If you are experimenting with the various functionalities of your wireless network, you may wonder how to access a router remotely. The best routers, after all, tend to include some way to remotely access the device. Keep reading to learn why and how to perform this procedure.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Accessing a router remotely is a good idea for parents checking up on their children or for users concerned about hackers and wireless thieves.
- There are several ways to do this, one of which is downloading and installing a remote desktop app.
- Another option is to activate a router’s remote management feature via advanced settings and then enter the WAN IP address (sometimes public IP address) and default port information into a browser address bar.
Why Access a Router Remotely?
The primary reason to access a router remotely would be to check up on data usage. This can give you a view as to who is using your network and what they are up to. In other words, it is a great tool for parents checking up on their kids and for anyone else worried about hackers and Wi-Fi thieves. If you know who is using your network, you can go about limiting access, such as when you learn how to change a router’s MAC address.
Insider Tip
You should have access to all of your router’s settings if you are able to connect remotely.
How to Access a Router Remotely
There are a few ways to do this, each of them relatively simple and not as complicated as, say, learning how to disable AP isolation on a router.
Method 1 – Use a Remote Desktop App
- You can download and install a remote desktop app that allows you access to your computer’s desktop while not at home.
- Once this is installed, you can use your home’s desktop to access your router’s settings page or admin panel via a browser or firmware software.
- Be advised, your home computer must be running in order for any of these remote desktop apps to work.
- Also, keep your router’s IP address handy to enter into your web browser, just in case that is needed.
Method 2 – Set up Remote Access
- Most routers have a remote access or a remote management feature, which can be accessed and turned on via the admin panel or settings page.
- Once remote access is activated, make note of your router’s WAN IP address.
- You should be able to access your router remotely by using any computer connected to a web browser outside of your network by WAN IP address into a browser address bar.
- This will bring you to your router’s login page, so be sure to have your username and password readily available.
- Once you are logged in, you’ll be able to check on data usage and receive other important informational metrics.
Warning
Never use remote management unless the router password is changed from the default password.
F.A.Q.S
How can I check the firmware version of my router?
This depends on your router model, though it typically entails accessing the settings of your router device.
Why would you want to access your router remotely?
You can change up router settings, such as the default gateway address, on the fly while at a remote location. This can be done, essentially, router to router without the need for an Ethernet cable.
Can I connect my home WiFi from anywhere?
Remote management is possible from anywhere, so long as you know your public IP address and you have access to a WiFi network, your admin username, default password, and a computer or any other connected devices.
STAT: Intermittent extender connections to a 5GHz wireless band can be caused by improper placement. (source)
