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Own a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router? You'll want to see this new interface

The new Linksys Smart Wi-Fi mobile app has a sleeker look and gives you more control over your home network.

Dong Ngo SF Labs Manager, Editor / Reviews
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
Dong Ngo
2 min read
Screenshot by Dong Ngo

If you own a Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router, including the latest EA9500, there's some good news. Linksys announced today that it has released a major update to the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi mobile app (available for Android and iOS devices).

The new app now has a new user interface that's sleeker and easier to use compared to previous versions. It also has deeper access to a router's settings and features. For example, you now can use the app to change the name and password of not only the main Wi-Fi networks, but also the guest networks. It's also now much easier to view the list of connected devices -- there are even visually appealing icons for different types of devices -- and to quickly sort them into specific lists, such as Parental Control (for access restriction) or Device Prioritization (for prioritized access to the internet).

You can also easily share the Wi-Fi networks' passwords via a text or an email with certain routers, such as the EA9500. The app can also send a notification when the router goes offline. In all, this is a thoughtful and helpful update of the app.

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The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi mobile app is an optional vendor-assisted way for users to conveniently access and control their home networks, even when they are away from home. To use it, however, users will need to create an account with Linksys and have the router connected to this account at all times. Alternatively, the router has a web interface that's not as easy to use but provides access to all of its settings and features.

The latest version the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi mobile app is available now as a free download and works with all Linksys Smart Wi-Fi routers, including the EA series, the new WRT series and the XA series.

Locating local internet providers

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