In the era of widespread digitalization, the smartphone has become the central hub of communication, and it is often iPhone It acts as a lifesaving internet source for colleagues' laptops or tablets. However, the default hotspot name, which is automatically assigned to the device when tethering mode is activated, often appears impersonal or contains unnecessary characters, giving away the device's model to others within range. Changing this name isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but also an important step in ensuring security and easy identification of your device in a crowded internet environment.
Many users mistakenly believe that changing the network ID requires delving into deep engineering menus or jailbreaking, but Apple has provided a built-in and secure mechanism for this. Understanding the relationship between the device's system name and the broadcast SSID allows you not only to rename the network but also to resolve a number of common issues with connecting other devices. In this article, we'll cover the steps in detail, the technical nuances of the protocol, and ways to resolve name conflicts in the local environment.
Technical essence: the relationship between the device name and the SSID
It is fundamentally important to understand that in an ecosystem iOS There is no separate setting exclusively for the name of the WiFi network in modem mode. Access Point Name (SSID) is tightly tied to the device's common name, which you see in the "About this device" menu or during initial activation. This architectural solution ensures consistency: your phone appears the same to computers via Bluetooth, AirDrop, and Personal Hotspot.
When you change your smartphone's primary name, the operating system automatically updates the packet header when creating a local network. This means that by renaming your device, you instantly change its visibility to all surrounding devices. This synchronization eliminates confusion when the same device might have different names in different interfaces.
⚠️ Warning: Changing your device name may temporarily break active AirDrop or Handoff connections with other Apple devices until they refresh their local network name cache.
It's worth noting that name length also matters. While modern standards allow for fairly long character strings, some older WiFi drivers on laptops or IoT devices may incorrectly display names containing emoji or special characters. Therefore, choosing a name is a balance between creativity and technical compatibility.
Why can't I use Emoji in my network name?
Some operating systems, especially older versions of Windows or Linux without proper UTF-8 encoding in network interfaces, may display emoji as a set of incomprehensible characters (gabbledygook) or refuse to connect to such a network at all, considering the name invalid.
Step-by-step instructions for changing your name
The renaming process has been simplified by the developers and takes only a few seconds, but requires careful typing. First, unlock your iPhone Find the default settings app on your desktop, the one with the gear icon. We'll need the section responsible for general system settings.
Follow the path Basics → About this deviceThis is where the "Name" field is located, which by default contains text like "iPhone (5)" or simply "iPhone." Tap this field, and the keyboard will allow you to erase the current value and enter a new one. After entering the desired name, tap the "Done" button on the keyboard to save the changes.
☑️ Renaming algorithm
Once saved, the system will automatically apply the new name to all services. If you had tethering enabled, we recommend turning it off and back on again so the network will broadcast with the updated identifier. Now, when searching for WiFi on other devices, you'll see the name you just set.
- 📱 Open the app Settings on the main screen.
- 🔧 Select a section Main and go to About this device.
- ✏️ Click on the line Name and enter a new ID.
- 💾 Click Ready to apply the changes.
Configuring Personal Hotspot Settings
Although we've already changed the network name, configuring the security of the access point itself remains critical. Unlike home routers, where you can flexibly configure frequency ranges and channels, iOS offers a basic but robust set of options. By going to the menu Cellular → Personal Hotspot (or simply Modem mode in the main menu), you will see the "Allow others" switch.
The "Wi-Fi Password" option is also located here. By default, it's generated using a complex but difficult-to-remember character set. Security experts recommend changing it to a more understandable yet strong combination if you plan to frequently connect new devices. Keep in mind that the encryption standard here is fixed and typically complies with WPA2/WPA3, providing a sufficient level of protection against simple traffic interception.
| Parameter | iOS default value | Expert recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | iPhone / Device Name | Unique, no personal data |
| Security | WPA2/WPA3 Personal | Do not change (maximum compatibility) |
| Password | Random string (10+ characters) | A complex phrase that you remember |
| Visibility | Hidden (disabled by default) | Turn on only when needed |
It's important to note the peculiarity of the 5 GHz band. If you connect Apple devices (Mac, iPad) to the hotspot, they can use a hidden, faster connection protocol that eliminates the need to enter a password each time thanks to Instant Hotspot technology. Android and Windows devices will require manual entry of the password you set in this menu.
Compatibility issues and older devices
Modern iPhone It uses advanced encryption standards and frequency bands, which sometimes creates problems when connecting to older equipment. For example, some older printers, previous-generation game consoles, or budget tablets may simply not recognize the network created by a new smartphone. This is often due to the client device not supporting the 5 GHz frequency band or the encryption types iOS uses by default.
In such cases, the so-called "Maximum Compatibility" setting can help. In the tethering settings (usually at the bottom of the screen), there's a switch with this name. Enabling it forces the phone to broadcast the network in a more conservative mode, frequently switching to the 2.4 GHz band, which has a longer range and is supported by almost every Wi-Fi module released in the last 15 years.
⚠️ Note: Enabling "Maximum Compatibility" mode may reduce the maximum data transfer speed, but will significantly increase the range and the likelihood of connecting older devices.
It's also worth remembering about the connection limit. Although theoretically iOS Although it allows for multiple devices to be connected, actual network performance drops sharply after just 3-4 active clients, especially if one of them starts consuming heavy content (videos, downloads). The WiFi protocol on mobile devices is not designed to provide full-fledged office internet access for a large group of people.
- 📉 2.4 GHz band: slower, but penetrates walls better and is visible to older devices.
- 🚀 5 GHz band: high speed, but smaller range and compatibility issues.
- 🔒 Encryption: iOS uses modern standards that may be too much for gadgets from 2010-2015.
Resetting network settings: a radical solution
In situations where renaming doesn't work, or the hotspot is no longer visible to all devices, and standard reboots don't help, you may need to reset your network settings. This won't delete your personal data, photos, or apps, but it will clear all saved WiFi passwords, Bluetooth settings, and cellular network settings, returning them to factory defaults.
To perform this operation you need to go to the menu Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → ResetIn the list that opens, select "Reset network settings." The system will ask for confirmation and a passcode. After rebooting, the phone will be as good as new in terms of communications, and the network name is guaranteed to be updated to the one specified in "About this device."
Reset path: Settings > General > Transfer or reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network SettingsThis method is especially effective if you've previously changed the device name several times and a logical conflict has occurred in the system cache or modem configuration files. After resetting, it's recommended to re-enter the passwords for your home and work WiFi networks.
Security Considerations When Using WiFi
Using your iPhone Like a router, you create a local network accessible within a radius of several meters. Although encryption protocols are secure, the network name itself can pose social engineering risks. Avoid naming the network with names like "FBI Surveillance Van," "Virus Distribution," or using your apartment number and last name. The former could attract unwanted attention, while the latter could reveal your identity and location.
Also, always set a complex password. The default passwords generated by Apple are quite strong, but if you've simplified them to "12345678" or your date of birth, an attacker with simple brute-force software could access your traffic. Your access point could theoretically be used to access open ports on your laptop if it isn't firewalled.
⚠️ Warning: Never use public hotspots with names that match known free networks (e.g., "Free Airport WiFi") unless you are sure of their origin. Attackers often create "lookalikes" to steal data.
It's also worth keeping in mind that when tethering, your smartphone's battery drains significantly faster due to the radio module constantly transmitting. This can lead to overheating, which, in turn, affects the stability of the WiFi signal. If you need to share the internet for extended periods, it's best to keep your phone connected to a charger, but monitor its temperature.
- 🛡️ Avoid names that contain personal information (address, phone number, last name).
- 🔐 Use passwords that are at least 10 characters long and are case-sensitive.
- 🌡️ Monitor the case temperature during long-term operation in modem mode.
Is it possible to hide the network name (SSID) on iPhone?
Unfortunately, iOS doesn't allow you to hide the SSID of a personal hotspot. The network will always be broadcast while Personal Hotspot is enabled, allowing other devices to discover it.
Why doesn't the network appear in the WiFi list on my laptop after renaming it?
This is often related to the DNS cache or the receiving device's network adapter. Try forgetting the old network with the same name on your laptop, turning WiFi off and on again, and making sure the "Allow Others" toggle is re-enabled on your iPhone.
Does the network name affect internet speed?
The name (SSID) itself doesn't affect speed. However, using special characters or very long names can, in rare cases, cause micro-delays during the device handshake, but in real-world use, this isn't noticeable.
Is it possible to change the network name without changing the phone name?
No, this isn't possible in standard iOS. The hotspot name always mirrors the name set in General → About. There's no separate setting for the hotspot SSID.
What should I do if the Name field is inactive (gray)?
This may occur if enterprise restrictions (MDM) profiles are installed on the device or Screen Time is enabled with account modification restrictions. Check your Screen Time settings or contact your administrator if the phone is working.
Will the network name reset after updating iOS?
No, the device name is preserved across system updates. However, after a major update (for example, from iOS 16 to iOS 17), it's recommended to check the settings, as system bugs can sometimes cause the default value to revert to "iPhone."