In today's digital world, where numerous gadgets, from smart refrigerators to gaming consoles, are simultaneously connected to a home network, managing a router's client list is becoming a critical skill. Device name A hostname isn't just a string of characters, but an identifier that allows a network administrator to instantly identify which device is consuming traffic or attempting to access shared resources. Often, the default names assigned by manufacturers look like a meaningless jumble of letters and numbers, such as "android-f8a92c," which significantly complicates problem diagnosis.
Changing this parameter is necessary not only for convenience, but also for security, as it allows you to quickly identify unauthorized connections. In this article, we'll detail how to rename any device connected to your Wi-Fi network using various methods and operating systems. You'll learn how to tidy up your router's client list and avoid confusion when setting up parental controls or speed limits.
Why do you need to rename gadgets on your router?
The default names generated by operating systems when you first connect to Wi-Fi are rarely informative. When you see ten entries named "Unknown" or repeated "iPhones" in the list of connected clients, it's impossible to tell which devices belong to your children and which to your guests. Identification Each network node allows for effective bandwidth management. For example, you can limit the speed for a Smart TV if someone is trying to watch 4K video while you're working on a video conference.
In addition, proper naming is critical for local network (LAN). If you use network printers or NAS storage, finding them in Windows Explorer or Finder on Mac will be much easier if they are named "Office_Printer" or "Home_Storage" rather than "DESKTOP-5F4G3H." This is especially true in smart homes, where there are dozens of IoT devices.
⚠️ Attention: Changing the device name in the device settings doesn't always immediately update the information in the router interface. The DHCP server may cache old data until the IP address lease expires.
Changing your name on Android devices
In the operating system Android The renaming process depends on the firmware version and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, OxygenOS). In most modern versions of Android 10 and above, you need to go to the section Settings → About phoneThis is often where the "Device Name" field is located, which is used for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct. However, to ensure the name displays in the router's client list, it's sometimes necessary to change the name in the Wi-Fi network settings.
To do this, follow the path Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi, click the gear next to your current network or select "Advanced." On some smartphone models, for example, Xiaomi or Samsung
There's a separate field called "Device Name on the Network." If this field isn't present, the system uses the phone's generic name. Changing this setting requires rebooting the Wi-Fi module, so the connection may be temporarily interrupted.
- 📱 Open the main Android settings menu.
- 🔗 Go to the "About phone" or "Connections" section.
- ✏️ Find the "Device Name" field and enter a new one.
- 💾 Save the changes and restart your smartphone.
It is worth noting that on some devices with root rights you can change the system file build.prop, which is guaranteed to change the hostname at the protocol level. However, this method is not recommended for regular users due to the risk of system disruption.
What if the name does not change?
If standard methods fail to change the name, try turning on Airplane Mode for 10 seconds and then re-enabling Wi-Fi. This will force a new DHCP request, which will force the router to receive the updated hostname.
Setting up a name on iPhone and iPad (iOS)
In the ecosystem Apple The process is centralized and fairly simple. The name the router sees is taken from the device's shared name, which is also used for AirDrop and Bluetooth. To change it, go to Settings → General → AboutAt the very top of the list will be the "Name" field. After changing this setting, the next time your iPhone or iPad connects to Wi-Fi, it will send a new packet of information with the updated Hostname.
It is important to understand that iOS uses a protocol Bonjour (mDNS) is used to advertise its services on the network. Therefore, changing the name in settings will automatically update the device's visibility for other Apple devices on the same network. If you use the "Private Wi-Fi Address" feature, the device will use a random MAC address, but the hostname will remain yours.
- 🍏 Go to iOS settings.
- ℹ️ Select "General" and then "About".
- 📝 Click on the "Name" line and enter your desired name.
- 🔄 Reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
⚠️ Attention: If you are using an enterprise MDM profile or iTunes restrictions (Screen Time), the rename field may be locked by the device administrator.
After changing the name on iOS devices, it is recommended to completely turn Wi-Fi off and on again to allow the router to update the ARP table. In the router interfaces Asus or Keenetic Updating the client list may take up to several minutes.
Renaming a Windows 10 and 11 computer
In operating systems of the family Windows The device name plays a key role not only in Wi-Fi, but also in the domain structure. By default, the system generates a name based on the combination "DESKTOP-" and a random set of characters. To change it, go to Settings → System → AboutHere you'll find the "Rename this PC" button. After entering a new name, the system will require a reboot for the changes to take effect.
There's also a more in-depth method using system variables, but for Wi-Fi purposes, the standard procedure is sufficient. If there's already a device with the same name on the network, conflicts may arise, and Windows will append the number automatically. When connecting to Wi-Fi, Windows sends this name in the DHCP request (Option 12), and this is what the router administrator sees.
Get-ComputerInfo | select CsNameThis team PowerShell This allows you to quickly check your computer's current name. If you plan to frequently change your network settings, it's helpful to know how to manage network profiles. In Windows 10 and 11, you can also change the name through the classic Control Panel: System and Security → System → Advanced system settings → Computer name.
☑️ Check before renaming your PC
Managing names in macOS and Linux
Users macOS can change the name by which the computer is visible on the network, through System Preferences → General (in newer versions of macOS) or System Preferences → Sharing (in older versions). The "Local Hostname" field determines how the device appears on the Bonjour and Wi-Fi networks. Changes take effect almost immediately, but a reconnection may be required to fully update the entries in the router's DNS cache.
In distributions Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora) the hostname is stored in a file /etc/hostnameTo change it, you can use the command hostnamectlThis is a low-level setting that affects all network interfaces, including Wi-Fi. After making this change, you must restart the service. NetworkManager or the network interface itself.
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-device-nameAfter running the command in the terminal, the new hostname will be sent to the DHCP server the next time the IP address lease is renewed. In Linux, it's also important to check the file /etc/hoststo make sure that the old name is not canned there, which could cause problems with name resolution on the local network.
- 🐧 Open a terminal in Linux.
- ⌨️ Enter the command sudo nano /etc/hostname.
- 📝 Replace the text with the new device name.
- 💻 Restart the network with the command sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager.
Changing the name through the router interface
Some advanced routers such as MikroTik, Ubiquiti or routers with firmware OpenWrt, allow you to rename clients directly in the admin interface. This feature doesn't change the name on the device itself, but creates an alias in the DHCP or static lease list. This is especially convenient if you don't have physical access to the device (for example, a smart light bulb or TV).
Find the section in the router interface LAN → DHCP Server or Client listFind the device by MAC address and, if possible, assign it a static IP and set a custom name. In routers Keenetic This is done by clicking on the device icon and selecting "Set name".
| Router model | Menu section | Possibility of renaming | Save type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keenetic | Client list | Yes (full) | Constantly |
| Asus (AsusWrt) | Network Map / Clients | Yes (via profile) | Constantly |
| TP-Link | Wireless / Wireless Statistics | No (view only) | Temporarily |
| MikroTik | IP → DHCP Server → Leases | Yes (Comment) | Constantly |
⚠️ Attention: Renaming a router often only works for devices assigned a static IP address. If the address is dynamic, the name may reset after the lease expires (usually 24 hours or when the router is rebooted).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does changing the device name affect Wi-Fi speed?
No, changing the hostname does not affect connection speed, signal strength, or stability. This is purely a text parameter for identification in the client list.
Is it possible to use Cyrillic or special characters in the name?
Technically, DNS and NetBIOS standards recommend using only Latin letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), and the hyphen (-). Using Cyrillic characters or symbols such as spaces and asterisks may prevent some older devices or programs from correctly displaying or finding your device on the network.
Why does the router show the old name after renaming?
The router caches client information. To update the name, you must wait for the DHCP lease to expire or manually disconnect the device from Wi-Fi and reconnect. In some cases, rebooting the router itself helps.
Is it safe to change the device name?
Yes, it's completely safe. However, you shouldn't use personal information such as your phone number, address, or last name in the device name, as the device name may be visible to other users on public Wi-Fi networks or to neighbors scanning the airwaves.