Changing the name of a wireless network is a basic but important task when administering a home network. Users often want to personalize their access point to easily identify it among dozens of neighboring signals or to hide the manufacturer's technical information. SSID (Service Set Identifier) — this is the name that you see in the list of available connections on your smartphone or laptop.
The renaming process doesn't require extensive networking knowledge, but it does require access to your router's administrative panel. Incorrect configuration can temporarily disable internet access, so it's important to understand exactly what settings you're changing. In this article, we'll detail the process for equipment from various brands and explore frequently overlooked nuances.
It is worth noting that changing the network name is also an elementary step to improve cyber hygieneStandard names like "TP-LINK_5G" or "Keenetic-1234" immediately identify your device to potential attackers, making it easier to find vulnerabilities. A unique network name does not contain information about the manufacturer and is not tied to a specific address, which increases your anonymity. Let's take a closer look at the process.
Preparing to change router settings
Before making any changes to the hardware configuration, you must ensure a stable connection to the router itself. The best way — Connect via Ethernet cable, as changing wireless network settings can cause the WiFi connection to drop at any time. If this isn't possible, make sure the signal on your device is stable.
You'll need to know the gateway (router) IP address. These are typically standard addresses: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Domain names such as my.keenetic.net or router.asus.comThis information is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom of the device.
- 💻 Laptop or PC with a network adapter
- 🔌 Ethernet cable (recommended)
- 📄 Login details (administrator username and password)
- 📱 A smartphone with WiFi access (as a backup)
Make sure you have physical access to the router. In some cases, especially when updating firmware or resetting settings, you may need to press a button. ResetIt's also important to know that modern routers can have separate networks for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
Log in to the admin panel and find the WiFi section
Open any browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. After entering your login information, you'll be taken to the management interface. Interfaces vary by manufacturer, but the menu layout is consistent. Find the section related to wireless networking.
Look for tabs with names Wireless, WiFi, Wireless network or WLANThis is where the parameter is located. SSID (or Network Name), which is responsible for the visible network name. Modern models often have the "Smart Connect" feature enabled, which combines the bands, but for fine-tuning, it's better to separate them.
⚠️ Note: If you change the name of a network you're currently connected to via WiFi, the connection will be immediately disconnected. You'll need to search for the network with the new name in the list of available networks and enter the password.
In some firmware versions, the settings for the guest network and the main network are located in different subsections. Be careful: changing the guest network name will not change the name of the main access point. Check which profile you are editing.
Instructions for TP-Link and Asus routers
TP-Link devices have two interface types: the old green (classic) and the new blue (cloud Tether). In the classic interface, go to the menu Wireless → Wireless Settings. Field Wireless Network Name (SSID) — this is what needs to be changed. Don't forget to click the button Save at the bottom of the page.
For Asus routers with interface ASUSWRT The navigation looks different. In the side menu, select Additional settings → Wireless network (or simply Wireless). Here you will see tabs for different frequency ranges. Change the field SSID for each range, if you want them to be named the same or differently.
☑️ Check before saving settings
After applying the settings, the router may reboot. This is normal, especially if security settings or frequency bands are changed. Wait until the indicators on the device fully load.
Setting up a wireless network on Keenetic and MikroTik
Keenetic routers are famous for their logical system KeeneticOS. Go to the menu My Networks and WiFi → Home networkHere you can set the network name (SSID) and select the bands it will be broadcast on. The system allows for flexible management of guest networks and networks for IoT devices.
MikroTik equipment running on RouterOS, requires a more professional approach. In the web interface WinBox or WebFig go to the section Wireless. Double-click on the interface (usually wlan1 or wlan2) and in the field SSID Enter a new value. Click OK and then Apply.
Unlike home routers, corporate routers (like MikroTik) often use SSID hiding or complex authentication schemes. Simple renaming is just the tip of the security iceberg here.
| Manufacturer | Menu section | Name parameter | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless Settings | Wireless Network Name | Save |
| Asus | Wireless network | SSID | Apply |
| Keenetic | Home network | Network name (SSID) | Save |
| MikroTik | Wireless | SSID | Apply/OK |
What should I do if I forgot my admin password?
If you haven't changed the factory password, try the default combinations (admin/admin) listed on the sticker. If the password has been changed and lost, a full reset using the button on the case will help, but you'll have to reset all settings.
Naming Features: Length, Symbols, and Encoding
When choosing a new name, it's important to adhere to technical limitations. The IEEE 802.11 standard allows up to 32 bytes for an SSID. This means the name can be quite long, but it's best to keep it to 20-25 characters for maximum compatibility with older devices.
Use the Latin alphabet. Although modern standards support UTF-8 and Cyrillic, many devices (especially smart home devices, printers, and older smartphones) may display Russian letters incorrectly or not connect to the network at all. Special characters can also cause problems.
- 🚫 Don't use spaces at the beginning and end of the name
- 🚫 Avoid special characters:
< > & " ' - ✅ Latin letters and numbers are the safest choice
- ✅ Letter case matters (MyWiFi ≠ mywifi)
⚠️ Please note: Router interfaces and functionality are constantly being updated. If you don't see the described features, check the firmware version on the manufacturer's official website. Current instructions may differ from those described here.
Creative naming is fine, but avoid overloading the name with emojis or long phrases. Devices display the SSID in system strings, where too much text will simply be cut off or appear unreadable.
Security and Hiding SSID
Changing your name isn't just a matter of aesthetics; it's also a security issue. Standard names hint to hackers which vulnerabilities they can exploit. For example, knowing that you have a router of a certain model from 2015, an attacker might try to use known exploits for that version.
There is a practice of hiding the SSID (Hide SSID). In this case, the network is not displayed in the general list, and to connect, you need to manually enter the name. However, security experts consider this Protection from prying eyes, but not from hackers. A hidden network is easily detected by specialized scanners, but for legitimate users, this creates unnecessary inconvenience.
It is much more important to use a modern encryption protocol. WPA3 (or WPA2-AES) and a strong password. The network name is secondary to the strength of the encryption key. Don't rely on the "secrecy" of the name as your primary security method.
Common issues after network renaming
After changing the SSID, devices may refuse to connect automatically. This happens because it's a new network for the gadget, and the old credentials won't work. You'll have to forget the old network on each device (phone, TV, console) and connect to the new one, re-entering the password.
Sometimes clearing the DNS cache or restarting the network adapter on your computer helps. If the router freezes after applying the settings, unplug it for 10-15 seconds and then plug it back in. This solves 90% of configuration issues.
In rare cases, especially in apartment buildings with hundreds of networks, it may be necessary to change the broadcast channel if the new name "conflicts" with the settings of neighboring equipment (although technically names cannot conflict, confusion in the router's client lists is possible).
What happens if I enter the network name in Russian?
Most modern devices (Android 10+, iOS 14+, Windows 10/11) will display Cyrillic characters correctly. However, older gadgets, IoT light bulbs, power outlets, or printers may display gibberish or not connect at all. It is recommended to use only the Latin alphabet.
Is it possible to make the same names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks?
Yes, this is called a "Single SSID." The router will automatically direct the device to the correct frequency. However, sometimes devices get stuck on the slow 2.4 GHz frequency. In such cases, it's best to give the networks different names (for example, HomeWiFi and HomeWiFi_5G).
Will the WiFi password be reset if I change the name?
No, the password (security key) remains the same unless you've specifically changed it in the adjacent field. However, devices will consider the network new and require you to re-enter the password the first time you connect.
How do I rename a network if I forgot my router password?
It's impossible to change your username without logging into the admin panel (via a browser). If you've lost your admin password, you'll have to reset it using the button. Reset on the case, after which the router will return to the factory name indicated on the sticker.
Does name length affect internet speed?
Theoretically, a longer SSID takes up more space in beacon frames, creating minimal overhead. In practice, the difference is negligible at home, but it's best not to make the name extremely long.