MikroTik routers are popular among tech enthusiasts, small businesses, and even advanced home users because they combine affordability with powerful features. Powered by RouterOS, they offer enterprise-grade capabilities like VLANs, VPNs, and bandwidth management.
If you’ve just bought a MikroTik router and are wondering how to set it up, this guide will walk you through the process — from connecting the hardware to securing your network.
If you’ve just bought a MikroTik router and are wondering how to set it up, this guide will walk you through the process — from connecting the hardware to securing your network.Prerequisites
Before diving in, make sure you have:
- A MikroTik router and power adapter.
- An Ethernet cable to connect your computer.
- Internet connection from your ISP.
- WinBox software (MikroTik’s configuration tool) or access via WebFig (browser) or CLI.
- Default login credentials (usually
adminwith no password).
Tip: If your router has been used before, perform a factory reset to start fresh.
How to setup Hotspot in MT router
Accessing the Router
- Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable.
- Open WinBox and click on the “Neighbors” tab to detect your router.
- Log in using the default credentials.
- Alternatively, open a browser and type the router’s IP (usually
192.168.88.1) to access WebFig.
Configure IP Address
- In the left menu, click IP → Addresses.- Add a new IP address for your LAN interface.
- Example: `192.168.88.1/24` assigned to your LAN port.
Set Up Routes
- Most routers already have a default route to the ISP.
- If you don’t see one, add a route manually:
- Destination: `0.0.0.0/0`
- Gateway: your ISP’s provided gateway IP.
Configure DNS
- Navigate to IP → DNS → Settings.- Enter the DNS servers provided by your ISP (e.g., `8.8.8.8` and `8.8.4.4` for Google DNS).
- Check “Allow Remote Requests” so hotspot clients can resolve domain names.
- Go to IP → Firewall → NAT.
- Click the plus (+) sign to add a new NAT rule.
- In the General tab, select your WAN interface.
- In the Action tab, choose Masquerade.
- This ensures internal clients can access the internet through your router.
- Navigate to IP → Hotspot → Hotspot Setup.
- Select the LAN interface where you want to enable the hotspot.
- Assign the IP pool for clients (e.g., `192.168.88.2–192.168.88.254`).
- Configure DNS servers (already set earlier).
- Set the hotspot login method (default is username/password).
- Finish the wizard — your hotspot service is now active.
- Go to IP → Hotspot → Users.
- Click the plus (+) sign to add a new user.
- Enter a username and password.
- Save the configuration.
- When a client connects to the hotspot Wi‑Fi or LAN, they’ll be redirected to the Hotspot login page.
- Enter the username and password you created.
- Once authenticated, the user gains internet access.
You’ve successfully set up a MikroTik Hotspot using WinBox. This setup allows you to manage user access, monitor bandwidth, and secure your network. With your screenshots included in the blog, readers will be able to follow each step visually and replicate the process on their own routers.
Setting up a MikroTik router may seem daunting at first, but once you understand the basics, it becomes straightforward. By following these steps, you’ll have a secure, functional router ready for daily use.
Remember: security and maintenance are just as important as connectivity. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, explore MikroTik’s advanced features to unlock the full potential of your router.
