How to Rename Wi-Fi on Your Computer: 3 Proven Methods

Change the name of your wireless network (or SSID — Service Set Identifier) is one of the first settings users want to make after purchasing a router. Standard names like TP-Link_1234 or ASUS_5G Not only are they unsightly, but they also pose security issues: attackers can use the network name to determine your router model and exploit vulnerabilities in specific firmware. Furthermore, a unique name helps you quickly find your network among dozens of neighbors in an apartment building.

Many people mistakenly look for a way to rename Wi-Fi directly on the computer — via Windows Settings or macOS System Preferences. In fact, The network name always changes in the router control panel., not in the OS. However, there are some nuances: for example, if you're connected to the router via cable rather than wirelessly, or if you have a mesh system with multiple access points. In this article, we'll cover all the relevant methods—from basic SSID changes to advanced settings for dual-band networks.

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• 🔌 Access to the router (via Wi-Fi, Ethernet cable, or mobile Internet)
• 🖥️ A computer, laptop, or smartphone with a browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari)
• 🔐 Login and password for the router's admin panel (usually found on the device's sticker)

1. How to access router settings from a computer

To rename a Wi-Fi network, you first need to open the router's web interface. This can be done through a browser—no additional software is required. The login address varies by router model, but is most often:

• 🌐 192.168.0.1 (TP-Link, Mercusys, some D-Link models)
• 🌐 192.168.1.1 (ASUS, Keenetic, Zyxel, most other brands)
• 🌐 my.keenetic.net (only for Keenetic routers)
• 🌐 tplinkwifi.net (alternative address for TP-Link devices)

If the standard addresses do not work, check the correct IP in the following way:

1. On Windows: open Command line (click Win + R, enter cmd), then run the command:

   ipconfig

   Look for the line Main gateway - this is the address of your router.

2. On macOS: open Terminal (via Spotlight or Programs → Utilities) and enter:

   netstat -nr | grep default

   The gateway address will be given after the word default.

⚠️ Attention: If when you log into the control panel, the router asks for a login and password, and the standard ones admin/admin If the settings don't match, the data was previously changed. In this case, reset the router to factory settings by holding down the button. Reset (usually located on the back panel) for 10-15 seconds.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to rename Wi-Fi on routers of different brands

Control panel interfaces vary by manufacturer, but the operating logic is the same. Below are detailed instructions for popular brands. If your model isn't listed, look in the section with names. Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless network.

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

For routers TP-Link:

1. Log in to the panel at 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net.
2. Go to the section Basic → Wireless (or Basic Settings → Wireless Mode (in the Russian version).
3. Find the field Wireless Network Name (SSID) - Enter the new network name here.
4. For dual-band routers (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), you will have to rename each network separately in the corresponding tabs.
5. Save the changes by clicking the button Save.

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

In routers ASUS:

1. Open 192.168.1.1 and log in.
2. Go to Wireless → General (or Wireless Network → General).
3. In the field SSID Specify a new name. For mesh systems ASUS ZenWiFi The name will change automatically on all nodes.
4. Click Apply.

2.3. Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Viva)

For devices Keenetic:

1. Enter in your browser my.keenetic.net or 192.168.1.1.
2. Select Wi-Fi network → Main network (or Wi-Fi Network → Primary Network).
3. In the field Network name (SSID) Enter a new name.
4. If you have it enabled Smart Connect (combining 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz into one network), the name will change for both ranges.
5. Save the settings.

Make sure the new name does not contain spaces at the beginning/end

Use only Latin letters, numbers, hyphens or underscores

Check that the name is unique (not the same as the neighbors' networks)

Remember or write down the new SSID for connecting devices-->

2.4. Xiaomi (Mi Router, AIoT)

In routers Xiaomi simplified interface:

1. Go to the address 192.168.31.1 or via the app Mi Wi-Fi.
2. Select Wi-Fi settings (or Wi-Fi settings).
3. In the field Wi-Fi name Enter a new name. For dual-band models, you'll need to rename each network separately.
4. Save the changes.

⚠️ Attention: After changing the Wi-Fi name, all connected devices (smartphones, smart speakers, cameras) will be disconnected. You'll need to re-enter the password on each one. To avoid problems, Before renaming, make a list of all gadgets connected to your network. - this way you won't forget to reconnect anything.

3. Renaming features for dual-band networks (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

Modern routers support two frequency ranges:

• 📶 2.4 GHz - longer range, but lower speed and higher congestion (many neighbors use this range).
• 🚀 5 GHz - high speed, but smaller coverage area (walls weaken the signal more).

By default, many routers create two separate networks with different names (for example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G). You can:

1. Leave two different names — convenient if you want to manually select the range for each device.
2. Combine networks into one (function Smart Connect, Band Steering or Wi-Fi Optimizer) - the router will automatically switch devices between ranges.

If you choose the second option, please note:

• ✅ Devices will automatically connect to a less crowded band.
• ❌ Some older gadgets (such as smart plugs or cameras) may not support 5 GHz and will lose connection.
• ⚠️ In the router settings, only one field for the network name will appear (it will apply to both ranges).

4. How to rename a Wi-Fi network without accessing the router (if you're not an admin)

Situation: You are connected to someone else's network (for example, at your office or at a friend's) and want to change its name on your computer. This is impossible — The network name (SSID) is set only in the router settings. However, you can:

• 🔄 Create a virtual network via your computer (if Wi-Fi distribution is allowed).
• 📝 Change display name only for your device (does not affect the network itself).

For the second option on Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Managing known networks.
3. Select the desired network and click Properties.
4. In the field Profile name Enter any name - it will be displayed only for you.

On macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Network.
2. Select Wi-Fi and press Additionally.
3. On the list Preferred networks Find the one you need and rename it.

⚠️ Attention: These steps don't change the actual network name (SSID). Your computer will simply display it under a different name. For other devices (smartphones, TVs), the name will remain the same.

5. Rules for choosing a Wi-Fi name: what is allowed and what is not

When coming up with a name for your network, avoid common mistakes:

• ❌ Personal information — Don't use your last name, address, or apartment number in your name. This makes things easier for attackers.
• ❌ Special characters - Some devices (such as printers or smart light bulbs) do not support connecting to networks with names containing !@#$% and other signs.
• ❌ Too long names — maximum 32 characters. Long names may be truncated on some devices.

What can be used:

• ✅ Latin letters (A-Z, a-z)
• ✅ Numbers (0-9)
• ✅ Hyphen (-) and underscore (_)
• ✅ Spaces (but not at the beginning or end of the name)

Examples of successful names:

• IvanovFamily_5G (with range indication)
• Flat42_WiFi (neutral, no personal data)
• DragonNet_2.4 (creative, but without special characters)

Why shouldn't you use Cyrillic in your Wi-Fi name?

Many devices (especially older or imported ones) don't support Cyrillic character encoding in SSIDs. This can result in the network appearing as gibberish or not being visible at all. Furthermore, some router firmware automatically converts Cyrillic characters to transliteration, which looks unsightly (for example, MyWiFi will become MojWiFi).

6. What to do if Wi-Fi doesn't work after renaming

Sometimes, after changing the SSID, the network disappears or devices fail to connect. Here are some causes and solutions:

If the problem is not resolved:

1. Check if it is enabled on the router MAC filter (it can block new devices).
2. Make sure that your network security settings are not set to WEP - This outdated protocol often causes problems. Use WPA2-PSK or WPA3.
3. Reset the router to factory settings (button Reset) and set up the network again.

7. Additional Wi-Fi settings: what to change along with the name

While you're in the router control panel, it's worth optimizing other settings as well:

• 🔒 Password: Change it to a complex one (at least 12 characters, with numbers and letters). Do not use 12345678 or qwerty.
• 📡 Channel: If the network is slow, select the channel manually (eg. 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz). Automatic selection is not always optimal.
• 🛡️ Hiding the network: disable the option Hide SSID - it does not improve security, but only complicates the connection.
• 🔄 Guest network: Set up a separate network for guests with limited access to local devices.

To improve security, it is also recommended:

• Disable WPS (vulnerable fast connection protocol).
• Turn on MAC address filtering (if you don't need to connect new devices often).
• Update your router firmware to the latest version.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about renaming Wi-Fi

Is it possible to rename a Wi-Fi network directly in Windows, without accessing the router?

No, the network name (SSID) is always changed in the router settings. In Windows, you can only rename it. display name for your computer (in the section Managing known networks), but this will not affect the network itself.

After renaming, the internet on my TV disappeared. What should I do?

Most likely, the TV is trying to connect to the old network. Go to the TV's Wi-Fi settings, delete the old network, and reconnect using a new name. If the TV doesn't see the network, check if it supports 5 GHz (if you combined bands).

Is it possible to put emoji in a Wi-Fi name?

Technically, yes, some routers allow emojis in the SSID. However:

• Not all devices display such names correctly (they may contain gibberish).
• Emojis take up more space and the network name may be cut off.
• This makes it difficult to enter a password on devices without a graphical interface (such as printers).

It's better to limit yourself to Latin letters and numbers.

How do I rename a Wi-Fi network on a router from a provider (Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS)?

Routers from ISPs often have limited settings. Try:

1. Login to address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (login/password usually admin/admin or indicated on the sticker).
2. If section Wi-Fi If blocked, contact your provider's support - sometimes they allow you to change the SSID upon request.
3. As a last resort, buy your own router and connect it in the mode bridge (bridge).

How many times can I rename Wi-Fi?

There are no restrictions—change the name as often as you like. However, frequent renaming can cause devices to lose connection and need to be reconnected. Ideally, choose one SSID and stick with it.