How to Rename Wi-Fi on a MikroTik Router: 3 Methods + Expert Tips

Changing the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) on your equipment MikroTik — a task that every home or corporate network administrator faces sooner or later. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process has its nuances: from choosing the right interface to taking into account security protocols. In this article, we'll examine all the current methods for renaming a network, including working through Winbox, WebFig And command line, and we will also give recommendations on optimizing settings after changing the SSID.

We'll pay special attention to common errors that lead to connection interruptions or device conflicts. For example, why do some devices stop connecting after renaming, even though the password hasn't changed? Or how can you avoid a situation where your router creates two networks with different names? You'll find the answers to these questions below, along with step-by-step instructions and expert advice.

Why you might need to rename Wi-Fi on MikroTik

Changing a wireless network name isn't just a cosmetic change. Here are the most common reasons why administrators resort to this tweak:

• 🔄 Network rebranding: changing the name of a company, office, or home network for consistency (e.g. from TP-Link_1234 on Office_Center_Floor2).
• 🛡️ Improving security: standard names like MikroTik-XXXX They give out the router model, which makes things easier for attackers.
• 📶 Separation of networks: Create separate SSIDs for guests, IoT devices, or service traffic (e.g. Guest_WiFi And Internal_Staff).
• 🔧 Conflict resolution: If there are networks with the same name within range, devices may connect to the wrong router.

Interesting fact: According to research Wi-Fi AllianceNetworks with unique names (not containing the router model name) are 30% less likely to be targeted by "evil twin" attacks. This is because automated attacker scripts often scan networks using standard name patterns.

⚠️ Important: If you are changing the SSID in an office network with a large number of devices (50+), notify users in advance. Some operating systems (e.g., Windows 10/11) may store old connection settings in the cache, which will lead to delays when you first connect to a new network.

Method 1: Renaming Wi-Fi via Winbox (recommended method)

Winbox - proprietary graphical interface from MikroTik, which offers maximum control over your router settings. This method is suitable for both beginners and experienced users. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect to the router: run Winbox, select your device from the list (or enter the IP address manually) and log in.
2. Go to the wireless interfaces section: in the left menu, open Wireless → Interfaces.
3. Select the desired interface: usually it is wlan1 or wlan2 (Depends on the model). Double-click on it.
4. Change the SSID: in the window that opens, find the field SSID and enter a new network name. Latin letters, numbers, and symbols are accepted. -, _.
5. Save the settings: click OK and confirm the changes. The router will automatically restart the wireless module.

If the network name has not changed after saving, check:

• 🔌 Are you connected to the router via cable (the Wi-Fi connection will be disconnected when applying the settings).
• 🔄 Is the mode not enabled? Hide SSID (hidden network) - this needs to be disabled if you want the name to be displayed.
• 📡 Is the correct wireless interface selected (some models have several).

Is the router connected via Ethernet cable?

Have you made a backup of your current settings?

Is "Hide SSID" mode disabled (if you want the network to be visible)?

Have access rights been verified (full admin access)-->

⚠️ Attention: On routers MikroTik with dual-band Wi-Fi (for example, hAP ac³ or RB4011) There may be two separate interfaces for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. If you want the networks to have the same name, rename both interfaces!

Method 2: Using WebFig (web interface)

WebFig - alternative Winbox, accessible through a browser. This method is convenient if you are unable to install Winbox on your computer or are you working with Chromebook/MacInstructions:

1. Open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.88.1). Log in.
2. Go to the section Wireless → Interfaces (menu on the left).
3. Click on the name of the interface you need (for example, wlan1).
4. In the field Name (This is the internal interface name, not the SSID!) Do not change anything. Find the field SSID and enter a new name.
5. Scroll down and click Apply, then OK.

Advantage WebFig — the ability to work from mobile devices. However, this interface has a limitation: it may not display all settings on older firmware versions. If the changes are not applied after saving, update the router firmware or use Winbox.

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

If after pressing Apply changes are reset, check:

1. User rights - the account must have full rights (full).

2. Firmware version - V RouterOS Below 6.48 there may be bugs with the web interface.

3. Browser cache - try to open it WebFig in incognito mode or another browser.

4. Alternative port — sometimes connecting to port 8080 helps (for example, 192.168.88.1:8080).

For models MikroTik with support CAPsMAN (Centralized Access Point Management) The renaming process is different. In this case, the SSID is configured in the CAPsMAN → Configuration, and not in interfaces.

Method 3: Command Line Interface (CLI) for Advanced Users

If you prefer to work through the console or configure the router remotely SSH, use command lineThis method is the fastest and most versatile, but requires knowledge of syntax. RouterOS.

Open the terminal in Winbox (button Terminal) or connect via SSH, then run the commands:

/interface wireless set [ find default-name=wlan1 ] ssid="New_network_name"

Where:

• wlan1 — the name of the wireless interface (check in /interface wireless print).
• "New_network_name" — the desired SSID (in quotation marks if the name contains spaces).

To apply the changes, restart the interface:

/interface wireless disable [ find default-name=wlan1 ]
/interface wireless enable [ find default-name=wlan1 ]

Important: If you're connected to the router via Wi-Fi, the connection will be lost after executing this command. Always use a backup connection (Ethernet or a second Wi-Fi interface) for CLI configuration.

Additional settings after renaming Wi-Fi

Changing the SSID is just the first step. To ensure a stable and secure network, we recommend the following:

1. Check name compatibility: Some devices (especially older printers or IP cameras) do not support SSIDs longer than 32 characters or with Cyrillic characters.
2. Update your password: If you change the network name for security reasons, update the password as well. Use the standard WPA3-PSK (or WPA2-PSK for compatibility).
3. Set up a guest network: If your router supports multiple SSIDs, create a separate network for guests with limited access to local resources.
4. Check channels and powerAfter renaming, make sure the router doesn't conflict with neighboring networks. Use the command /interface wireless scan for ether analysis.

Example of setting up a guest network via CLI:

/interface wireless security-profiles add name=guest_profile mode=dynamic-keys authentication-types=wpa2-psk unicast-ciphers=aes-ccm group-ciphers=aes-ccm wpa2-pre-shared-key="password_for_guests"
/interface wireless add master-interface=wlan1 name=wlan1-guest security-profile=guest_profile ssid="Guest_WiFi" disabled=no

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even experienced administrators sometimes encounter problems when renaming Wi-Fi on MikroTikHere are the most common errors and how to fix them:

• 🔌 Lost connection after applying settingsThis is normal if you were connected via Wi-Fi. Connect via cable or a second wireless interface (if available).
• 🔄 The router creates two networks with different names.: You probably have it turned on Virtual AP or CAPsMANCheck the list of interfaces with the command /interface wireless print.
• 📵 Devices don't see the new network:
  • Make sure the interface is not disabled (disabled=no).
  • Check that the network is not hidden (hide-ssid=no).
  • Reboot your router (/system reboot).
• 🔒 The password doesn't work after renaming.: Changing the SSID does not affect security settings. If the password no longer works, check security-profile in the interface settings.

Special situation: if after renaming the router starts to "glitch" (spontaneously reboot or lose settings), this may indicate:

• Lack of memory (relevant for older models like RB750).
• Conflict with other settings (eg. Nstreme or WDS).
• File system corruption (factory reset will help).

Security after renaming Wi-Fi

Changing your SSID is a good reason to review your network's other security settings. Here's what we recommend:

1. Disable legacy protocols: in security settings (/interface wireless security-profiles) make sure that only the following are included WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSKProtocols WEP And WPA are unsafe.
2. Use a complex password: minimum length is 12 characters, with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Example: K7#pL9@mN2!qR5.
3. Configure MAC address filtering (optional): This will add an extra layer of security, but may make connecting new devices more difficult. Commands:

   /interface wireless access-list add mac-address=00:11:22:33:44:55 interface=wlan1

4. Enable brute force protection: limit the number of connection attempts:

   /interface wireless security-profiles set [ find default=yes ] supplicant-identity="" authentication-types=wpa2-psk,wpa3-psk group-ciphers=aes-ccm,aes-gcm unicast-ciphers=aes-ccm,aes-gcm

For models MikroTik with support Wireless Wire (For example, Wireless Wire Dish) or NV2 (minutes from MikroTik) additional security settings may be required in the relevant sections.

⚠️ Attention: If your router is used in a public place (cafe, hotel), never name the network in a way that it is associated with the brand of the establishment (for example, Starbucks_Free_WiFi). Attackers can create a fake network with a similar name to intercept traffic. Use neutral names like Cafe_Guest_5GHz.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about renaming Wi-Fi on MikroTik

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

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Some devices (especially older ones or those with non-standard firmware) may display networks with Cyrillic characters in the SSID incorrectly or not at all. If you need a Russian name, use transliteration (e.g., Domashniy_WiFi instead of Home_WiFi).

After renaming my Wi-Fi network, some devices won't connect. What should I do?

This issue is usually related to old settings being cached on client devices. Try:

1. "Forget" the network on the problematic device and reconnect.
2. Reboot the device.
3. Temporarily disable protection on the router (security-profile=none), connect, then return security settings.
4. Update the Wi-Fi adapter drivers on your device.

If the problem persists, check your settings DTIM And Beacon Interval in the router interface - sometimes non-standard values ​​cause conflicts.

How to rename Wi-Fi on MikroTik using the mobile app?

Official mobile app MikroTik (available for Android And iOS) has limited functionality compared to WinboxTo rename Wi-Fi:

1. Connect to the router via the app.
2. Go to the section Wireless.
3. Select the desired interface and click Edit.
4. Change the field SSID and save the settings.

Please note: Some versions of the application require a manual reboot of the router after saving.

Is it possible to rename Wi-Fi on MikroTik without rebooting the router?

Yes, but with some caveats. When changing the SSID through Winbox or WebFig The router automatically restarts only the wireless interface, not the entire device. However:

• If you have it enabled CAPsMAN, a controller reboot may be required.
• On older versions RouterOS (below 6.43) sometimes a full reboot is required to apply changes.
• If you change security settings at the same time as the SSID, it's best to reboot the router manually.

How can I make my MikroTik router distribute two networks with different names?

To do this you need to create virtual access points (Virtual AP) Do the following:

1. Open Winbox and go to Wireless → Interfaces.
2. Click on the main interface (eg. wlan1) and press the button Plus (+) to create a virtual AP.
3. In the new interface, please specify another one SSID, set up a separate security-profile (if a different password is needed).
4. Save the settings and restart the interface.

Now the router will distribute two networks simultaneously. This method works on all models. MikroTik with support Virtual AP (most modern devices).