When you visit 192.168.1.254 to access the Hub Manager, your web browser might display a message saying your connection isn’t private or secure. This can seem worrying—but it’s completely normal and safe in this case.
What causes this message?
Your Smart Hub uses a self-signed security certificate to encrypt the connection between your device and the hub.
Here’s what that means:
- Security certificates are used to prove that a website or device is trustworthy and to encrypt the data sent between your browser and that site or device.
- Most websites use certificates issued by trusted third-party organisations called Certificate Authorities (CAs), which your browser automatically recognises.
- A self-signed certificate, such as the one used by your BT or EE Smart Hub, is created and signed by the device itself, rather than by a third party. Because your browser doesn’t recognise the hub as a trusted authority, it shows a warning, even though the connection is still encrypted and secure.
This is common for local devices, such as routers, printers, and smart home hubs, that don’t need to be verified by the wider internet.
Good to know
Always be wary if you encounter these warnings while browsing the Internet.
Trusted websites will always use a security certificate that is signed by an authority, so a warning like this is often a tell-tale sign that something is not right.
Is it safe to continue?
Yes, it is safe to proceed. The warning is just your browser being cautious because it doesn’t recognise the certificate. The self-signed certificate still encrypts your connection, so any information you enter—like your admin password or WiFi settings—remains private and secure.
How to proceed using your browser
To continue using your browser, here’s how to bypass the warning:
Google Chrome:
- select Advanced
- select Proceed to 192.168.1.254 (unsafe)
Microsoft Edge:
- select Advanced
- select Continue to 192.168.1.254 (unsafe)
Safari:
- select Show Details
- select Visit this website
- confirm by selecting Visit Website
Firefox:
- select Advanced
- select Accept the Risk and Continue