What are the benefits of using a Linksys cloud account?

What are the benefits of using a Linksys cloud account?
Why do I need a Linksys cloud account for my home network?
Is the Linksys cloud account secure?
What should I do if I want to use a Linksys cloud account?
What are my options if I do not want to create an account?

The Linksys Smart WiFi Routers that had automatic updates enabled have received the latest firmware from Linksys. With this update, router management has been transitioned to the Linksys cloud account, an intelligent software platform for the next generation of home networking experiences. The Linksys cloud account has a new level of management capabilities with a user-friendly interface. To learn more about the Linksys cloud account, click here for the video tutorial.

Why do I need a Linksys cloud account for my home network?

An increasing number of mobile devices, entertainment electronics, and connected appliances are now used on the average home network. More and more people need a wireless solution at home, one that is both easy to use and powerful. This means that home routers must evolve to accommodate these needs, and Linksys plans to lead this innovation.

Is the Linksys cloud account secure?

The security of the network and protecting user data is always our top priority. NONE of the router settings are stored in the Linksys cloud account - they still remain on the router and only the username and password are stored to allow for remote connectivity. We take your security very seriously and have gone to great lengths to ensure your information and connected home devices are safe and secure.

Here are the security details:

Validating the user

We validate the user through double verification of their email account. This double verification process proves to us that the user owns the email account supplied during account setup.
We validate the network. When setting up your Linksys cloud account, you must supply the router password when you are connected to that network, behind their router.
Only when these two elements are satisfied will the unique ID of the router be sent to the Linksys cloud account for pairing with the account.

Secure communications

Communication with the cloud is encrypted and secure.
Both your web browser and the router establish connections to the Linksys cloud account infrastructure over a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), the same security you use when connecting to online bank accounts.
Linksys cloud account connections to the router are managed using Transport Layer Security (TLS), a secure bi-directional tunnel for information similar to SSL.
Privacy Settings - Linksys cloud account does not actively track, collect or store personal info or usage data for any other purposes, nor is it transmitted to third parties. The only information stored in the Linksys cloud account are the following:

i. The email address you registered for your Linksys cloud account
ii. Your first and last name
iii. SHA-256 encrypted password
iv. Your router’s model number
v. Your router’s hardware version
vi. Your router’s firmware version
vii. Your router’s serial number

What should I do if I want to use a Linksys cloud account?

The Linksys cloud account is a free service bundled with the new Linksys Smart WiFi Routers. There are three ways to get a Linksys cloud account. All three require a connection to the internet.

i. Auto-update using the Linksys Connect Software 1.4
ii. Auto-update using the router's classic web-based setup page
iii. Manual upgrade

To take advantage of all the Linksys cloud account features and functionalities, you will need an internet connection and a Linksys cloud user account. To learn how to create, activate, and associate a Linksys cloud account, click here.

IMPORTANT: These are the tools you will see if you have a Linksys cloud account. You will be able to use all these features to maximize the capability and performance of your home network.

NOTE: Device List is displayed as Network Map among the newest Linksys Smart WiFi Routers. External Storage is displayed as USB Storage among older firmware versions of Linksys Smart WiFi Routers.

What are my options if I do not want to create an account?

You have two options if you do not want to create an account:

Option 1: Continue running the Linksys Connect Software.

The router settings you established prior to the firmware upgrade are still the same and functional. You do not have to do anything if you are satisfied with your current setup. To manage your router's basic settings in this option, you must be disconnected from the internet.

IMPORTANT: These are the tools you will see once you log in to the router’s web-based setup page using the router password instead of a Linksys cloud account. The default router password is “admin”. If you changed it during the initial setup, use the new password instead.

NOTE: To access the web-based setup page without using a Linksys cloud account, make sure to unplug the ethernet cable from the internet port of the router.

Option 2: Downgrade the router firmware to the classic web-based setup page

This option gives you classic management interface and local management features only. It is not recommended to revert to an older firmware. The benefits and future App options of Linksys cloud account will open up a far greater number of functionalities that are not supported by the previous web-based setup page.

To learn how to downgrade the router firmware to the classic web-based setup page, click here.

For routers which have not been upgraded or if you do not prefer to update your router firmware, log in to the router’s web-based setup page, go to Administration > Firmware Upgrade. Uncheck the Upgrade Automatically option and click on Save Settings or Apply.

To keep networking innovations moving forward and to provide the best possible user support, Linksys delivers regular software updates. You will get the most value and most advanced features from your home router when you create an account for and take advantage of the Linksys cloud account.

Related Articles:

Overview of the Linksys cloud account
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi system requirements
Deactivating your Linksys cloud account