFi Gateway Admin Tool online access using the Xfinity app.
   • If you haven't changed your login information, the default username is admin. Check the sticker on the bottom of your Xfinity WiFi Gateway for the password. 
     • Note: If you're missing the gateway sticker with your password, contact Xfinity for help.
3. Navigate to Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi, then select Edit to change the security mode.
4. To complete the change, click Save Settings at the bottom of the page.

Note: If you change these settings, you may need to reconnect your devices to your home network.

Additional information

Visit our Online Support Center to find common solutions.

The easiest way to activate, manage, and troubleshoot your Xfinity experience is with the Xfinity app! Get 24/7 real-time support, pay your bill, view plan details, get outage updates, and more. Download the free Xfinity app, or scan the QR code with your smartphone.

Need additional support? Ask Xfinity Assistant.