How to rename a Wi-Fi network on a router: instructions for all models

Renaming your Wi-Fi network is one of the first settings you should make after purchasing a router. Standard names like TP-Link_1234 or ASUS_5G not only look unsightly, but they also reveal your device's model, which can make things easier for attackers. Furthermore, the unique network name (SSID) helps you quickly find your connection among neighboring networks.

In this article you will find Step-by-step instructions for routers of different brands, tips for choosing a secure Wi-Fi name, and solutions to common problems that arise when changing SSIDs. We'll look at both classic models (TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX55), as well as modern mesh systems (Keenetic, Xiaomi Mi Router). If you've never logged into your router's control panel before, don't worry: the process takes no more than 5 minutes.

Important: Changing the Wi-Fi name does not affect internet speed or connection stability. However, after renaming all connected devices will be disconnected You'll be asked to re-enter your password. Notify your family or colleagues in advance if you're changing your office network settings.

Why is it worth renaming a Wi-Fi network?

Standard Network Name (SSID) is not just a set of characters. It can:

• 🔍 Provide the router modelAttackers can use this information to exploit vulnerabilities in specific firmware. For example, the name DIR-615 immediately speaks about the router D-Link with known security issues in older versions of the software.
• 📡 Create confusion Among neighboring networks. If you and your neighbors have the same routers (for example, from your ISP), devices may automatically connect to the other network with a stronger signal.
• 🔒 Simplify "evil twin" attacksFraudsters may create a network with a similar name (for example, MyWiFi_5G instead of MyWiFi) to intercept traffic.
• 🏠 Complicate management In homes with multiple access points, unique names help distinguish the main router from repeaters or mesh nodes.

Besides safety, The Wi-Fi name can serve as an Easter egg for guestsMany users choose creative names like FBI Surveillance Van #3, Home Internet (password: 12345678) or "Net for a cat"The main thing is not to use personal information (address, last name, phone number) in the SSID.

⚠️ Please note: Some providers (eg. Rostelecom or Beeline) block access to router settings if it's rented. In this case, renaming the network can only be done through the operator's personal account or by calling technical support.

Preparing to change your Wi-Fi name

Before you rename a network, follow a few simple steps:

Connect to your router via cable or your current Wi-Fi

Make sure there are no important downloads/updates on your device

Write down your current Wi-Fi password (you will need it to reconnect)

Check if there is a backup power supply (in case of a power outage)

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If you're connected to the router via Wi-Fi, changing the name will disconnect you. To avoid losing access:

1. Open the network settings on your device (PC, smartphone, tablet).
2. Find your current Wi-Fi network and copy its password (on Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks).
3. Prepare a new network name in advance. It must comply with the following rules:
   • 📛 Length: from 1 to 32 characters (Latin, numbers, hyphens, underscores).
   • 🚫 Prohibited: spaces, Cyrillic, special characters (`!@#$%^&*`).
   • 🔄 Case-sensitive: MyWiFi And mywifi - different networks.

Advice for offices and public spaces: If you have multiple access points, use coverage area suffixes in the names. For example:

• Office_Floor1_5G — first floor, frequency 5 GHz;
• Office_Reception_2.4G — reception area, 2.4 GHz frequency.

This will help users choose the optimal network.

How to rename Wi-Fi on routers of different brands

Router interfaces vary depending on the manufacturer, but the general principle is the same: you need to go to the control panel, find the section Wi-Fi (or Wireless), and change the field SSIDBelow are step-by-step instructions for popular brands.

1. TP-Link (Archer, Deco, TL-WR)

Routers TP-Link have one of the most intuitive interfaces. The instructions are suitable for models Archer C6, Archer AX20, TL-WR841N and others:

1. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net.
2. Enter your login and password (default - admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).
3. Go to the section Basic → Wireless (or Wireless → Wireless Settings (in the Russian version).
4. In the field Network Name (SSID) Enter a new name.
5. Click Save (Save). The router will reboot.

For dual-band routers (Archer C80, Archer AX73) you will have to rename both networks separately: for 2.4GHz And 5GHz.

2. ASUS (RT-AX, RT-AC, ZenWiFi)

Interface ASUS more intense, but the logic is the same. Suitable for RT-AX55, RT-AC68U, ZenWiFi AX:

1. Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com.
2. Log in (default login/password - admin/admin).
3. Go to Wireless → General.
4. In the field SSID Enter a new name. For dual-band models, select the tab 2.4GHz or 5GHz.
5. Click ApplyThe router will reboot.

In routers ASUS you can enable the option Hide SSID (Hide SSID) but this does not improve safety — simply hides the network from the general list. However, you can still connect to it if you know its name.

3. Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Viva)

Keenetic uses a proprietary interface NDMSThe instruction is valid for Keenetic Giga, Hero, Viva:

1. Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1 or my.keenetic.net.
2. Enter login/password (default - admin/1234 for new models).
3. Go to Wi-Fi network → Main Wi-Fi network.
4. In the field Network name (SSID) Enter a new name.
5. Click Apply.

IN Keenetic can be customized guest network with a separate SSID directly in this section. This is convenient if you want to grant guests access without revealing the password to your main network.

4. Xiaomi (Mi Router, AIoT Router)

Routers Xiaomi controlled via a mobile application Mi Wi-Fi, but you can also use the web interface:

1. Connect to the router's network.
2. In your browser, enter 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
3. Log in (the default password is the last 8 characters of the MAC address found on the sticker).
4. Go to Wi-Fi settings.
5. In the field Wi-Fi name Enter a new name.
6. Save the changes.

IN Xiaomi Mi Router 4A and newer, after changing the SSID, you may need to reconnect all devices, even if the password has not been changed.

5. D-Link (DIR, COVR)

For routers D-Link (DIR-825, COVR-X1860):

1. Enter in your browser 192.168.0.1.
2. Login — admin, leave the password blank (if you haven’t changed it).
3. Go to Wi-Fi → Basic Settings.
4. In the field Network Name (SSID) Enter a new name.
5. Click Save Settings.

In some models D-Link After saving, you need to manually reboot the router using the button on the case.

Table: Comparison of renaming processes on different routers

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, problems may arise. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🔄 The network disappeared after being renamed.:
  • Check if the mode is enabled Hide SSID.
  • Make sure that the router is not overheated (reboot it using the button on the case).
  • Try connecting via cable and check if the settings are saved.
• 🔒 Unable to log into the control panel:
  • Reset the router using the button Reset (hold for 10 seconds).
  • Please make sure you are entering the correct IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.1, and not 192.168.0.1).
  • Disable VPN or proxy on your device.
• 📵 Devices do not connect to the new network:
  • "Forget" the old network in the device settings and reconnect.
  • Check if the password has changed (sometimes routers reset it when the SSID changes).
  • Reboot your router and device.
• ⚡ After renaming, the Internet disappears.:
  • Check if the settings have been reset WAN (Internet connection).
  • Make sure the ISP cable is connected to the port. WAN/Internet.
  • Contact your provider - it might be a MAC address binding.

If the router returns an error like "Invalid SSID", check the network name on:

• The presence of prohibited characters (spaces, Cyrillic, !@#$%).
• Exceeded 32 character limit.
• Using reserved names (eg _setup, _guest).

What should I do if my router doesn't save new settings?

If after pressing Save or Apply changes are not applied, try:

1. Use a different browser (recommended) Chrome or Firefox).

2. Clear your browser cache or open the page in incognito mode.

3. Connect to the router via cable instead of Wi-Fi.

4. Update the router firmware to the latest version.

5. Reset the router to factory settings and configure it again.

Security Tips for Renaming Wi-Fi

Changing your network name is a good reason to check your other security settings. Here's what you should do:

• 🔐 Change your Wi-Fi passwordUse a combination of 12+ characters with letters, numbers, and underscores. Example: Coffee_With_Milk_2026!.
• 🛡️ Enable WPA3This is the latest encryption standard (available on modern routers). If you don't have it, use WPA2-PSK.
• 🔄 Disable WPSThis feature simplifies connection, but has vulnerabilities. Find it in the section Wi-Fi → Security.
• 📡 Set up a guest networkIt isolates guests from your local network (useful for smart devices like cameras or speakers).
• 🔍 Update the firmwareOutdated software may contain critical vulnerabilities. Check the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.

What NOT to do:

• 🚫 Use personal information (name, address, phone number) in the SSID.
• 🚫 Leave the default password (for example, admin or 12345678).
• 🚫 Turn on WEP- encryption - it is easily cracked.
• 🚫 Hiding the SSID in the hopes of security does not work against network detection.

If you have a router from a provider (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), some security settings may be blocked. In this case:

⚠️ Important: Before changing any settings on a rented router, check with your provider to ensure this doesn't violate your contract. Some providers prohibit self-configuration and may block access for "unauthorized changes."

Additional settings after renaming

Changing your Wi-Fi name is just the first step. To ensure optimal network performance, check these settings:

• 📶 Wi-Fi channelIf your neighbors' networks are congesting your channel, select a free one manually (for example, 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz). Use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) for analysis.
• 🔄 Opening hoursFor maximum compatibility, please select 802.11n/ac/ax mixed (or b/g/n for older devices).
• 📡 Transmission powerIn urban conditions, 50-75% is sufficient (saves energy and reduces interference).
• 🕒 Wi-Fi scheduleYou can turn off the network at night (good for safety and health).

If you have dual-band router, consider the possibility SSID aggregation For 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This simplifies connecting devices, but has its own nuances:

• ✅ Pros: one network name, automatic switching between frequencies.
• ❌ Cons: Some devices (such as smart bulbs) only work on 2.4 GHz and may lose connection.

For combining on routers ASUS or TP-Link find the option Smart Connect or Band Steering in the Wi-Fi settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about renaming Wi-Fi

Is it possible to rename Wi-Fi from a phone?

Yes, if the router has a mobile app (for example, TP-Link Tether, ASUS Router, Mi Wi-Fi). The functionality is the same as in the web interface. Alternatively, use a browser on your smartphone and go to the router's IP address (for example, 192.168.1.1).

Do I need to rename the network if I am a single user?

Even for a single user, a unique network name is useful: it makes it easier to identify your Wi-Fi among neighbors and reduces the risk of connecting to an "evil twin." Furthermore, standard names like TP-Link_1234 They give out the router model, which makes the hackers' job easier.

How do I rename a network if I forgot my router password?

If you don't remember your control panel login details:

1. Find the sticker on your router - it contains the default login/password.
2. If there is no sticker or the data is not suitable, reset the router using the button Reset (hold for 10-15 seconds).
3. After reset, use the default ones. admin/admin or admin/(empty).

Attention: Resetting will return all settings to factory defaults, including the Wi-Fi password.

Is it possible to use Cyrillic in a Wi-Fi name?

Technically, some routers allow you to enter Cyrillic characters in the SSID, but This is not recommendedPossible problems:

• Some devices (especially older ones) will not display the network name correctly.
• Cyrillic characters may be encoded incorrectly, which will lead to connection errors.
• In public places, such a name may cause confusion among guests.

The best option is Latin, numbers and symbols. -_.

What is better: one name for 2.4GHz and 5GHz or different ones?

Depends on your goals:

• One Name (Smart Connect): Convenient for users (no need to select a network), the router automatically connects devices to a less crowded frequency. Suitable for modern gadgets.
• Different names: Provides control over the connection (for example, for smart devices that only operate on 2.4 GHz). Useful if 5 GHz coverage is poor in some rooms.

Optimal for most home networks Smart Connect.