Forgot your router's web interface password but urgently need to change the Wi-Fi network name? Or just want to personalize it? SSID (network name) without connecting a computer? Smartphone with the app TP-Link Tether This tutorial will solve the problem in just a few clicks. This guide is suitable for most models. TP-Link - from budget TL-WR840N to the flagship Archer AX90 and mesh systems Deco.
The process takes no more than 5 minutes if you know the key points. For example, why might internet connection disappear on some devices after changing the network name (spoiler: it's related to caching) MAC addresses). Or how to avoid mistakes Unable to connect to the router, which often pops up when first connecting through the app. We'll cover both scenarios—connecting to the router via Wi-Fi and via a cable (in case the network suddenly stops working).
Which TP-Link models support changing the Wi-Fi name from a phone?
Application TP-Link Tether officially compatible with 90% of the brand's devices, released after 2015. However, there are some nuances:
- ✅ Full support: Series Archer (AX10, AX20, C6, C7, C5400), Deco (M4, M5, X20, X60), TL-WR (841N, 940N, 1043ND) and TL-MR (3420, 6400).
- ⚠️ Limited support: Old models of the type TL-WR740N (v1-v4) require a firmware update to version
3.16.9+Without the upgrade, the app will detect the router but won't allow you to change the Wi-Fi settings. - ❌ Not supported: Devices for operators (with attachment) TD- in the title), corporate solutions (Omada, JetStream) and routers with alternative firmware (DD-WRT, OpenWRT).
To check if your model is compatible, please visit official list (Section "Supported Models"). If your router isn't listed there, but was released after 2018, try connecting—new models often take a while to be added to the list.
Preparation: What to do before changing your Wi-Fi name
Before you access the settings, follow these three critical steps. Otherwise, you risk losing your internet connection or getting a network with the name TP-Link_XXXX, which cannot be changed without a reset.
Make sure your phone is connected to your router's Wi-Fi (not mobile data)
Check your phone's charge (the app may freeze if the charge level drops below 20%)
Write down the current settings (network name, password, security type) on paper
Disable VPN and antivirus (they block access to the local network)-->
Why this is important:
- If the phone is connected to the mobile Internet, the application Tether It won't see the local router - it only searches for devices on the same network.
- If your phone's battery runs out while saving settings, the router may "freeze" in an intermediate state. In this case, only hard reset (button
Resetfor 10 seconds). - If you forget your current Wi-Fi password, you'll have to reconnect after changing the network name—and without the password, that's impossible.
Step-by-step instructions: how to change your Wi-Fi name using the Tether app
Now let's get to practice. Follow the instructions step by step—skipping any step can lead to errors.
- Install the application: Download TP-Link Tether from Google Play or App StoreAvoid third-party sources—they often contain fake versions containing viruses.
- Register an account (optional): The app will work without an account, but it's easier to manage multiple routers with it. Click
Skip, if you do not want to register. - Connect to the router:
- Open the app and tap
Add a device. - Select your router from the list (if it is not there, click
Manuallyand enter192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Enter your login and password for the web interface (default
admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).
- Open the app and tap
Home screen → Settings (⚙️) → Wireless (Wi-Fi) → 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz settingsIf you have a dual-band router, you will have to change the name separately for each network.
- Erase the old name in the field
Network name (SSID). - Enter a new name (up to 32 characters, no spaces or special characters like
#,$,%). - Avoid using Cyrillic characters—some devices (such as HP printers) do not connect to networks with Russian letters in their names.
- Save settings: Click
Savein the upper right corner. The router will reboot (this will take 1-2 minutes).
After rebooting, connect to the new network with the changed name. If your phone doesn't find the network, check:
- ✅ Is Wi-Fi enabled on your phone (sometimes the connection is reset after rebooting the router).
- ✅ Is the new network name entered correctly (case sensitive):
MyWiFi≠mywifi). - ✅ Is your phone in airplane mode or is your antivirus blocking the connection?
What to do if the Tether app doesn't detect the router
A problem faced by one in five users. Causes and solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The router is not displayed in the list. | The phone is connected to a different network | Connect to your router's Wi-Fi or use a cable (USB-LAN adapter for your phone) |
| "Unable to connect" error | The router's IP address has been changed. | Try entering it manually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in the "Add device" field |
| The application freezes at the connection stage. | IP address conflict | Restart your router and phone, then try again. |
| It requires a login/password, but they don't work. | Data changed or reset | Reset the router using the button Reset (10 sec) and use standard admin/admin |
If nothing helps, check:
- ✅ Firmware version: Go to the web interface (
192.168.0.1) and update the software in the sectionSystem Tools → Firmware Upgrade. - ✅ Firewall settings: In some routers (for example, Archer C5400) By default, access to settings via mobile devices is blocked. Disable the firewall in
Advanced → Security → Firewall.
How to connect to a router via cable from your phone
To do this, you'll need an OTG adapter (USB-C/Lightning → Ethernet) and a patch cord. Connect the cable to the router (LAN port) and your phone, then select "Ethernet" as the internet source in your Android/iOS settings. The Tether app should detect the router automatically.
Optimal Wi-Fi settings for TP-Link: what to change along with the name
While you're in the settings, it's worth optimizing other parameters as well. This will improve network speed and stability:
- 🔒 Security type: Select
WPA2-PSK(orWPA3-PSK, if all devices support it).WEPAndWPAare unsafe. - 📶 Wi-Fi channel: In manual mode, select a channel
1,6or11(for 2.4 GHz) - they overlap the least. For 5 GHz, select channels36-48or149-165. - 🔄 Channel width: For 2.4 GHz leave
20 MHz(greater coverage), for 5 GHz -40 MHzor80 MHz(more speed). - 📡 Transmission power: Install
High(if the router is overheating, reduce it toMedium).
Why this is important: For example, if you leave the channel selection on automatic, the router may constantly jump between busy channels, leading to connection drops. And the channel width 40 MHz at 2.4 GHz it creates interference for neighboring networks, reducing speed for everyone.
Common Mistakes When Changing Your Wi-Fi Name and How to Avoid Them
Even a simple procedure has its pitfalls. Here top 5 mistakes users and their consequences:
- Using spaces or special characters in the network name.
⚠️ Attention: Devices running Android 8 and later may not see networks with names like
My Wi-FiorHome#NetworkUse only Latin characters, numbers, and hyphens. - Change the name without reconnecting devices.
Old gadgets (printers, smart light bulbs, TVs) may "forget" the new network, requiring them to be reconnected.
- Turning off the router while saving settings.
This causes a configuration failure. Symptoms: the router flashes orange, and the network drops. Solution: reset the router with the reset button.
Reset. - Using one name for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Some devices (eg iPhone or MacBook) can confuse networks by constantly switching between ranges. Add suffixes:
MyWiFi_2GAndMyWiFi_5G. - Forgot to change your password along with your name.
If you change your SSID because you suspect a hack, be sure to change the password as well. Otherwise, an attacker will be able to connect to the new network using the old password.
If after changing the network name the Internet disappears on all devices, check:
- ✅ Have the settings been reset? WAN (sometimes the router resets them when the Wi-Fi changes).
- ✅ Didn't turn on? Bridge mode - this disables DHCP.
- ✅ Does the provider block new devices? MAC address (call support).
How to restore the old Wi-Fi name if something went wrong
If your network performance deteriorates after making changes or your devices refuse to connect, you can restore the previous settings in two ways:
- Via the Tether app:
Settings → Wireless → Restore Default SettingsThis will reset Wi-Fi settings only, without affecting the router password or Internet settings.
- Via the web interface:
- Connect to your router via cable or temporary network
TP-Link_Setup_XXXX. - Go to the control panel at
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1. - Go to
Wireless → Wireless Settingsand enter the old name in the fieldSSID.
- Connect to your router via cable or temporary network
- Hard reset (if nothing helps):
Click the button
Reseton the back of the router and hold for 10 seconds. All settings will be reset to factory defaults, including the password (admin).⚠️ Attention: After a hard reset, you'll have to set up your router from scratch, including connecting to the internet (enter your provider's details from your contract).
If you don't remember the old network name, but it was a standard one (for example, TP-Link_1234), look for it on the sticker on the bottom of the router. The factory Wi-Fi password is also listed there.
FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to change the WiFi name without the Tether app?
Yes, via the web interface. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi, then enter [address] in the browser. 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The default login and password are - admin. Next, go to Wireless → Wireless Settings and change SSID.
Why do some devices fail to connect after changing the network name?
This is related to caching. MAC addresses router. Solutions:
- Restart the problematic device.
- Remove the old network from your saved ones and reconnect.
- On Android: Go to
Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Manage networksand delete the old network.
Is it possible to put emoji in a Wi-Fi name?
Technically yes, but:
- ✅ Works on most modern devices (iPhone, Android 10+, Windows 10).
- ❌ Doesn't display or is replaced by "?" on older gadgets (Android 7, printers, smart plugs).
- ⚠️ May cause connection errors on guest devices.
Example of a safe name: Home🏡_5G (emoji at the end).
How to hide a Wi-Fi network after changing its name?
In the router settings (Wireless → Wireless Settings) turn on the option Hide SSID or Hide networkHowever, please note:
- The network will still be visible in specialized programs (for example, Wi-Fi Analyzer).
- Connecting to a hidden network is inconvenient—you have to enter the SSID manually.
Which is better: one name for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz or different ones?
Depends on your devices:
- One name: Convenient for users (no need to select a network), but some devices may get stuck on the slow 2.4 GHz band even if 5 GHz is available.
- Different names: Allows manual range selection, but requires configuration for each device. Ideal for geeks and homes with multiple smart devices.
Recommendation: Use one name if you have few devices and they all support Band Steering (automatic switching between ranges).