By Colin FosterSecuring your smart home does not require deep technical skills, but it does require a few deliberate habits. Start with unique passwords, two-factor authentication, updated routers and devices, and privacy settings that match how you actually use your gear. This guide walks through the steps in order, then explains what to do if something still goes wrong.
Strong passwords and a password manager
The first line of defense for any smart home is the password on the account you use to control it. If someone gains access to that account, they may be able to view camera feeds, unlock doors, or change settings. A strong and unique password makes that kind of break-in far less likely.
A strong password does not have to be complicated. A long passphrase built from a few unrelated words is easier to type and harder to guess than a short string of random characters. A common rule of thumb is to aim for 12 characters or more. What matters most is that you do not reuse the same password anywhere else, because one leaked password can otherwise expose many different accounts.
A password manager solves the memory problem. It stores your login credentials in an encrypted vault and can generate a random password for each account, so you only need to remember one master passphrase. Many password managers also fill credentials into web portals and apps, which makes rotating passwords later much easier.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds a second check before someone can sign in. Even if your password leaks, an attacker would also need a one-time code, a hardware key, or approval from a device you already own. This single setting blocks a large share of account takeover attempts.
Turn it on for every smart home account that supports it, including the main smart home app, any camera app, and a separate security system account if you have one. Do not skip your email account: because password resets go through email, a compromised inbox can let an attacker reset everything else. For the second factor, an authenticator app is usually more secure than a text message, but a text message is still better than none. Save any backup or recovery codes somewhere safe outside the device.
Secure your router and the network
All of your smart devices rely on your home network, so the router is the gatekeeper. Start by changing the router’s admin password from its default. This is the password for the router settings page, not the Wi-Fi password guests see. If the default stays, someone on your network could change your settings and lock you out. Store the new admin password in your password manager.
Next, disable remote management unless you truly need it. Remote management lets you reach the router settings from outside your home, and it also gives attackers a possible path in. When you need to adjust router settings, connect from a device on your home network.
Check the wireless encryption too. Current routers support WPA3, and many older clients work with WPA2; both are acceptable if configured correctly. Avoid WEP and the original WPA versions because they are no longer considered secure. If a device cannot connect with WPA2 or WPA3, plan to update or replace it.
A quick router security checklist looks like this:
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Admin password | Changed from the default and stored in your password manager. |
| Remote management | Disabled so settings can be changed only from inside your home network. |
| Wireless encryption | WPA3 or WPA2 enabled; WEP and older WPA versions avoided. |
| Guest network | Enabled and separated from your main network for smart devices. |
| Firmware | Automatic updates turned on, or a regular check of the manufacturer’s support page. |
If your router supports a guest network, put your smart devices on it. This separates your cameras, locks, and other gadgets from the main network where your computers and phones live. If one smart device is compromised, it becomes much harder for the attacker to reach your other devices. Some smart devices need to be on the same network as your phone during setup, then can be moved to the guest network afterward, so check the device instructions for the exact steps.
Keep firmware updated automatically
Firmware is the software built into your router, cameras, locks, hubs, and other devices. Manufacturers release updates to fix security holes, and a device that stops receiving updates becomes a growing risk. Turn on automatic updates wherever the option exists, including in the router settings and in the app for each device.
For devices without automatic updates, check the manufacturer’s support page for your model on a regular schedule. Remember that update delivery varies: Wi-Fi devices usually update directly from the maker, while devices using Matter, Thread, Zigbee, or Z-Wave may update through a hub or the controlling app. Check the device box or the manufacturer page to confirm how updates arrive. If a maker does not explain this, treat it as a caution sign before you buy.
Remove old devices and old users
Every device and every shared user connected to your smart home is a potential entry point. When you stop using a device, remove it from the app and from any hub or home system instead of leaving it listed. Old linked devices can stay visible to someone who compromises your account, and they may continue collecting data you no longer need shared.
Before you sell, give away, or recycle a device, do a factory reset following the manufacturer’s instructions. That clears your accounts, settings, and stored data from the hardware. The same care applies to shared access: when a guest, roommate, or service provider no longer needs access, remove them from the home in your app. If you move out of a rented space, sign out of every account on devices you leave behind.
Review camera privacy settings
Cameras deserve the most careful privacy review of any smart device. Look for privacy features in the camera app, such as privacy zones that block part of the image, digital or physical shutters, and automatic movement to a private position when you are home. Enable the features that match your space and comfort level.
Audio recording is often on by default. If you do not need sound, turn off microphone access to reduce how much sensitive information your camera collects. If the camera has a speaker, consider whether two-way audio should be active only when you use it rather than always.
Review where recordings are stored as well. Local storage on a memory card or hub keeps footage inside your home, while cloud storage sends it to the maker’s servers. Both can be secure, but the choice affects who can access footage and what happens if the manufacturer has a breach. Pick the option you are comfortable with and check the recording settings whenever you change plans.
Review app permissions
The smart home app on your phone can accumulate permissions over time. Periodically open your phone’s permission settings and review what each app can access. A security camera app may need your camera to scan a setup code, but it does not need your contacts. A smart lock app might use your location for geofencing, but it should not need your microphone. Turn off anything that is not required, and re-enable it only if a feature stops working.
Also check which accounts are linked to your smart home app. Prefer signing in with your email address rather than linking unrelated social media or work accounts, and remove any connected accounts you no longer use.
Buy from makers with a clear security policy
Good security starts at the point of purchase. Before buying a smart device, look at the manufacturer’s page for a support and security update policy. A maker that explains how long the model receives updates, how vulnerabilities are reported, and how firmware is delivered is easier to trust than one that stays silent.
Security support varies by manufacturer and firmware, so verify that the specific model still receives updates instead of assuming a new product will be maintained. The smart home buying guides can help you compare product categories, and the home security device selection guide covers what to check before installing cameras, locks, and sensors.
What to do if an account is compromised
If you think an account has been taken over, act quickly without panicking. Follow these steps in order and use the manufacturer’s instructions for anything specific to your device or service.
- Change the password on the affected account right away, using a new strong unique password. Then sign out of all sessions from the account settings so that any device the attacker authorized is disconnected.
- Enable two-factor authentication if it was not already on. That stops the attacker from signing back in with the old password.
- Review the account for unknown devices, users, or sessions and remove anything you do not recognize. Most smart home apps list every connected device and shared user.
- Check your email for signs of access, password reset requests, or rules that forward messages elsewhere. If there is any doubt, change the email password and enable two-factor authentication there too.
- Factory reset any affected cameras, locks, or hubs, then set them up again with new credentials.
- Contact the manufacturer’s support team if you cannot recover the account or you see activity you cannot explain.
Last, rotate the passwords of any other accounts that used the same password. If the compromised device is no longer supported by its maker, consider replacing it; building a smart home on a budget explains how to stage upgrades without replacing everything at once.
FAQ
What should I secure first?
Start with unique passwords and two-factor authentication on your smart home account and your email account. Those accounts control everything else, including password resets and shared device access.
Is a guest network really necessary?
It is not required, but it is one of the strongest router-level protections. Putting smart devices on a separate guest network keeps a compromised gadget away from your computers, phones, and personal files.
How do I know if a device still gets security updates?
Check the manufacturer’s support page for a security update policy for that model. Devices using Matter, Thread, Zigbee, or Z-Wave may update through a hub or app, so confirm how updates are delivered before you buy.
What if I am locked out of my account?
Use the service’s account recovery process first, then contact the manufacturer’s support team if that fails. After you get back in, change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and remove any unknown devices or users.
Securing a smart home is not a one-time project. Passwords change, devices age, and new vulnerabilities appear. The routine stays small: protect your accounts with two-factor authentication, keep your router and devices updated, remove what you no longer use, and review privacy settings every time you add something new.
About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our smart home guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
