A strong Wi-Fi password that is still easy to type

A Wi-Fi password has an unusual job. It must resist anyone nearby trying to break into your network, yet it gets typed with a TV remote, a games controller and the tiny keyboard of a visitor's phone. Random strings like x7#Qp!2v are strong but miserable to enter. There is a better way.

Length over symbols

Wi-Fi passwords on WPA2 and WPA3 networks can be 8 to 63 characters long. Anyone who captures the network's handshake can try guesses offline at high speed, so a short password is the main risk. A long passphrase of ordinary words is both stronger and easier to type than a short string full of symbols.

Make a passphrase step by step

1. Open the Password Generator and choose Word passphrase.
2. Choose four or five words.
3. Pick a separator. A hyphen is easy on every keyboard; avoid spaces, which some devices handle inconsistently.
4. Decide on capitals and a number. Many routers accept passphrases without them, but if your router or devices insist, use “Capitalise each word” and “Append a two-digit number”.
5. Generate a few and pick one that is easy to say aloud and spell.

The result looks like four random words joined by hyphens: long, strong against offline guessing because the words are chosen randomly from a large list, and quick to type on a TV keyboard.

Avoid characters that cause trouble

• Look-alike characters, such as 0 and O or l and 1, which guests misread from a card.
• Symbols that are hidden in a sub-menu on TV and console keyboards.
• Non-English letters with accents, which some devices cannot type.

For random-character passwords, the generator's “Exclude look-alike characters” option removes the confusing pairs.

Share it with a QR code

The easiest way for guests to join is to scan a code instead of typing. In the Wi-Fi and vCard QR Code Generator, choose Wi-Fi, enter the network name exactly as it appears and the password, choose the security type, and print a card. Untick “Print the password on the card” if you only want the code visible. The full walkthrough is in how to make a Wi-Fi QR code.

Guest networks

Most routers can run a separate guest network. Give visitors that password, and keep your main network's password for your own devices. Then you can change the guest password after a party without reconnecting your smart TV, printer and thermostat.

Do not forget the router itself

• The router's admin password, used to change its settings, is separate from the Wi-Fi password. Change it from the default.
• Choose WPA3, or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode if older devices need it. Avoid WEP entirely.
• Keep the router's firmware updated.

To test a candidate, the Password Strength Checker estimates how many guesses it would take, privately in your browser.