Secure WiFi Support

Frequently asked questions

Learn more about Secure WiFi -- the smart security that's built in.

Secure WiFi combines state-of-the-art security with convenient device management features (from the My CenturyLink website or app) to put you in the driver’s seat of your home network.

Secure WiFi technology provides security against many online threats such as viruses, malware, botnet attacks, and other malicious content. It's built directly into specific compatible, leased CenturyLink modems, and helps to make sure all internet traffic passing through the modem to any device in a home network is safe.

When a Secure WiFi compatible modem is plugged in and activated with CenturyLink internet, is updated with current firmware, and is used as intended, the security features of Secure WiFi automatically help to protect all devices connected to that network. This includes Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart TVs or thermostats, from most online threats.

Learn more about the features of Secure WiFi.

Secure WiFi is included with compatible modems (C4000 models) leased from CenturyLink after August 14, 2020. There are three ways to confirm that you have Secure WiFi:

1. Check for Secure WiFi in My CenturyLink

The easiest way to see your Secure WiFi options is when you're signed in to My CenturyLink. Navigate to Services, then scroll down to see your modem and network information. If you see a section for Secure WiFi Device Groups, then you have this feature.

Internet screen of app showing device groups for Secure WiFi

2. Look for Secure WiFi on your bill

You will see "Modem lease with Secure WiFi" under Additional Charges and Credits on your monthly billing statement. This is often on page 3 of your statement.

3. Sign in to modem settings

You can check your modem user settings to see your Secure WiFi status. Sign in to the Advanced Setup area and scroll down to the last menu option, Cyber Security. If Secure WiFi is active on your modem, you'll see "Modem Security On" and cyber-security state as "Protected."

Screenshot of modem settings showing Cyber Security as on and protected

Secure WiFi features will not be active until the modem is installed and the firmware is updated. In some cases, a modem will run needed firmware updates up to 72 hours following installation.

Secure WiFi is built into the CenturyLink compatible modem which sits between the internet and all the devices on your home network.

Secure WiFi will help protect computers and mobile devices from accessing compromised websites:

PCs
Macs
Smartphones
Tablets

Secure WiFi also protects other smart home devices that are connected to the internet. These are known as Internet of Things (IOT) devices, and might include the following:

Doorbells
Smart speakers and hubs
Thermostats
Security cameras and systems
TVs and set-top boxes
Gaming consoles
Appliances such as refrigerators/freezers/washers/dryers
And many more

If you attempt to visit a risky website, Secure WiFi will protect you by displaying a warning page advising not to proceed to the suspicious site.

You can check if Secure WiFi is active by visiting this website: testsecurewifi.com (copy and paste or type this URL into a new browser window)

Important: Make sure you are conducting this quick test from a device that is currently connected to the CenturyLink modem (wired or wireless). This test will not work if you are not connected to the internet through the CenturyLink modem.

How the test works:

1. Open a new browser window and enter this website address: testsecurewifi.com

2. If Secure WiFi is active, a ‘Congratulations!’ window will open (see example). This confirms that Secure WiFi is active. You may now close the window as the test is complete.

3. If Secure WiFi is not active, a website with an explanation on what to do next will open.

Connected and protected with Secure WiFi

Secure WiFi protects your WiFi network and all the devices connected to it from online threats, right from your C4000 modem.

Secure WiFi is always on

Secure WiFi is built in to C4000 modems leased from CenturyLink. This "always on" feature protects your network and devices around the clock. At this time, there is no option to disable or remove Secure WiFi.

Secure WiFi FAQs

Learn about a site warning

What is MAC randomization?

Control the devices on your network

You can view and manage all the devices on your network with Secure WiFi. Features include creating groups, pausing individual devices or groups, and content controls.

Learn how to manage Secure WiFi features using the CenturyLink app:

How to manage devices

How to set parental/content controls