A guest network on the Orbi 960 is set up in the Orbi app or in the web interface at orbilogin.com, and it covers the router and every satellite. In the web interface open Basic, Guest Network, turn on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz guest networks, give each a name and password, and choose whether guests can see each other and whether they can reach your local network; keep both off for safety.
The checks in more detail
The app has a Guest Wi-Fi toggle that is simpler. Common problems are guests who cannot join because the password has fewer than eight characters, a guest network that does not appear because only one band was enabled, and guests who cannot reach devices such as a printer, which is intended. The 960's 6 GHz band does not offer a guest network on some firmware versions, so guests use 2.4 or 5 GHz.
A guest network can be given a schedule. If it fails to appear after enabling, restart the router and satellites, and check the firmware. In access point mode, the guest network belongs to the upstream router. Guests with newer phones may see both guest names and choose the slower 2.4 GHz network by default, so naming the 5 GHz guest network clearly, such as with a suffix, steers them correctly.
On the 960 the guest networks share the radios with your own, so many guests can slow the main network a little. If you use an Orbi 960 in access point mode behind another router, set the guest network on the router that does the routing, since the 960 will not isolate guests on its own in that mode. Check which device hands out addresses on your network, because the device that does so controls the isolation.
Differential
Likely causes of “NETGEAR Orbi 960 Series mesh guest network cannot reach devices, cast or print”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Guest network not enabled on a band
What separates it Guests cannot find it
How to confirm Enable both 2.4 and 5 GHz guest networks
- 2
A short password
What separates it The password is refused
How to confirm Use at least eight characters
- 3
Local access switched on
What separates it Guests can see your devices
How to confirm Turn off Allow guests to see each other and local access
- 4
Access point mode
What separates it No guest options
How to confirm Configure guests on the upstream router
- 5
A firmware glitch
What separates it The guest network vanishes after an update
How to confirm Restart and update the firmware
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which bands have a guest network
- The password length
- Whether local access is allowed
- Whether the Orbi is in router or AP mode
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedOpen orbilogin.com or the app
ReversibleBasic, Guest Network.
Enable both bands
Reversible2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Set names and passwords
ReversibleAt least eight characters.
Turn off local access
ReversibleAnd guest-to-guest access.
Restart the router and satellites
ReversibleIf it does not appear.
Update the firmware
ReversibleFrom the web page or app.
Name the guest bands clearly
ReversibleAdd a suffix to the 5 GHz guest name.
Limit guest bandwidth if offered
ReversibleCheck the settings for a guest limit.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Two bands
- Enable both for compatibility.
- Isolation
- Keep local access off.
- Naming
- Clear names steer guests to the faster band.
- Shared radios
- Guests use the same radios.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the guest network never appears after a restart, contact NETGEAR support
- !If guests reach your devices, check isolation settings
- !Update the firmware
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
Where is the guest network?+
In Basic, Guest Network or the app.
Can guests see my devices?+
Not if you turn off local access.
Is there a guest network on 6 GHz?+
Often only on 2.4 and 5 GHz.
Does AP mode change it?+
Yes.
Why do guests choose the slow band?+
The names look the same.
Do guests slow my network?+
A little.