Changing the wireless network ID is the first step you should take after purchasing new equipment from the Chinese giant. The standard names assigned at the factory often contain complex alphanumeric codes or refer to the device model, which isn't always user-friendly. Renaming Allows you to quickly find your access point in the list of available connections, especially in apartment buildings where the airwaves are oversaturated with signals from neighbors.
The process of changing the name (SSID) on devices Xiaomi And Redmi It doesn't require extensive networking knowledge. The management interface, whether via a browser or mobile app, is designed with minimalism and simplicity in mind. However, there are some nuances associated with dual-band routers, which support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz simultaneously.
In this article, we'll explore all the available ways to personalize your network. You'll learn how to avoid common typing errors, why you shouldn't use Cyrillic characters in your access point name, and which hidden settings can affect connection stability after renaming.
Preparing for setup and logging into the control panel
Before making any changes to your router's configuration, you must ensure a stable connection between your control device (smartphone or computer) and the router itself. It's best to perform these steps using a cable connection. LANto prevent connection interruptions while saving settings. If this isn't possible, use your current WiFi connection, but be prepared for it to be interrupted.
To access the settings, use the web interface located at the internal IP address. For most models Xiaomi And Redmi the default address is 192.168.31.1 or domain name miwifi.comEnter this address into the address bar of any modern browser. If the page doesn't load, check your network adapter settings—the IP address should be obtained automatically via DHCP.
⚠️ Note: Changing the network name will cause all connected devices to lose connection. You will need to reconnect smartphones, laptops, and smart devices by selecting the network with the new name and entering the password.
The system will ask for an administrator password. Please note that this is not necessarily your WiFi password. If you previously configured the router, you may have set a separate access code for the control panel. If you lose the password, you will have to perform a full reset using the button. Reset on the device body.
Changing the SSID via the web interface in the browser
After successful authorization, you'll be taken to the main system status page. This displays the current channel load, the number of connected clients, and the internet speed. We're looking for the settings section. It's usually marked with a gear icon or located in the top menu under "Settings." We're interested in the tab WiFi or "Wireless Network".
In the menu that opens, you'll see the "Network Name" (SSID) field. This is where most of the modifications are made. Dual-band routers often have a checkbox labeled "Combine 2.4G and 5G WiFi." If this is enabled, you can change the name for both bands at once, and devices will automatically select the frequency. If you uncheck this box, separate input fields will appear for each band, giving you more control.
When entering a new name, please follow these guidelines:
- 🔤 Use only Latin letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9) and basic characters such as hyphens or underscores.
- 🚫 Avoid spaces at the beginning and end of a line, as well as special characters like quotation marks or question marks, as older devices may not recognize them.
- 📏 The name length should not exceed 32 characters, although it is better to limit it to 15-20 characters for maximum compatibility.
After entering the desired name, be sure to click the "Save" or "Apply" button at the bottom of the page. The router will prompt you to reboot the wireless module. Confirm this action. After 10-15 seconds, the network will disappear from the list of available networks, and you'll need to find its new name to continue using it.
☑️ Check before saving
Setting up via the Mi Home mobile app
To the owners of the ecosystem Xiaomi It's often more convenient to manage your network via your smartphone. For this, an app is used. Mi Home (formerly Mi WiFi). It allows you to control your router settings remotely, even when you're away from home, provided the router is linked to an account. Mi Account.
Launch the app and select your router from the list of devices on the main screen. If the device shows as "Offline," make sure your phone is connected to the internet and you're logged in with the same account you used during initial setup. In the router's control menu, find "WiFi Settings" or simply "WiFi."
The mobile app interface is more streamlined. You can also change the SSID and password here. The advantage of the mobile method is that after saving the settings, the app can automatically prompt you to update the connection settings on your smartphone, eliminating the need to manually search for the network in Android or iOS system settings.
⚠️ Note: App functionality may vary depending on the region selected during account registration (China, Europe, Russia). If you don't see the options you need, try changing the region in your Mi Home profile settings.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the router?
If the router isn't showing up in the app even though the internet is working, it may have been reset or linked to a different account. Try relinking it by scanning the QR code on the bottom of the device, or manually adding it using its local network IP address. Also, make sure the app has permission to access the local network in your phone's privacy settings.
Features of Dual Band Networks
Modern models such as Redmi Router AC2100 or Mi Router AX3600, operate in two frequency bands. The 2.4 GHz standard provides greater coverage but lower speed, while 5 GHz offers high speed over short distances. When renaming a network, it's important to understand how the router broadcasts these signals.
When Dual Band Integration is enabled, the router creates a single access point with a single name. Devices decide for themselves which frequency to operate on. This is convenient for users, but can sometimes cause problems: a device may lock onto the distant and slow 2.4 GHz band, ignoring the faster 5 GHz band, even when close to the router.
For advanced users, it is recommended to disable merging and specify different names, for example: MyHome_WiFi And MyHome_5GThis will allow you to manually connect demanding devices (TVs, consoles) to the fast band, while leaving smart home sensors on the 2.4 GHz frequency.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 450 Mbps | Up to 2000+ Mbps |
| Range | Tall (breaks through walls) | Average (sensitive to obstacles) |
| Workload | High (many neighboring networks) | Low (less interference) |
| Compatibility | Works with all devices | Only with modern gadgets |
Common errors and compatibility issues
After renaming, users often encounter problems with some devices no longer seeing the network or being unable to connect to it. The most common cause is the use of invalid characters. While modern smartphones easily process Unicode, older devices (printers, security cameras, old laptops) may interpret Cyrillic or special characters as encoding errors.
Another issue is the SSID length. Some protocols and network card drivers have character limits. If you name your network too long, the device may simply ignore beacon frames (signals indicating network presence). It's recommended to stick to the standard 10-15 characters.
It's also worth mentioning profile caching. If you reverted to the old network name after experimenting but changed the encryption type or password, devices may fail to connect, "remembering" the old settings. In this case, select the network on your phone or computer and click "Forget Network," then re-enter the details.
Security and Hiding SSID
When changing the name, many people consider hiding the network for increased security. In the router control panel Xiaomi There's a "Hide SSID" option. When enabled, the router stops broadcasting packets with the network name. It won't appear in the general list of available Wi-Fi networks.
To connect to a hidden network, you must manually create a new connection profile on your device, carefully specifying the name (including capitalization) and encryption type. This creates the illusion of security, but experienced attackers can easily detect hidden networks through service traffic. True protection is ensured by a complex password and encryption protocol. WPA3 or WPA2-AES.
It is not recommended to name the network with names that reveal the owner's identity, apartment number, or router model (for example, "Ivan_apt_45" or "TP-Link_Super"). This could make it easier for hackers to exploit specific vulnerabilities in certain hardware models.
⚠️ Note: The interface and menu item names may vary slightly depending on your router's firmware version. If you don't find the option described, check the official documentation for your specific model on the manufacturer's website.
Is it possible to restore the factory name?
Yes, there are two ways to do this. The first is to perform a full reset using the button on the router case, which will restore all settings, including the name and password, to factory defaults. The second way is to simply rename the network back through the web interface by entering the name indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the router.
Can I use Russian letters in the Xiaomi WiFi network name?
Technically, your router will allow you to save a name in Cyrillic. However, this is bad practice. Many devices (especially smart bulbs, plugs, and older phones) don't support UTF-8 encoding in SSIDs and will see gibberish or not see the network at all. Use only Latin characters.
What should I do if my router stops distributing internet after changing its name?
The problem is most likely not with the name, but with the rebooting process of the modules. Wait 2-3 minutes. If the network appears but there is no internet, check the ISP (WAN) cable. If the problem persists, try rebooting the router via a power outlet. Changing the SSID alone will not disrupt the WAN port.
How do I change the network name if I forgot my admin password?
Without a password, you can't access the settings. The only option is to perform a hard reset. Locate the reset hole on the back panel, turn on the router, press the button inside the hole with a thin object, and hold it for 5-10 seconds until the lights flash. The router will reset to factory settings, and you can log in using the credentials from the sticker.
Does the length of a network name affect internet speed?
Not directly. However, an excessively long name increases the size of the beacon frames the router constantly sends. In a very dense environment with dozens of networks, this can create a microscopic additional load on the airwaves, but for a home user, the impact is unnoticeable.