Many mobile device users need to personalize their hotspot so friends and colleagues can easily find the network they want to connect to. The default name, consisting of letters and numbers specific to the smartphone model, often appears uninformative and confusing in the list of available connections. The process of changing the network identifier (SSID) on the operating system Android is a simple procedure available to any gadget owner.
In this article, we'll detail the steps for various operating system versions and manufacturer-specific shells. You'll learn not only how to rename a network, but also what limitations exist and how to secure your connection from prying eyes. Changing the SSID — this is the first step towards properly managing your personal mobile traffic.
It is worth noting that the menu interfaces may differ slightly depending on the brand of your device, whether it is Samsung, Xiaomi or Google PixelHowever, the system's operating logic remains the same across all platforms. We'll cover both universal methods and specific nuances that will help you quickly make the necessary changes to your wireless settings.
Why do I need to change the default access point name?
Initially, the system assigns a name to the network based on the device model, such as "Galaxy S21" or "Redmi Note 10." In crowded areas such as offices, schools, or public transportation, there may be dozens of devices with the same name. Unique name helps you instantly identify your phone among dozens of other Android or iPhone devices in the list of available networks.
Personalization also increases security. If you use a standard name, attackers can more easily identify your device model and try to exploit known vulnerabilities specific to that software version. abstract name, which does not contain information about the model or owner, you reduce the interest of hackers in your access point.
Changing the name is also useful if you regularly use your smartphone to share your internet connection. It will be much easier for friends and family to find a network named "Home_Internet" or "Office_Fast_WiFi" than to have to ask each time which "Unknown Device" to select. It's a matter of basic convenience and time-saving.
⚠️ Note: Changing the network name does not change the device's MAC address. For complete anonymity when connecting to other networks, use MAC address randomization, if supported by your Android version.
Preparing the device for network setup
Before changing any settings, make sure your device is ready to use as a modem. First, check if your data plan is activated, as some carriers block this feature or require an additional option. Also, make sure you have sufficient data on your account, as tethering is possible via Wi-Fi consumes data faster than normal usage.
It is important to disable power saving mode before starting the setup. In some shells, such as MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI Samsung's aggressive battery optimization can automatically disable the hotspot after a few minutes of inactivity, even if someone is connected. Switch your smartphone to high-performance mode or add the "Hotspot" app to the exceptions list.
☑️ Check before setup
If you plan to use your phone as your main router at home, it makes sense to connect it to a charger. Sharing a Wi-Fi signal significantly increases the load on the processor and radio module, which leads to rapid heating and battery drain. A stable power supply will ensure uninterrupted network operation for a long time.
Instructions for stock Android and Google Pixel
On smartphones running a "pure" Google operating system, the setup process is as standardized and logical as possible. The interface is stripped of unnecessary add-ons, allowing you to quickly find the desired option. The procedure is the same for most devices in the lineup. Pixel, Motorola And Nokia.
First, open the main settings menu by tapping the gear icon in the notification shade or by finding the corresponding app on your home screen. You'll need to find the section usually labeled "Network & Internet." Within this menu, look for the "Access Point & Tethering" option. This is where all the settings related to signal transmission.
Next, tap "Wi-Fi Hotspot." Don't confuse this with USB or Bluetooth modem if you're looking for a wireless connection. The window that opens will display the current network name and password. To change the name, tap "Access Point Name" or "SSID." Enter the desired name using Latin characters and tap "Save."
Menu path: Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & tethering → Wi-Fi hotspot → Access point nameAfter saving the changes, the current access point may automatically disconnect and reconnect with the new name. All connected devices will be disconnected and will need to re-enter the password to connect to the updated network. This is normal system behavior when changing the security configuration.
Hidden Android Settings
On some Android versions, you can change the default name prefix for all created networks via ADB, but this requires root access and may break OTA updates.
Setting up a hotspot on a Samsung Galaxy
The South Korean giant's devices are based on a shell One UI, which has its own unique control layout. Despite the visual differences, the functionality remains similar to stock Android, but the settings menu paths may be deeper.
Go to "Settings" and select "Connections." Here you'll find the "Mobile hotspot and tethering" option. Please note that on some firmware versions, this option may simply be called "Access point." Once inside, you'll see a status switch and configuration settings. Click the three dots in the upper right corner or the "Configure" text to open the settings.
Enter the new network name in the "Network Name" field. The system may warn you that some devices may not support certain characters or name lengths, so it's best to limit the name to letters and numbers. After entering the information, be sure to click the "Save" button at the bottom of the screen, otherwise the changes will not take effect.
- 📱 Open Settings and go to Connections.
- 📡 Select Mobile hotspot & tethering.
- ⚙️ Click Configure or the three dots in the menu.
- ✏️ Enter the new name in the SSID field and save.
⚠️ Note: On Samsung smartphones, the "Maximum Compatibility" feature may limit frequency band selection. If you renamed the network but older devices don't see it, check if the band settings have been reset to 2.4 GHz.
For owners of flagship models Samsung It's worth noting the "Wi-Fi Mesh" feature, which allows you to create a unified network with other routers from the brand. Renaming the primary access point in this case may require resynchronizing the entire smart home ecosystem.
Interface Features in Xiaomi and Redmi
shell MIUI (and its new version HyperOS) is known for its feature-rich nature, but also for the presence of ads or extra menu steps. The name change process here is slightly different visually, but the essence remains the same. For users Xiaomi And Redmi You need to be more careful when choosing the frequency range.
Open Settings and find "Wi-Fi Hotspot." Unlike other manufacturers, Xiaomi often places this icon directly in the top settings menu or in the "More" group. Inside, tap "Access Point Settings." Here you can change not only the name, but also safety standard.
Pay special attention to the "Frequency Band" field. The default setting may be "5 GHz," which provides high speeds, but older laptops or tablets may not see your network after renaming. If you want all devices to see your network, select the 2.4 GHz band or "Auto" mode.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 866 Mbps | For videos and games |
| Range | High | Low | For large apartments |
| Compatibility | All devices | Modern gadgets | Universal |
| Noise immunity | Low | High | In apartment buildings |
Security settings and frequency ranges
When changing the network name, it's time to check the security settings. The access point settings menu always includes a "Security" or "Encryption Type" option. The most current and recommended standard is WPA2-Personal or WPA3 For new devices, using the outdated WEP protocol makes your network vulnerable to hacking in minutes.
This section also allows you to set your password. It's recommended to use a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters, at least 8 characters long. Simple passwords like "12345678" or your date of birth are easily guessed by automated programs. Remember that after changing your password, you'll have to reconnect all your devices.
The "Single Mode" or "Maximum Compatibility" setting deserves special attention. Enabling this feature forces the access point to operate in 2.4 GHz mode. This reduces the maximum data transfer rate, but ensures that even very old laptops, manufactured 10-15 years ago and not supporting modern communication standards, will be able to connect to your internet.
⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces may be updated by manufacturers. If you don't find the described options, search your phone's settings by searching for "Access Point" or "SSID."
Solution and additional features
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the name entry field is unavailable (grayed out). This can happen if USB or Bluetooth tethering is enabled, or if the carrier has blocked Wi-Fi hotspot access at the plan level. In the latter case, changing the APN settings, but this requires caution.
Another common issue is that other devices don't see the new network after renaming it. In this case, try restarting the sharing device. Also, make sure you haven't hidden the network (using the "Hidden Network" or "Hidden SSID" feature). If this feature is enabled, the network won't appear in the general list and will need to be added manually, entering the name exactly as it was specified, taking into account case.
In the advanced settings (often hidden in the engineering menu or via ADB), you can change the hotspot disconnection timeout. By default, Android turns off Wi-Fi sharing if no one connects for 5-10 minutes to save battery. Changing this setting allows you to keep the hotspot accessible at all times.
- 🔍 Check if Airplane mode is enabled.
- 🔄 Restart both devices (sending and receiving).
- 📡 Make sure you haven't exceeded the limit of connected clients (usually 5-10 devices).
- 🔒 Check if there is a MAC address filter in your security settings.
Connection limit
By default, Android allows you to connect up to 10 devices. Some custom firmware versions allow you to increase this limit to 15-20, but this can lead to network instability and a drop in speed on each client.
If you use your smartphone as a permanent replacement for your home router, it makes sense to statically set the gateway IP address in the access point settings, although in most cases the system does this automatically. This can help with setting up port forwarding or creating a local network between connected devices.
Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi name without root?
Yes, you can change the access point name (SSID) using standard system tools without requiring root privileges. Root privileges are only required for extensive modifications to system files, such as changing the default name prefix before creating the first access point.
Why can't I use Cyrillic in my network name?
Using Russian characters is possible, but not recommended. Many older devices, game consoles, and smart appliances (lamps, sockets) do not support UTF-8 encoding in SSIDs and may display the name as a jumble of gibberish or not see the network at all. Latin characters provide maximum compatibility.
Does changing your name affect your internet speed?
Changing the SSID name itself doesn't affect data transfer speed. Speed depends on the cellular signal strength, the selected frequency band (2.4 or 5 GHz), the number of connected clients, and airwave congestion.
What happens if I forget my password after changing it?
If you changed your password and forgot it, you can't recover it using the "forgot password" option. You'll have to re-enter your hotspot settings on your phone, where the password is displayed (often hidden by dots, but you can view it by tapping the eye icon). If you lose access to your phone, you'll need to reconfigure the hotspot.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi?
Most modern smartphones with Android 10 and above have a feature called "Wi-Fi Sharing." This allows the phone to receive internet access via Wi-Fi and distribute it further, also via Wi-Fi. However, this feature is highly dependent on the device model and the manufacturer's operating system version.