Broadband BT Home Hub

How do I access the BT Smart Hub manager?

BT Smart Hub Manager
Take control: settings are in the BT Smart Hub Manager

You want to fiddle with the settings of your BT Smart Hub. Maybe change the password, adjust the parental controls or switch off the hugely irritating Smart Setup. How do you access the BT Smart Hub Manager?

BT Smart Hub Manager

The easiest way to access the BT Smart Hub Manager is to type 192.168.1.254 into a web browser, or simply click on our link. (Make sure you’re connected to your home network.)

You should be able to access the Smart Hub Manager from any web browser, be it a smartphone, tablet or full-blown computer.

If everything is working properly you should see a screen like this (some details have been blurred for security reasons):

BT Smart Hub Manager

This will give you basic details, such as whether the router is connected to the internet, the status of the different wireless bands, and how many devices are connected to your router (21 in our house!).

However, as soon as you try and do anything vaguely interesting, you will be prompted for your Hub’s admin password.

Unless you’ve changed it beforehand, your Smart Hub’s admin password is printed on a plastic card that’s stored on the back of the router. If you’ve lost that card, it should also be on a sticker on the base of the router.

Why can’t I see the Smart Hub Manager?

If you’re typing 192.168.1.254 into your web browser and you’re getting a blank page or error message, there might be a problem with the Wi-Fi connection. Even if your Smart Hub has lost its internet connection, you should still be able to access the Manager. However, if the Wi-Fi has dropped out, you might not see the settings.

There are a few things to try here. First, reset the router, either by pulling its plug out or by using the reset button on the top of the device. Also restart the computer/tablet/mobile you’re using to access the Smart Hub Manager, in case there’s a problem with the device rather than the router.

If that doesn’t work, try connecting to the router via an Ethernet cable (shown below). Ethernet sockets are becoming increasingly rare on laptops, but if you are able to plug a cable directly between router and computer, do so. If you do have a problem with the Wi-Fi, this may reveal what it is.

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

If all else fails, give BT’s Helpdesk a call on 0800 800 150.

Now read this: Which BT Hub do I have?

About the author

Barry Collins

Barry has scribbled about tech for almost 20 years for The Sunday Times, PC Pro, WebUser, Which? and many others. He was once Deputy Editor of Mail Online and remains in therapy to this day. Email Barry at barry@bigtechquestion.com.

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