A reliable home Wi-Fi network is important for everything from streaming and gaming to remote work and smart-home devices. However, giving your main Wi-Fi password to every visitor is not always ideal. This is where an eero guest network can be useful.
An eero guest network provides a separate Wi-Fi connection that visitors can use when they are at your home. Instead of sharing the password for your primary network, you can give guests access to a dedicated network.
The eero app is used to manage eero networks and settings, making it possible to configure and manage your home Wi-Fi from a mobile device. eero’s support resources also provide troubleshooting tools through the app when network problems occur.
What Is an Eero Guest Network?
An eero guest network is a separate wireless network designed for visitors.
Your primary Wi-Fi network is generally used by the people and devices you trust, such as:
- Smartphones
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Smart TVs
- Printers
- Smart-home devices
- Gaming consoles
A guest network provides another connection for people who only need internet access temporarily.
Instead of giving a visitor your main Wi-Fi credentials, you can provide the guest network name and password.
This can make managing your home network easier while giving visitors convenient internet access.
Why Use an Eero Guest Network?
There are several reasons homeowners may want a guest network.
Keep Your Main Wi-Fi Password Private
One of the simplest benefits is that you do not have to reveal your primary Wi-Fi password.
If you regularly have visitors, contractors, relatives, or friends at your home, a separate guest connection can make Wi-Fi sharing more convenient.
Separate Guest Devices
Guest networks are commonly designed to keep visitor devices separated from devices on the primary network.
This is useful because you may not know how every visitor’s phone, laptop, or tablet is configured.
Rather than connecting unfamiliar devices directly to your primary network, you can direct visitors to the guest connection.
Make Visitor Access Easier
A guest network can also make hosting more convenient.
You can provide guests with the network name and password when they arrive instead of repeatedly entering your primary Wi-Fi password into their devices.
How to Set Up an Eero Guest Network
The exact options displayed in the eero app can vary depending on your eero system, software version, and account configuration. For current instructions, it is best to follow the setup information provided by eero.
In general, the process involves opening the eero app and locating the network or guest-network settings.
A typical setup process looks like this:
- Open the eero app.
- Access the network settings.
- Locate the guest network option.
- Enable the guest network if available.
- Choose a guest network name.
- Set a guest password.
- Save the settings.
- Connect a test device to the guest network.
After setting up the network, test it with a phone or another device before giving the credentials to visitors.
If the menus on your device look different, check the current eero support documentation because app interfaces and features can change over time.
Choosing an Eero Guest Network Name
Your guest network name should be easy for visitors to identify.
For example, you could use a simple name such as:
- Home Guest
- Guest Wi-Fi
- Family Guest
- Visitor Wi-Fi
Avoid using information that reveals unnecessary personal details.
A simple and recognizable name makes it easier for guests to select the correct network from their phone or laptop.
Choosing a Guest Wi-Fi Password
Even though the network is intended for guests, you should still use a reasonably strong password.
Avoid passwords based on:
- Your name
- Home address
- Phone number
- Birthday
- Family names
- Easily guessed words
A memorable combination of words and numbers can be easier to communicate while still being more difficult to guess.
If you frequently host visitors, consider changing the guest password periodically.
Eero Guest Network vs. Main Network
The main difference is who should connect to each network.
Your primary network should generally be used by your own trusted devices.
The guest network is intended for visitors who only need internet access.
| Feature | Main Network | Guest Network |
|---|---|---|
| Personal devices | Yes | Usually unnecessary |
| Guest devices | Not ideal | Yes |
| Smart-home equipment | Commonly used | Usually unnecessary |
| Shared with visitors | Avoid when possible | Designed for this |
| Primary Wi-Fi password | Private | Separate credentials |
This separation can make your home network easier to manage.
Can Smart-Home Devices Use the Guest Network?
Smart-home devices can have different networking requirements, so you should not automatically place every smart device on a guest network.
Devices such as smart speakers, cameras, printers, thermostats, and streaming equipment may need to communicate with other devices on your network.
If a device requires local network communication, putting it on a separate network may affect how it works.
Before moving an important smart-home device to a guest network, check the manufacturer’s networking requirements.
Can Guests Use the Internet Normally?
The primary purpose of a guest network is to provide visitors with internet access.
Guests can generally use their phones, laptops, tablets, and other compatible devices for activities such as:
- Browsing websites
- Checking email
- Streaming
- Messaging
- Social media
- Video calls
- Online shopping
The actual experience depends on your internet connection, eero system, network configuration, and the number of connected devices.
If many people are using the guest network at once, overall bandwidth can become an important consideration.
Eero Guest Network Security
A guest network can be a useful layer of network organization, but it should not be treated as a complete cybersecurity solution.
You should still use strong passwords, keep your networking equipment updated, and follow basic security practices.
For your primary network, avoid sharing credentials unnecessarily.
It is also a good idea to review the devices connected to your network from time to time. If you notice an unfamiliar device, investigate it rather than ignoring it.
Keeping your eero system and app updated can also help ensure you have access to the latest available features and security improvements.
What If the Eero Guest Network Is Not Working?
Sometimes a guest network may appear to be configured correctly but fail to provide internet access.
Start with simple troubleshooting steps.
Check the Internet Connection
First, verify that your main eero network is working.
If the primary network also has no internet connection, the problem may not be related specifically to the guest network.
The eero app includes a network health check under Settings and Troubleshooting that can help identify certain connection problems.
Restart the Device
If only one guest device cannot connect, restart the phone, tablet, or computer.
Then try connecting again.
Check the Password
Make sure the guest password has been entered correctly.
Pay attention to:
- Capital letters
- Numbers
- Special characters
- Spaces
- Similar-looking characters
Forget and Rejoin the Network
On a phone or computer, you can often forget the saved Wi-Fi network and then reconnect using the current credentials.
This can resolve problems caused by an outdated saved password.
Check for Software Updates
If problems continue, check whether your eero app and device software are up to date.
For persistent issues, eero’s support resources provide troubleshooting information for network connectivity problems.
Eero Guest Network for Airbnb and Rental Properties
A guest network can be particularly useful in rental environments.
If you operate a vacation rental or frequently have temporary visitors, a separate Wi-Fi network can make it easier to provide internet access without distributing the credentials for your primary network.
A simple network name can also make the connection instructions easier to include in a welcome guide.
For rental properties, consider displaying the guest Wi-Fi information somewhere visitors can easily find it while avoiding unnecessary exposure of your primary network credentials.
Eero Guest Network for Home Offices
A guest network can also be useful when you work from home.
For example, visitors may need Wi-Fi while your work computers and other business devices remain connected to your primary network.
Keeping visitor devices separate can make network organization easier.
However, businesses with sensitive information should use appropriate business-grade security and networking practices rather than relying solely on a consumer guest network.
Tips for Managing an Eero Guest Network
A few simple practices can make your guest network easier to manage.
Use a Distinct Network Name
Choose a name that clearly identifies the network as the guest connection.
Use a Separate Password
Do not reuse your primary Wi-Fi password.
Review Connected Devices
Occasionally check the devices connected to your network and investigate anything unfamiliar.
Update Your Equipment
Keep your eero system and app updated when updates are available.
Avoid Sharing the Main Network
Give visitors the guest credentials instead of your primary Wi-Fi password whenever practical.
Test Before Guests Arrive
If you are hosting a large gathering, test the guest network beforehand. This can help you discover password or connectivity problems before visitors arrive.
Eero Guest Network for Large Gatherings
A guest network can be especially helpful during parties, family gatherings, or other events where many people may want Wi-Fi access.
Instead of individually connecting guests to your primary network, you can provide one set of guest credentials.
Remember that the number of connected devices and the bandwidth available from your internet provider can affect performance.
If dozens of people are streaming video or downloading large files at the same time, even a well-designed Wi-Fi network may experience congestion.
Final Thoughts
The eero guest network can be a practical way to provide visitors with Wi-Fi while keeping your primary network credentials private. It can make hosting guests easier and provide a more organized approach to connecting unfamiliar devices.
Setting up the network through the eero app is generally straightforward, although the exact menu options may vary with your system and software version. For the latest setup instructions, use eero’s official support resources.
For the best experience, use a separate password, choose an easy-to-recognize network name, keep your equipment updated, and test the connection before visitors arrive. A guest network is most useful when it becomes part of a broader approach to keeping your home network organized and secure.
FAQs About Eero Guest Network
1. What is an eero guest network?
An eero guest network is a separate Wi-Fi network intended for visitors. It allows guests to connect to the internet without needing the password for your primary home network.
2. How do I set up an eero guest network?
Open the eero app and look for the guest-network option within your network settings. Enable the feature, configure the guest network credentials, and test the connection. Because app options can change, consult current eero support instructions for your specific system.
3. Should I give guests my main eero Wi-Fi password?
Using a separate guest network can be preferable because you can provide visitors with different credentials instead of sharing the password used by your primary network.
4. Why is my eero guest network not working?
Check whether the main internet connection is working, verify the guest password, restart the connecting device, forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network, and check for available software updates. The eero app also provides network troubleshooting tools.
5. Can smart-home devices connect to an eero guest network?
Some devices may connect, but smart-home products can have different networking requirements. Devices that need to communicate with other devices on your home network may not work properly when placed on a separate guest network. Check the manufacturer’s requirements before moving them.