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

Renaming a Wi-Fi hotspot is a task that every home network owner faces sooner or later. Standard names like TP-Link_1234 or DIR-615 not only look unsightly, but also create problems with identification among neighboring networks. Moreover, unsecured SSID name It can become a loophole for hackers or simply interfere with the connection of devices if there are several networks with the same name within range.

In this article you will find Step-by-step instructions for routers of different brands, tips for choosing a secure and convenient network name, and solutions to common problems that arise when changing the SSID. We'll explore why Wi-Fi sometimes disappears after renaming, how to sync the name for dual-band networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), and what to do if new settings aren't saved. We'll also pay special attention to hidden manufacturer settings that may block network name changes on some router models.

What is an SSID and why should it be changed?

SSID (Service Set Identifier) — This is the unique name of your wireless network, which is displayed in the list of available connections on smartphones, laptops, and other devices. By default, router manufacturers assign standard network names consisting of the device model and random numbers (e.g., Keenetic-5678 or ASUS_RT-AC68U_2G). Such names are not only difficult to remember, but also pose risks:

  • 🔍 Router model information leakedAttackers can use this data to search for vulnerabilities in a specific model.
  • 📡 Confusion among neighboring networksIf your neighbors have the same router, their networks will appear identical, making connection more difficult.
  • 🔒 Simplifying the Evil Twin AttackFraudsters can create an access point with a similar name to intercept your traffic.

Renaming the SSID solves these problems, but it is important to do it correctly. For example, personal data cannot be used (first name, last name, address) in the network name—this violates privacy. Also, avoid provocative or offensive names that could cause conflicts with neighbors or even complaints from the provider.

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (especially those renting equipment) block the ability to change the SSID in your account. In this case, you can only rename the network through the router's web interface, unless it's blocked.

How to rename Wi-Fi on popular router brands

The process for changing the network name depends on your router model and firmware. Below are instructions for the most common brands. If your model isn't listed, use universal method (described in the next section).

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

1. Connect to the router via cable or your current Wi-Fi network.

2. Open your browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (for models Deco use 192.168.68.1).

3. Enter your login and password (usually by default admin/admin).

4. Go to the section Wireless → Wireless Settings.

In the field Network name (SSID) Enter a new name. For dual-band routers (e.g. Archer C6) You'll have to rename both networks separately—for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Don't forget to save the settings by clicking Save.

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

1. Go to the web interface at 192.168.1.1.

2. In the menu on the left, select Wireless Network → General.

3. In the field SSID Please enter a new name. For models with AiMesh (For example, ZenWiFi AX) the change will apply to all nodes in the system.

4. Click Apply.

ASUS allows you to use Cyrillic in SSID, but we do not recommend doing this - some devices (especially older ones) may display this name incorrectly.

Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Viva)

1. Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1 or my.keenetic.net.

2. Go to Wi-Fi Network → Access Point.

3. In the field Network name Enter a new SSID. For models with Wi-Fi 6 (For example, Keenetic Hero) you can set separate names for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

4. Save the changes.

Keenetic automatically suggests sync network name for guest accessIf you don't need this, uncheck the corresponding box.

D-Link (DIR, DVA, COVR)

1. Open the control panel at 192.168.0.1.

2. Go to Wi-Fi → Basic Settings.

3. In the field SSID Specify a new name. For mesh systems COVR The change will apply to all modules.

4. Click Change.

D-Link allows hide SSID (option Hide access point), but this will complicate connecting new devices - you will have to enter the network name manually.

📊 What kind of router do you have at home?
TP-Link
ASUS
Keenetic
D-Link
Another brand

A universal way to rename Wi-Fi (for any router)

If your model is not listed above or you don't know the router manufacturer, use this method:

  1. Find out Router IP addressTo do this:

    • 🖥️ On Windows: Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd) and enter ipconfigThe address you are looking for will be in the line Main gateway.
    • 📱 On Android/iOS: Use apps like Fing or Wi-Fi Analyzer.

  2. Enter the received IP into the address bar of your browser (for example, 192.168.3.1).

  3. Log in. The login and password are usually found on the router sticker or in the instructions. Standard combinations:

    • 🔑 admin/admin
    • 🔑 admin/password
    • 🔑 user/user

  • Find the Wi-Fi settings section. It's usually called:

    • 📡 Wireless / Wi-Fi / Wireless network
    • 📡 WLAN / Network Name (SSID)

    • Change SSID, save the settings and reboot the router.

    If the router does not respond after saving the changes, try:

    • 🔄 Reset settings button Reset (hold for 10 seconds).
    • 🔌 Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.
    • 📋 Check the firmware — outdated software versions may contain bugs.

    Make sure the router is powered on|Remember the current settings (take a photo)|Use the browser in incognito mode|Disable VPN/proxy|Check that there are no firmware updates-->

    How to choose a secure and convenient Wi-Fi name

    The new network name should be:

    • 🔐 Unique - do not coincide with neighboring networks.
    • 📱 Easy to remember - to avoid confusion when connecting.
    • 🛡️ Neutral - without personal data or provocations.

    Examples of good names:

    Network type SSID examples Why is this good?
    Home network IvanovHome_5G, Flat42_WiFi Contains the apartment number, but not personal information.
    Office/cafe CoffeeShop_Guest, Office3_Floor2 Clear for visitors, no unnecessary information
    Guest network Ivanovs_Guests, TempAccess2026 Different from the main network, easy to identify
    Hidden network MyHiddenNet, SecureLink123 Neutral name, does not attract attention

    What it is forbidden use in SSID:

    • 🚫 Personal data: Ivan_Ivanov_WiFi, Moscow_Lenina15_45.
    • 🚫 Provocative phrases: FBI_Surveillance_Van, Virus_Distribution_Hub.
    • 🚫 Too long names (more than 32 characters).
    • 🚫 Special characters, except _ And - (some devices do not support them).

    Common Mistakes When Renaming Wi-Fi and How to Avoid Them

    Even after successfully changing the SSID, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

    1. Wi-Fi disappears after renaming

    Reasons:

    • 🔌 The router did not reboot automatically. Solution: Turn off the power for 30 seconds.
    • 📵 Incompatible characters in SSID. Solution: use only Latin letters, numbers, _ And -.
    • 🔄 Conflict with neighboring networks. Solution: Select a different channel in your router settings.

    2. Devices do not connect to the new network

    What to do:

    • 📱 Forget the old network on the device and reconnect.
    • 🔄 Check the security mode - sometimes when changing the SSID the encryption type is reset (it should be WPA2-PSK or WPA3).
    • 📡 Make sure the network is not hidden (option Hide SSID should be disabled).

    3. Changes are not saved

    Possible reasons:

    • 🔒 Insufficient rights. Solution: Log in as an administrator.
    • 🖥️ Blocked by provider. Solution: contact technical support or configure the router in mode Bridge.
    • 🛠️ Firmware failure. Solution: Update your router software to the latest version.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, ZTE or Huawei(issued by providers) changing the SSID may reset all settings. Before renaming, back up the configuration in the System Tools → Backup & Restore.
    Why is Wi-Fi slower after renaming?

    This is because some devices (especially older ones) select suboptimal connection parameters when first connecting to a new network. To fix this, go to your router settings and manually set:

    - Wi-Fi channel (e.g. 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz)

    - Channel width (20 MHz for stability or 40 MHz for speed)

    - Network standard (802.11n/ac/ax depending on supported devices)

    After this, reboot the router and devices.

    How to rename a Wi-Fi hotspot using a mobile app

    Many manufacturers offer mobile apps for managing their routers. This is convenient if you don't want to access the web interface. Let's look at the process using popular apps as an example:

    TP-Link Tether

    1. Download the app from App Store or Google Play.

    2. Connect to the router's network.

    3. In the main menu, select Wi-Fi → Wireless Network Settings.

    4. Change Network name (SSID) and save.

    ASUS Router

    1. Open the app and log in.

    2. Go to Wi-Fi → General Settings.

    3. In the field SSID Enter a new name.

    4. Click Apply.

    Keenetic

    1. In the appendix Keenetic Select your router.

    2. Go to Wi-Fi Network → Access Point.

    3. Change Network name and save.

    Advantages of mobile applications:

    • ✅ Notifications about new devices on the network.
    • ✅ Quick access to basic settings.
    • ✅ Ability to control the router remotely (if the function is enabled).

    Flaws:

    • ❌ Not all settings are available (for example, fine-tuning channels).
    • ❌ Bugs are possible in new versions of applications.

    Additional settings after renaming Wi-Fi

    Changing your SSID is just the first step to optimizing your network. After renaming, it's recommended to:

    1. Set up a guest network

    A guest network allows you to share internet with visitors without opening access to your main network. How to set it up:

    • 📌 In the router's web interface, find the section Guest Network.
    • 📌 Enable guest access and specify a separate SSID (For example, Ivanovs_Guests).
    • 📌 Set a speed or access time limit.

    2. Optimize Wi-Fi channels

    If the network has become slower after renaming, check the channel load:

    • 📡 Use apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (Windows/macOS) for scanning the airwaves.
    • 📡 In your router settings, select the least crowded channel (for example, 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

    3. Update the router firmware

    Outdated software may cause problems saving settings. How to update:

    1. Go to the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.
    2. Download the latest version from the manufacturer's official website.
    3. Download the firmware file and wait for the process to complete (do not turn off the power!).
    ⚠️ Attention: On routers with custom firmware (for example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT) The renaming process may vary. In some builds, the SSID is changed in the configuration file. /etc/config/wireless via SSH.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about renaming Wi-Fi

    Is it possible to rename a Wi-Fi router if it is rented from a provider?

    Yes, but some providers block this feature in your personal account. Try accessing the router's web interface directly using the IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). If changing the SSID is blocked there too, contact technical support—they can sometimes unlock the settings upon request.

    Why do some devices not connect after renaming Wi-Fi?

    This happens because devices retain information about the old network. Solutions:

    • On Android/iOS: Go to Wi-Fi settings, click on the network, select "Forget".
    • On Windows: Open "Network settings", select "Manage known networks" and delete the old one.
    • On smart devices (TVs, speakers) you may need to reset your network settings.
    Is it possible to use Cyrillic or emoji in the name of Wi-Fi?

    Technically yes, but we don't recommend it. Problems that may arise:

    • Some devices (especially older ones) will not display the network name or will show it as ????.
    • Emoji may not display correctly on different platforms (for example, 😊 on iPhone and □ on Android).
    • Cyrillic characters may cause errors when connecting devices with non-Russian localizations.

    If you really want to, use only simple symbols: WiFi at Home instead of Ivan's Network 🏠.

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

    There are two options:

    1. Reset settings:
      • Click the button Reset on the back panel of the router (hold for 10-15 seconds).
      • After the reset, log in to the web interface with the standard login/password (usually admin/admin).
  • Password recovery (if the router supports):
    • On some models (eg, ASUS) there is a recovery function via the application.
    • For routers with cloud management (e.g. TP-Link) you can reset the password through the manufacturer's account.

    ⚠️ After the reset, all router settings will return to factory defaults, including the Wi-Fi password.

    Do 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks need to be renamed differently?

    It depends on your goals:

    • 🔄 Same names These are useful if you want devices to automatically switch between bands (for example, a smartphone will use 5 GHz near the router and 2.4 GHz in another room).
    • 📶 Different names useful if you want to manually select a range (eg MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G). This is relevant for older devices that do not support 5 GHz.

    On most modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or TP-Link Archer AX6000) you can enable the function Smart Connect, which automatically distributes devices across ranges, even if the SSID is the same.

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