Changing your Wi-Fi network name is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. There are several reasons why you might want to change your Wi-Fi network name, such as if you’re having trouble connecting to your network or if you want to make it easier for guests to connect.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to change your Wi-Fi network name for two types of routers:
- Routers with a web interface
- Routers with a mobile app
**Routers with a web interface**
- Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device.
- In the address bar, type the IP address of your router. The IP address is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the router.
- Enter your router’s username and password. The default username and password are usually found on the same sticker as the IP address.
- Once you’re logged in, look for the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" section.
- In the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" section, find the field labeled "Network Name" or "SSID."
- Enter the new name for your Wi-Fi network in the field.
- Click the "Save" button.
**Routers with a mobile app**
- Download the router’s mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and log in.
- Tap on the "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" tab.
- Tap on the "Network Name" or "SSID" field.
- Enter the new name for your Wi-Fi network in the field.
- Tap the "Save" button.
Identifying the Current Wi-Fi Network Name
Identifying your current Wi-Fi network name, also known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID), is essential before you can proceed with changing it. Here are two common methods to find your SSID:
1. Check Your Router’s Label: Most routers have a label attached to the bottom or back of the device that displays the SSID and password. This is the easiest method if you can locate the router.
2. Inspect Your Computer or Mobile Device:
Windows:
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar.
- Hover your mouse over the connected Wi-Fi network.
- The SSID will be displayed under the network name.
MacOS:
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
- Hover your mouse over the connected Wi-Fi network.
- The SSID will be displayed in the drop-down menu.
Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the connected Wi-Fi network.
- The SSID will be displayed under the network name.
iOS:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Tap on the connected Wi-Fi network.
- The SSID will be displayed under the “Name” field.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Router Label | Easy and quick | Requires physical access to the router |
| Computer/Device Inspection | Can be done remotely | May require additional steps depending on the device |
Confirming the New Network Name
Once you have selected a new network name, it is crucial to ensure its uniqueness and validity. Consider the following factors when confirming your choice:
- Avoid spaces: Spaces in network names can cause compatibility issues with certain devices. Use underscores or hyphens instead.
- Limit special characters: While some special characters are allowed, excessive or complex characters can lead to connection problems. Stick to standard characters such as letters, numbers, and common symbols.
- Check for existing networks: Before committing to a new name, scan your surroundings for existing Wi-Fi networks. Use a network analyzer app or manually search for available networks to ensure your chosen name is not already in use.
- Consider device compatibility: Some older devices may not support long network names. Keep your name within a reasonable character limit (typically around 32 characters) to ensure compatibility with all devices that will connect to your network.
| Recommended Network Name: | “MyHomeNetwork” |
| Network Name to Avoid: | “My Network” |
Rebooting the Router for Changes to Take Effect
Once you’ve made your changes to the Wi-Fi network name and password, it’s important to reboot your router for the changes to take effect. Here’s how to do it:
1. Locate the Power Button
The power button is typically located on the back or bottom of the router. It may be labeled as “Power” or have a power symbol (e.g., a circle with a line through it).
2. Press and Hold the Power Button
Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, or until the lights on the router turn off and then back on.
3. Wait for the Router to Restart
Wait a few minutes for the router to restart and fully load the new settings. Typically, you’ll see the lights on the front of the router blinking while it’s restarting.
4. Reconnect Your Devices
Once the router has restarted, you’ll need to reconnect your devices to the new Wi-Fi network. Use the new network name and password that you set earlier.
5. Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble rebooting your router or connecting your devices to the new network, try the following troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure the power cord is securely plugged into both the router and the power outlet.
- Try pressing and holding the power button for longer (e.g., 15-20 seconds).
- If you have a battery backup on your router, make sure it’s connected and working properly.
- Check the router’s documentation for specific troubleshooting steps.
- Contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.
Connecting to the Updated Wi-Fi Network
Once you have successfully changed the Wi-Fi network name, you will need to connect to the updated network. To do this, follow these steps:
- On your device, go to the Wi-Fi settings.
- Select the updated Wi-Fi network name from the list of available networks.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password that you set during the network name change process.
- Click “Connect” or “Join.”
- Once you are connected, you will be able to access the internet and other network resources using the updated Wi-Fi network name.
- Troubleshooting Connection Issues:
If you are having trouble connecting to the updated Wi-Fi network, there are a few things you can check:
- Make sure that the Wi-Fi password you entered is correct.
- Check if the Wi-Fi router is turned on and within range.
- Restart your device and the Wi-Fi router.
- If you are still having issues, contact your internet service provider for assistance.
Change the Wi-Fi Network Name
To change the network name (SSID):
- Open the router’s web interface.
- Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings.
- Enter a new network name in the “SSID” field.
- Click “Save” or “Apply” to save the changes.
Reconnecting Devices to the New Network
Once you have changed the network name, you will need to reconnect all of your devices to the new network.
To reconnect a device to the new network:
- Open the Wi-Fi settings on the device.
- Select the new network name from the list of available networks.
- Enter the network password when prompted.
- Click “Connect” or “OK” to join the network.
Some devices may automatically reconnect to the new network if they have previously connected to the old network.
If you are having trouble connecting a device to the new network, try the following:
- Restart the device.
- Check that the network password is correct.
- Make sure that the device is within range of the router.
- Contact your internet service provider for help.
| Device | Reconnect Method |
|---|---|
| Computer | Open Wi-Fi settings and select the new network name, then enter the network password. |
| Smartphone or tablet | Open Wi-Fi settings and select the new network name, then enter the network password. |
| Smart TV | Open the network settings menu and select the new network name, then enter the network password. |
| Game console | Open the network settings menu and select the new network name, then enter the network password. |
Advanced Options for Wi-Fi Network Customization
Once you’ve established a Wi-Fi network with a basic name and password, you can further customize it with advanced options for a more personalized and secure experience.
Security
Enhance the security of your Wi-Fi network by selecting a robust encryption method, such as WPA2-AES or WPA3, which offer strong protection against unauthorized access.
Channel Selection
Adjust the Wi-Fi channel to minimize interference and optimize network performance. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to identify the least congested channel for your area.
Broadcast Network Name (SSID)
Decide whether to hide your network’s name (SSID) from public view. This can add an extra layer of security by making it less discoverable to potential intruders.
Guest Network
Create a separate Wi-Fi network specifically for guests, providing them with limited internet access while keeping your primary network private and secure.
MAC Address Filtering
Restrict access to your Wi-Fi network by filtering out specific devices based on their unique MAC addresses. This is useful for controlling who can connect to your network.
Frequency Band
Select between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. 2.4 GHz offers better range, while 5 GHz provides faster speeds but a shorter range.
Wireless Mode
Choose the appropriate wireless mode (802.11n, 802.11ac, or 802.11ax) based on the capabilities of your devices. Each mode offers different speeds and features.
Transmit Power
Adjust the transmit power of your Wi-Fi signal to optimize coverage and minimize interference. However, keep in mind that higher transmit power may consume more power.
WPS
Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) if it’s not being used, as it can introduce security vulnerabilities. WPS allows devices to connect to your network without a password, making it easier for unauthorized access.
How To Change The Wifi Network Name
Changing the Wi-Fi network name is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Open your web browser and type in the IP address of your router. The IP address is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom of the router.
- Enter the username and password for your router. The default username and password are usually “admin” and “password”.
- Once you are logged in, look for the “Wi-Fi” settings. The location of these settings may vary depending on the make and model of your router.
- Find the field that says “Network Name” or “SSID”. This is the name of your Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the new name for your Wi-Fi network. The new name can be up to 32 characters long.
- Click the “Save” or “Apply” button to save your changes.
Your Wi-Fi network name will now be changed. You will need to reconnect your devices to the network using the new name.
People Also Ask About
How do I find the IP address of my router?
The IP address of your router is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom of the router. If you can’t find the IP address on the router, you can also find it by using the following steps:
- Open a command prompt.
- Type “ipconfig” and press Enter.
- Look for the “Default Gateway” entry. This is the IP address of your router.
What is the default username and password for my router?
The default username and password for most routers is “admin” and “password”. However, some routers may have different default credentials. You can usually find the default credentials on a sticker on the bottom of the router.
How do I reconnect my devices to my Wi-Fi network after changing the name?
After you change the name of your Wi-Fi network, you will need to reconnect your devices to the network. To do this, simply forget the old network name on your device and then scan for new networks. Once you find the new network name, select it and enter the password.
