Changing the name of the wireless network your smartphone is broadcasting isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but also an important aspect of digital hygiene. When you activate tethering mode, your device becomes access point, and its name is visible to all nearby devices within range. Standard names like "iPhone (2)" or "Samsung Galaxy A50" immediately reveal your device's model, which could be of interest to attackers. By changing this value, you hide information about the operating system version and the specific manufacturer, making your device less noticeable to automated attacks.
The renaming process doesn't require advanced technical knowledge or root access, but the settings interface may differ depending on the operating system version. On modern smartphones, this feature is often hidden in sections related to connectivity or personal data. It's important to understand that you're not changing the phone's Bluetooth or call name itself, but the actual name itself. SSID (Service Set Identifier) your mobile hotspot. This name will appear in lists of available networks on laptops, tablets, and phones of friends who want to connect to your internet.
In this article, we will examine in detail the action algorithms for various platforms, including current versions. Android And iOSWe'll also explore the nuances that may arise when changing the name to Cyrillic and explain why some older devices may not recognize networks with certain characters. Being prepared to experiment with network settings will not only secure your data but also make the connection process more convenient and recognizable.
Why change the default access point name?
The primary reason for changing the default name is confidentialityStandard network names often contain the exact smartphone model, such as "iPhone 13 Pro" or "Xiaomi Redmi Note 10." Knowing the exact model, a hacker can quickly identify vulnerabilities specific to that device and OS version and attempt to exploit them. A generic name, such as "FBI Surveillance Van" or simply "No Internet Here," provides no technical information and forces a potential attacker to waste time on reconnaissance, which often deters attackers.
The second aspect is ease of identification in crowded places. In cafes, airports, or offices, lists of available Wi-Fi networks can contain dozens of entries. If you have your phone in your pocket and are looking for a network to connect to your laptop, the name "AndroidAP" means nothing, especially if there are five other people nearby with the same phones. A unique name, for example, "Alex_Work_Net," allows you to instantly find the right network and avoid accidentally connecting to someone else's device with a similarly generic name.
⚠️ Warning: Using special characters and emoji in the network name may prevent older devices (laptops over 5-7 years old or push-button phones) from seeing your network or connecting to it.
Furthermore, customizing the name helps with managing multiple devices. If you own multiple smartphones or tablets with SIM cards that act as modems, unique names make it easy to switch between them. You'll immediately know which device is currently sharing the internet, which is especially helpful during setup. roaming or testing the connection speed of different operators.
Android Guide: Classic Interface
Owners of smartphones based on Android You can change the network name through the settings menu. Since manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) frequently change their interfaces, the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for connecting and sharing the internet. It's usually called "Wi-Fi hotspot," "Tethering," or "Connection and sharing."
After entering the access point settings menu, you'll see a field displaying the current network name. Clicking on it prompts you to enter a new name. It's important to follow naming conventions: avoid spaces at the beginning and end of the string, as some devices may ignore networks with these settings. It's also recommended to use Latin characters for maximum compatibility.
☑️ Check before changing your name
After saving the changes, you must restart the access point for the changes to take effect. If you don't turn the tethering mode off and on again, connected devices may continue to see the old name until you reconnect. In some versions Android You also need to reset the network settings on the connecting device so that it "forgets" the old profile and creates a new one with an updated name.
It is worth noting that on some devices with custom firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or OneUI Samsung devices may have an additional "Hide Device" feature. If enabled, your phone won't be visible in searches until you manually enter the SSID on the connected device. This is the highest level of security, but it requires you to manually enter the network name each time.
Features of renaming on iPhone and iPad
In the ecosystem Apple The process of changing the access point name is strictly tied to the name of the device itself. Unlike AndroidWhere these settings are often separated, on iPhone, the Wi-Fi network name (Personal Hotspot) by default copies the name set in General → About. Therefore, to change the Wi-Fi name, you will have to rename the phone itself.
To do this, go to Settings, then select the item Main and click on About this deviceAt the very top of the list will be the "Name" field. Tap it, delete the current value (for example, "iPhone"), and enter your desired name. After confirming the changes, the system will automatically apply the new name to all services: AirDrop, Bluetooth, and, most importantly, Personal Hotspot.
⚠️ Please note: After renaming your device, all previously saved networks on other devices may no longer connect automatically, as they will see it as a new access point with a different ID.
An important note for Apple device users: if you have Family Sharing enabled, the hotspot name may automatically change to a default one, such as "Max's iPhone." This is for the convenience of family members. If you want to return to a custom name, check your Family Sharing settings in iCloud. Also, keep in mind that changes may not sync instantly across all Apple ID devices, so a reboot may be required.
Why can't I just change the name on my iPhone?
The iOS architecture requires a single device identifier across all Apple services. Separating names for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirDrop would create confusion in the ecosystem and complicate the device pairing process, so Apple uses a single "Device Name" field for all these functions.
Setting up security settings and password
Renaming a network is only half the job. Along with the name, you often need to change the password, especially if you suspect someone else may have accessed your network. Access point settings always include a "Password" or "Security" option. It's recommended to use encryption. WPA2 PSK or WPA3, if your device and connected gadgets support this protocol.
When creating a password, avoid simple combinations like "12345678" or your date of birth. The optimal password length is 8 to 63 characters. Use a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. A complex password is difficult to remember, so it's best to immediately write it down in a password manager or keep it securely in a note.
The table below compares the main security settings available when setting up a hotspot on modern smartphones:
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| SSID (Network Name) | The visible network name in the list of available connections | Unique, no personal data |
| Security protocol | Method of encryption of transmitted data | WPA2/WPA3 Personal |
| Frequency range | Radio wave frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) | 5 GHz for speed, 2.4 GHz for compatibility |
| Max. number of devices | Limit of simultaneous connections | Limit to 3-5 devices |
Keep in mind that security also depends on network visibility. Access points often have a "Hide Device" or "Invisible Mode" switch in their settings. If this feature is enabled, the network will not appear in the general list. To connect, you will need to manually enter the exact network name (SSID) on the receiving device. This creates an additional barrier to unauthorized users.
Problems with encoding and device compatibility
One common problem when renaming a network is the use of Cyrillic or rare characters. While modern smartphones and laptops display Russian letters in network names without a problem, older devices (printers, previous-generation game consoles, and car multimedia systems) may see gibberish instead of letters or fail to detect the network at all. This is due to differences in character encoding.
Standard SSID Technically supports byte strings, but the interpretation of these bytes as characters depends on the device. To ensure 100% compatibility with all your friends' and colleagues' devices, it's best to use only Latin letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), and hyphens. Avoid spaces, as some systems interpret them as the end of the network name.
It's also worth considering the name length. The maximum length of an SSID is 32 bytes. If you use multi-byte characters (such as emojis or characters from some Asian languages), the name may be truncated earlier than expected. A short and concise name is essential for stable display on any screen.
Diagnostics: What to do if the network is not visible
Sometimes, after renaming the access point, it becomes unidentifiable by other devices. First, check if tethering mode is enabled. Sometimes the system automatically disables it to save power if no one is connected to the network for a certain period of time. Go to settings and make sure the switch is green or blue.
The second common reason is changing frequency bands. Many modern phones create an access point in the frequency band by default. 5 GHz For high speed. However, older laptops and tablets may only support 2.4 GHz. In the access point settings (usually under "Access point settings" or "Advanced"), find the "AP band" option and switch it to 2.4 GHz.
⚠️ Note: The settings interface and menu item layout may vary depending on your operating system version and smartphone model. If you don't find the options described, search your phone's settings by searching for "Access Point" or "Tethering."
If the problem persists, try resetting the network settings on your phone. This won't delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but it will clear saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings. After the reset, recreate the hotspot with a new name. This often resolves issues with frozen network services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does renaming Wi-Fi affect internet speed?
No, changing the name (SSID) itself does not affect data transfer speed or signal quality. Speed depends on the phone's module power, frequency congestion, and your mobile operator's plan. However, if you change the name to one that contains characters prohibited for a specific receiving device, it may not connect at all or may perform unstable.
Can I use emojis in my network name?
Technically, many modern smartphones allow you to enter emoji in the network name field. However, this is risky. Many devices (especially Windows PCs, game consoles, and smart devices) cannot correctly process Unicode characters in SSIDs. This can result in the network appearing as an empty string or not appearing in the list at all. It's best to limit yourself to text.
Will the access point name reset when I update my phone?
In most cases, user settings, including the access point name and password, are retained after an operating system update. However, if the update is major (for example, upgrading from Android 13 to 14 or from iOS 16 to 17), configuration errors may occur. It is recommended to check your settings immediately after the update.
Will my contacts see that I renamed the network?
No, renaming a network is a local setting on your device. Your contacts in your phone book or messaging apps won't receive any notifications about this. They'll only notice the change if they search for your network and see the new name in the list of available Wi-Fi networks.