The name of the wireless network, known in technical language as SSID The Service Set Identifier (SSI) is the first thing your guests or new devices see when searching for available connections. The default name assigned by the manufacturer typically contains the brand abbreviation and a series of random characters, which looks unsightly and provides no information about the access point's owner. Changing this setting to a personalized name helps you easily identify your network among dozens of neighboring signals in an apartment building.
Renaming procedure on company devices TP-Link It's fairly simple and doesn't require extensive networking knowledge. However, the settings interface may vary significantly depending on your router's firmware version and year of manufacture. In this article, we'll cover the steps for both old and new models, as well as the nuances of setting up the mobile app.
Before making any changes, make sure your device (computer or smartphone) is connected to the router. This can be done either wirelessly or via LAN cable, which is a more secure option, as the current connection will be broken when the new settings are applied. If you change the primary network name, all connected devices will lose connection and require you to re-enter the password with the new name.
Preparing to change router settings
The first step is to ensure stable access to the device's control panel. To do this, you'll need any browser: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Enter the router's IP address in the address bar. By default, for most models, 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 device, next to the factory password information.
After entering the address, the system will request authorization. If you have previously changed your admin panel login details, use them. Otherwise, try the default login combination. admin and password adminModern models may require you to create an administrator password when you first log in. Make sure you remember this password, as without it you won't be able to access the settings. Wireless will be impossible.
It is important to understand the difference between the network name (SSID) and a security password. We'll be changing the identifier that appears in the list of available networks. The password remains a security tool, although it's also recommended to update it when changing the network name to prevent old, unused devices from connecting.
Instructions for new interfaces (Blue design)
Modern routers of the series Archer (e.g., C6, C80, AX10) and newer versions of the TL-WR series feature a refreshed interface with a blue color scheme and simplified navigation. The interface is designed for visual clarity, making it easier for inexperienced users. After successful authorization, you'll see a network map or a main menu with icons.
To change the name you need to go to the section Basic setup (Basic), which is usually located in the top menu or on the main dashboard page. Next, select the tab Wireless mode (Wireless). Here you will see two main fields: one for the 2.4 GHz band, and one for 5 GHz. If the function Smart Connect activated, the field can be one common for both ranges.
☑️ Name change algorithm in the new interface
Enter the desired name in the field Wireless NameUse Latin letters, numbers, and some special characters to avoid compatibility issues on older devices. After making changes, be sure to click the Save (Save). The router will warn you that the wireless connection will be interrupted. Confirm the action, then find your network in the list of available connections by its new name.
Customizing the Classic Interface (Green Design)
Older models such as those popular in the past TL-WR740N, TL-WR841N or early versions of the Archer C20/C50, often run the classic firmware with a green and white color scheme. The menu has a tree structure on the left and a work area on the right. Despite the visual simplicity, navigation requires attention, as items can be hidden in submenus.
In the left vertical panel, find the section Wireless (Wireless mode). Expand it by clicking on the arrow or plus sign and select the sub-item Wireless Settings (Wireless Settings) This is where the field is located Wireless Network Name (Wireless network name). In older firmware versions, it is important not to confuse this section with the security settings (Wireless Security), where only the password changes.
⚠️ Attention: In some firmware versions of older TP-Link routers, changes don't take effect immediately. After clicking "Save," you may need to go to the "System Tools" menu and select "Reboot" to reboot the device.
After entering the new SSID, press the button Save At the bottom of the page. If you have an older dual-band router, make sure you've changed the name for both bands (2.4G and 5G) if they appear as separate networks. Often, users change the name for only one band and then wonder why the old network remains on another device.
Using the Tether mobile app
Company TP-Link actively promotes the use of the mobile application Tether to manage your devices. This method is especially convenient if you don't have a computer nearby or if the web panel interface seems too complex. The app is available for iOS and Android and allows you to control most of the router's modern features.
To get started, download the app from the official store and connect your smartphone to the router's WiFi network. The app will automatically detect the device. If you see your router in the "Local devices" list, tap it. You may be asked to enter the administrator password you set earlier. If the router is new, the app will prompt you to create a TP-Link ID account.
In the main menu of the application, find the section Tools (Tools) or directly on the main screen icon Wireless network (Wireless). Here you'll see the current network name. By clicking on it or the edit button (usually a pencil or gear), you can enter a new name. The advantage of the app is that it often combines the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings into one line if the mode is enabled. Smart Connect.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the router?
Make sure your phone is connected to the router's WiFi network and not using mobile data (4G/5G). Also, check that the router is not in "Access Point" mode, as some cloud management features may be limited in this mode.
Table: Comparison of parameters for different models
Different equipment lines may have nuances in terminology and settings. Below is a comparison table to help you navigate depending on your model.
| Router series | Interface type | Path to setup | Peculiarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archer (C6, C80, AX series) | Blue (New) | Basic -> Wireless | Often combined 2.4/5 GHz settings |
| TL-WR (840N, 841N, 740N) | Green (Old) | Wireless -> Wireless Settings | Separate tabs for each range |
| Deco (Mesh systems) | Tether app | More -> Advanced -> Wireless | Configuration via app only |
| Omada (Business series) | Black / Controller | Settings -> Wireless Networks | Requires knowledge of VLANs and SSID groups |
Pay attention to the business series OmadaThere, the process of changing the network name (SSID) can involve creating new wireless network profiles, rather than simply renaming them. This is designed to allow for flexible access control in offices and hotels.
Recommendations for choosing a network name (SSID)
While you can technically name your network whatever you like, there are certain rules of etiquette and security. Don't use your last name, apartment number, or exact address in your network name. This could help attackers or ill-intentioned individuals identify the network owner without having to hack it.
It's best to use neutral names, such as "Home_Network," "Guest_WiFi," or abstract names like "SkyNet" or "FBI_Surveillance_Van" (the latter is often used as a joke to discourage traffic thieves). Avoid special characters such as quotation marks, apostrophes, or dollar signs, as some older devices (printers, smart bulbs) may display networks incorrectly or not recognize them.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use names that contain HTML tags or scripts (eg.
<script>). Although modern routers filter such input, an attempt to inject malicious code into the SSID could theoretically cause an error in the operation of some vulnerable client devices when scanning networks.
It's also worth considering the name length. The standard allows up to 32 characters. Exceeding this limit will result in the name being truncated or causing a saving error. A short and memorable name is more convenient for guests who need to quickly find your network in a crowded environment.
Common problems and their solutions
Sometimes, after changing the name, the network disappears from the list of available networks, but the device doesn't connect automatically. This is normal: for a smartphone or laptop, a network with a new name is a completely new access point. You'll need to manually find it in the WiFi list and re-enter the password. You can safely delete the old connection profile with the previous name in your phone's settings to avoid confusion.
Another problem is the old name "sticking" in the device's cache. If the router has been renamed, but the phone persistently displays the old name, try forgetting the network and rebooting the phone. In rare cases, resetting the network settings on the router itself can help, but this is an extreme measure and requires reconfiguring the internet.
If you changed the name, but after a while it reverts back to the factory default (e.g., TP-Link_XXXX), this may indicate that the router didn't save the settings or that an automatic reboot occurred due to a glitch. Check if the button is working properly. Reset on the case - if it sticks, the router may constantly reset.
Is it possible to use Russian letters in the WiFi name?
Technically, the WiFi standard (IEEE 802.11) supports UTF-8 encoding, which allows the use of Cyrillic characters. However, many older devices, IoT gadgets (smart plugs, lamps), and operating systems may display Russian characters incorrectly, resulting in gibberish or simply not detecting the network. It is recommended to use only the Latin alphabet for maximum compatibility.
Will the WiFi password be reset after changing the name?
No, the password (encryption key) itself will remain the same unless you've specifically changed it in the Wireless Security section. However, since the network name (SSID) is part of the identification data, all your devices will have to reconnect using the existing password for the "new" network.
Does the length of a network name affect internet speed?
No, the SSID length (up to 32 characters) doesn't affect channel throughput or data transfer speed. It's simply an identification tag. However, overly long names take up more space in beacon frames, which theoretically increases overhead minimally, but in real life, this impact is negligible.
What should I do if my router stops distributing internet after changing its name?
Changing the network name doesn't affect your WAN settings (connection to your ISP). If your internet connection is lost, check if the Internet light on your router is lit. It's possible that the router didn't receive an IP address from your ISP when you rebooted. Try rebooting your ISP modem, if you have one, or contact technical support.