WPA2 vs WPA3: Which Wi-Fi Security Setting Should You Use?

Use WPA3 if every device in your home supports it, and use WPA2/WPA3 transition mode if you have older devices that will not connect with WPA3 alone. Both are far safer than the outdated WEP and original WPA settings, which you should never use. WPA3 mainly adds stronger protection for your Wi-Fi password, so someone who captures your network traffic cannot keep guessing it offline. If you have to choose plain WPA2 for an old device, pair it with a long, unique password.

The router security dropdown, explained

Setting	What it means	Use it?
WPA3-Personal	Newest standard; strongest password protection	Yes, if all your devices support it
WPA2/WPA3 transition (mixed)	New devices use WPA3, older ones use WPA2	Yes, best for most homes
WPA2-Personal (AES)	The long-time standard; still solid with a strong password	Only if a device cannot handle transition mode
WPA2 with TKIP, or WPA/WPA2 mixed	Older, weaker encryption options	No
WPA or WEP	Outdated and easy to break	Never
Open or none	No encryption at all	Never for a home network

What WPA3 actually changes

The Wi-Fi Alliance introduced WPA3 in 2018. WPA3-Personal replaces WPA2’s pre-shared key handshake with a method called SAE, which stops attackers from recording your connection and running endless password guesses against it later. It also adds forward secrecy, so traffic captured today cannot be decrypted later even if your password leaks. WPA3 is required on the 6 GHz band, so if you have a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 router, devices on 6 GHz will always use it.

Why older devices won’t connect

Many devices made before about 2019 only understand WPA2. That includes some printers, smart plugs, cameras, streaming sticks and older game consoles. If you switch to WPA3-only and something drops off the network, that is almost always why. You have three options:

• Switch to WPA2/WPA3 transition mode so old and new devices can both connect.
• Move the old devices to a separate WPA2 network or a guest network, which also keeps them apart from your laptops and phones.
• Check for a firmware update for the device, or replace it if it is many years old.

Before you use a guest network for smart-home gear, read how to check if your router’s guest network is secure.

How to change the setting

On most routers and ISP gateways, the option is in the Wi-Fi or wireless settings under a name like security mode, security type or encryption. You can usually reach it through the provider’s app or by typing the router’s address into a browser and signing in with the admin password printed on the router.

• Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T and Verizon gateways: start in the provider’s app or account site, open your Wi-Fi network settings, and look for the security or advanced options. Menu names vary by gateway model; Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T and Verizon support can point you to the right screen for yours.
• Your own router or mesh system: use the maker’s app or web page, find the wireless security setting, choose WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3, and save.

After saving, devices may disconnect for a moment and reconnect on their own. If one does not, forget the network on that device and rejoin with the same password. If you also want to change the network name or password, follow our guide to changing your Wi-Fi name and password.

Security setting is one piece

Encryption works best alongside a strong password, router firmware updates and turning off WPS. For the full checklist, see how to secure your home Wi-Fi network and free ways to tighten home Wi-Fi security. If your router has no WPA3 option and no recent updates, it may be time to replace it.