Many users mistakenly believe that changing the wireless network name is only possible through the router's web interface, ignoring the smartphone's capabilities. In fact, modern devices based on Android allow you to manage connection parameters, including renaming the created access point, directly from the system menu. This is especially relevant when the default phone model name, for example, Samsung Galaxy or Xiaomi Redmi, looks too bulky or contains unnecessary characters.
The process of changing the identifier SSID The Service Set Identifier (SSID) depends on what you want to change: the name of your phone's own access point or the display name of a saved network in the list. In the former case, the change will affect all devices that connect to your internet, while in the latter case, it's just a local label for your convenience. Understanding this difference is critical before tinkering with any network settings.
In this article, we will examine in detail the algorithms of actions for different versions of the operating system, since the interface Settings may vary significantly depending on the manufacturer's casing. Whether it is pure Android on smartphones Motorola or a customized interface OneUI from Samsung, the basic principles remain similar, but the paths to the desired menus may vary.
The difference between renaming an access point and a router network
Before making any changes, it's important to clearly understand the technical difference between the two scenarios. When you change the name in your phone's settings for the Wi-Fi hotspot feature, you're essentially renaming your smartphone, turning it into a mini router. Other users scanning the air will see the name you set, such as «Free_WiFi_Bus» or "iPhone_Vasya" instead of the standard device identifier.
The situation is completely different when it comes to renaming your home provider's network. In this case, the phone only serves as a management tool if the router manufacturer has provided this capability through a mobile app. However, it's impossible to directly change SSID It's impossible to access someone else's router simply by being within its coverage area without access to the admin panel for security reasons. This is a fundamental limitation of the protocol. Wi-Fi.
Users often confuse these concepts, attempting to "rename Wi-Fi" when they actually want their phone to connect to a network with a more descriptive name. In such cases, editing the profile of a saved network is what's needed. The system allows you to assign a nickname to a network that will only be visible on your device, hiding the real name. SSID router.
How to Change Wi-Fi Hotspot Name on Android
The most common request is for personalization of the hotspot your smartphone shares. This is useful if you frequently use your phone to share internet with a colleague's laptop or tablet. Generic names like "Pixel 6 Pro" or "SM-A505FN" are uninformative and may reveal your device model to others.
To begin making changes, you need to go to the settings menu. The path may vary slightly, but the logic is the same: look for the section related to connections or network. In modern versions Android 12, 13, and 14 the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Open
Settingsand find the "Connections" or "Network and Internet" section. - 📡 Select "Wi-Fi hotspot" or "Tethering and portable hotspot".
- ⚙️ Click "Configure hotspot" or the gear icon next to the switch.
- ✏️ In the "Access Point Name" (SSID) field, enter the desired name and save the changes.
Please note that after changing the name, all previously connected devices will lose connection and will require you to re-enter the password if they do not automatically connect to the new "network." This is normal security behavior. Also, avoid using special characters, which may not display correctly on older devices, such as Windows XP or ancient feature phones.
Instructions for different Android versions and shells
Electronics manufacturers often modify the standard interface. Android, adding their own shells. This means that menu items may have different names even with the same operating system version. Let's look at the features of popular brands.
On devices Samsung with shell One UI the path looks like this: Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot and tethering → Mobile hotspotHere you can also set up a password and select the frequency range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). For owners Xiaomi (shell MIUI or HyperOS) you should follow this path: Settings → Wi-Fi Hotspot → Set up hotspot.
For devices Huawei And Honor The menu is often hidden under "Wireless & Networks" → "Tethering & Hotspot." If you're using a smartphone with a clean Android (For example, Motorola or Nokia, and also Google Pixel), look for the section "Network and Internet" → "Access point and modem". In some cases, especially on older versions Android 8-9, the option may be called "Portable Hotspot".
☑️ Setting up an access point
Editing a saved network name (SSID)
Sometimes a situation arises when you connect to a network called "Beeline_WiFi_2341", but want it to appear in your list of networks as "Home Internet". Operating system Android allows you to edit the network profile, although functionality may be limited depending on the software version.
To try changing your display name, go to Settings → Wi-FiFind the desired network in the list. If it's active, click the gear icon next to it or long-press (tap) its name. Select "Edit" or "Manage Network." The menu that opens may contain a "Network Name" field (separate from the SSID), which can be edited.
⚠️ Attention: On many stock versions Android The SSID field in the saved network profile is locked for editing. In this case, the system will always display the real router name. To bypass this restriction without Root rights It is practically impossible, as this is a system security limitation.
If you can't change the name using standard tools, you can use third-party applications from Google Play, which can create shortcuts for quick connections with names, but they don't change the system profile. It's also worth remembering that resetting network settings will delete all saved profiles, and you'll have to enter your username and password again.
Table: Comparison of menu paths for different manufacturers
For ease of navigation, we've prepared a summary table to help you quickly find the section you need depending on your smartphone brand. Please note that section names may change slightly after firmware updates.
| Brand / Shell | Path to access point settings | The Path to Wi-Fi Management |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Connections → Mobile Hotspot | Connections → Wi-Fi |
| Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) | Settings → Wi-Fi Hotspot | Settings → Wi-Fi |
| Huawei / Honor | Wireless Networks → Tethering | Wireless Networks → Wi-Fi |
| Google Pixel / Motorola | Network and Internet → Access Point | Network and Internet → Internet |
As you can see from the table, the menu layout logic is similar across vendors, but the wording varies. If you can't find the item you need, use the search bar in your phone's settings. To do this, use the search bar (magnifying glass) in the main settings menu, where you can enter the word "hotspot" or "SSID."