Changing your wireless network name is the first thing you should do after purchasing new equipment. A standard name consisting of a brand name and a string of characters looks unprofessional and can confuse visitors looking for a connection in your home or office. Renaming takes just a couple of minutes and significantly simplifies internet access management.
In this article we will discuss in detail how to change SSID (Service Set Identifier) ββon company devices TP-LinkWe'll cover two main methods: the classic web interface and the mobile app. Regardless of your router model, whether it's an Archer or the older TL-WR series, the setup principles remain similar, although the interface may differ slightly.
Before making any changes, make sure your device is connected to the router via cable or WiFi. This is critical, as changing the network name will interrupt your wireless connection, and you'll have to reconnect under the new name.
Preparing to change network settings
Before logging into the control panel, you need to access the router interface. To do this, open any browser on your computer or smartphone. Enter your device's IP address in the address bar. This is most commonly used for equipment. TP-Link This 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often indicated on a sticker located on the bottom of the case.
The system will ask for authorization. If you haven't changed your login details before, use the default username and password. In most cases, this is admin for both fields. However, modern models may require an administrator password to be created upon first startup. Remember this password, as it protects the router settings from unauthorized access.
β οΈ Note: If the default login details don't work, they may have been changed previously. In this case, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings using the button
Reseton the body.
After successful authorization, you'll be taken to the main page of the control panel. Here, you'll see the connection status, the number of connected clients, and the current network settings. Menu navigation can be horizontal or vertical, depending on the firmware version.
Changing the network name via the web interface
Interface of modern routers TP-Link, especially the Archer series with Wi-Fi 6 support, are often blue or green in color and have intuitive menus. To get started, go to Basic setup (Basic) or Additional settings (Advanced) if more detailed configuration is required.
Find the tab Wireless mode (Wireless). This is where the main radio module settings are located. In older firmware versions, this section may simply be called "Wireless," while in newer versions, it may be called "Wi-Fi Settings." Inside, you'll see a field Wireless network name (Wireless Network Name), which is the SSID.
Enter the desired name in the appropriate field. You can use letters, numbers, and some special characters. Avoid using Cyrillic characters if you plan to connect older devices that may display Russian letters incorrectly. After entering the new name, be sure to click the button. Save (Save).
βοΈ Check before saving
It's important to note that on dual-band routers, you may see two name fields: one for the 2.4 GHz band and one for the 5 GHz band. You can give them different names to manually select the band, or the same name if the feature is enabled. Smart Connect, which distributes devices itself.
Setting up via the Tether mobile app
For users who prefer to manage their network from their smartphone, the company TP-Link developed an application TetherThis convenient tool, available for iOS and Android, allows you to make changes to your router settings remotely if you've previously linked your device to a TP-Link ID cloud account.
Launch the app and select your router from the list of devices. In the main menu, find the section Wi-Fi or the wireless network icon. This displays the current network name and password. Click the name field to edit it. Entering a new name is similar to the web interface.
The advantage of the mobile app is the ability to quickly switch between the guest network and the main network. You can also disable SSID broadcasting or change the wireless network channel with one click if you're experiencing interference from neighboring networks. Once you make changes, the app automatically applies the settings.
Differences in interfaces between different models
Equipment line TP-Link The interface is extensive, and the menu layout can vary significantly. Older models with an orange-and-white interface have a more complex menu structure. Newer models with a green interface (V2/V3) use simplified navigation.
The table below shows the main differences in the location of SSID settings for different interface versions to help you navigate faster:
| Interface type | Path to settings | Field name | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green (New) | Basic -> Wireless | Wireless Network Name | Single menu for 2.4 and 5 GHz |
| Orange (Old) | Wireless -> Wireless Settings | SSID | Separate tabs for each range |
| Blue Interface | Network -> WLAN Settings | SSID Name | Often found in corporate models |
If you can't find the field you need, use the menu search if this feature is available in your firmware version. Enter the word "Wireless" or "SSID" in the search bar, usually located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Recommendations for choosing a network name
Choosing a network name isn't just a matter of aesthetics but also a matter of digital hygiene. Standard names like "TP-LINK_5G_3A2B" immediately identify your router model to attackers, making it easier to find known vulnerabilities for a specific hardware version.
When choosing a name, follow simple security guidelines. Don't use your last name, apartment number, or exact address in the SSID. This is unnecessary information that shouldn't be shared with everyone. It's better to choose a neutral or abstract name.
β οΈ Note: Avoid using special characters in the network name, such as quotation marks, backslashes, or currency symbols. Some older devices (printers, smart bulbs) may not connect to networks with unusual names.
It's considered good practice to include the apartment number (but not the exact address) at the end of the name, for example, "Flat_42_Guest." This will help distinguish your network from your neighbors' networks in an apartment building, where the airwaves are saturated with dozens of signals.
Should you hide your SSID?
Hiding the network name (Broadcast SSID: Disabled) isn't a reliable security method. The network is still detectable by special scanners, and for legitimate users, the connection process is more difficult. It's better to use a strong WPA3 encryption password.
Problems and their solutions after renaming
After you save the new settings, the router will restart the wireless module. All previously connected devices will lose their connection. This is normal behavior, as the network with the old name no longer exists for them.
You'll need to go to each device (TV, smartphone, laptop) and find the new name in the list of available networks. Enter the password again. If the device doesn't see the new network, try completely forgetting the old network in the Wi-Fi settings and searching again.
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the name has changed, but the internet speed has dropped. This may be due to the router selecting a less available channel when resetting the wireless module. In this case, it is recommended to go to the wireless settings and change the channel from "Auto" to a fixed one (e.g., 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use Russian letters in a WiFi network name?
Technically, the 802.11 standard supports UTF-8, and modern routers TP-Link allow you to enter Cyrillic characters. However, many older devices, game consoles, and smart home gadgets may display Russian letters incorrectly or not recognize the network at all. It is recommended to use the Latin alphabet.
What should I do if I forgot my WiFi password after changing my name?
If you've changed the name but forgotten the new password, you'll need to connect to the router via an Ethernet cable or via WPS (if the button on the router is enabled). Then log in to the web interface as an administrator and view or change the password in the wireless security section.
Does the length of a network name affect internet speed?
The SSID length doesn't affect data transfer speed. However, an excessively long name takes up more space in beacon frames, which theoretically increases overhead minimally, but in practice is imperceptible to the user. The main thing is to not exceed the 32-character limit.
Do I need to reboot my router after changing the name?
Usually a router TP-Link Applies changes instantly, automatically restarting only the radio module. A full reboot of the entire device (unplugging it from the power outlet) is not required unless you also changed the encryption type or channel.