How to change the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) on any router: instructions with pictures and tips

Are you tired of the standard network name like TP-Link_1234 or DIR-615, which is issued by default by the router? Or do you want to hide the manufacturer of the equipment from prying eyes? Changing the Wi-Fi name (the so-called SSID) is one of the first settings you should make after installing your router. It's not just a matter of aesthetics, but also Basic security measure: standard network names are often targeted for attacks because they can easily identify the router model and firmware vulnerabilities..

In this article, we will look at how to change the Wi-Fi name on routers from different manufacturers - from budget ones TP-Link And D-Link to bonuses ASUS RT-AX88U And Keenetic UltraYou'll learn which characters can be used in a network name, why you shouldn't leave the default SSID, and what to do if devices won't connect to the internet after renaming. And for those worried about breaking something, we've prepared a step-by-step checklist before saving changes.

Spoiler: the process takes no more than 5 minutes if you know where to look for the necessary settings. But there are some nuances—for example, on dual-band routers, you'll have to change the names for 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz separately, and on some models Zyxel After changing the SSID, a manual reboot is required. More on this and more below.

Why you need to change the default Wi-Fi network name

Router manufacturers assign standard names to devices like Keenetic-1234 or ASUS_5G There's a reason why. These SSIDs contain encrypted information about the model and sometimes even the firmware version. For the average user, this is convenient—it's immediately clear which network to connect to. But for hackers, it's like an open door:

• 🔍 You can determine the network name router model and find known vulnerabilities in its firmware. For example, old TP-Link WR841N have critical vulnerabilities that are exploited by bots for DDoS attacks.
• 📡 Attackers can create false network with the same name (the Evil Twin attack) and intercept your traffic, including passwords from social networks and banks.
• 📊 Standard SSIDs often indicate that the user has not changed the factory settings, which means the password for the router's admin panel most likely remains admin/admin.

Besides safety, there are also practical reasons:

• 🏠 In an apartment building with a dozen networks TP-Link_XXXX It's difficult to find your own, especially if your neighbors use the same router models.
• 📱 Devices (especially Android And iOS) remember networks by SSID. If you frequently visit places with the same names, your phone may automatically connect to other people's routers.
• 🎮 For gaming consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X) and smart devices (Amazon Echo, Google Nest) It is easier to set up a connection to a network with a unique name.

⚠️ Note: If you live in a building with a lot of Wi-Fi networks (for example, in a high-rise building), avoid using symbols in the name !, @, # and spaces. Some devices (especially older ones) Samsung smartphones and printers HP) may not see such networks or connect to them with errors.

What characters can be used in a Wi-Fi name (SSID)?

Not all characters are allowed in Wi-Fi network names. Standard IEEE 802.11 limits SSID to the following rules:

Maximum SSID length - 32 charactersIf the name is longer, the router will truncate it automatically. The optimal length is 8-15 characters: enough to make the network unique, but not too long to enter on devices without a keyboard (for example, on Smart TV).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use personal information in the network name - address (Moscow_Lenina_15), last name (Ivanov_Family) or apartment number (Flat_42_WiFi). This makes it easier for attackers to carry out targeted attacks.

How to change the Wi-Fi name on routers from different manufacturers

The process for changing the SSID is similar for most routers, but there are some nuances depending on the firmware and model. Below are step-by-step instructions for popular brands. If your model isn't listed, use universal method (described at the end of the section).

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

Routers TP-Link have one of the simplest interfaces. To change the Wi-Fi name:

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 Wireless → Wireless Settings.
4. In the field Network name (SSID) Enter a new name.
5. For dual-band routers, repeat step 4 for the network 5 GHz (chapter 5G wireless mode).
6. Click Save and wait for the router to reboot (1-2 minutes).

On new models TP-Link Deco (mesh systems) the process is a little different:

• 📱 Use the mobile app TP-Link Deco.
• 🔄 Go to More → Wi-Fi Settings.
• 📝 Change Network name For 2.4G And 5G separately.

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

Interface ASUSWRT more advanced, but the logic is the same:

1. Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com.
2. Log in (default login/password - admin/admin).
3. Open Wireless Network → General.
4. In the field SSID Enter a new name.
5. For 5 GHz go to the tab Professionally and find the section 5GHz wireless network.
6. Save the settings and wait for them to be applied (the router will reboot automatically).

On models with support AiMesh (For example, ASUS RT-AX88U Pro) After changing the SSID, you may need to synchronize the nodes. To do this:

1. Go to AiMesh → Topology.
2. Click Synchronize.

3. Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Speedster)

Keenetic uses its own firmware NDMS, where the Wi-Fi settings are hidden deeper:

1. Go to the web interface at 192.168.1.1 or my.keenetic.net.
2. Enter login/password (default - admin/1234 for new models).
3. Go to Home Network → Segments → Main Wi-Fi Network.
4. Click on the name of the current network (Keenetic-XXXX).
5. In the field Name (SSID) Enter a new name.
6. For 5 GHz repeat steps 4-5 in the section Additional Wi-Fi network (5GHz).
7. Save the changes and wait for the reboot (on Keenetic This may take up to 3 minutes).

On models with Wi-Fi 6E (For example, Keenetic Hero 4G) a third range will appear 6 GHzIts settings are located in the section Additional Wi-Fi network (6GHz).

4. Zyxel (Keenetic until 2020, NBG, VR)

Old models Zyxel (before rebranding in Keenetic) and new episodes NBG have different interfaces:

• 🖥️ For Zyxel Keenetic (before 2020) use the instructions for Keenetic higher.
• 📡 For Zyxel NBG6617 and similar:

1. Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1.
2. Default login/password - admin/1234.
3. Go to Network → WLAN → Basic.
4. Change SSID in the field Network Name.
5. For 5 GHz select a tab WLAN 5GHz.
6. Save and reboot the router manually (button Reboot in the section System).

5. D-Link (DIR, DSL, COVR)

Interface D-Link It varies depending on the model, but the general outline is:

1. Go to 192.168.0.1 or dlinkrouter.local.
2. Log in (login - admin, leave the password blank or enter admin).
3. Go to Wi-Fi → Basic Settings.
4. In the field SSID Enter a new name.
5. For dual-band models (DIR-868L, COVR-X1870) repeat step 4 in the section Wi-Fi 5GHz.
6. Click Apply and wait for the reboot.

On mesh systems D-Link COVR SSID can be changed via a mobile app D-Link Wi-Fi:

• 📱 Open the app and select your network.
• 🔧 Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 📝 Change Network name for both ranges.

A universal method for any router

If your model is not on the list or the interface is different, follow this algorithm:

1. Find out your router's IP address:
   • On Windows: open command prompt (Win + R → cmd) and enter ipconfig. Look for the line Main gateway.
   • On Mac/Linux: in the terminal, run netstat -rn | grep default.
   • On Android/iOS: look in the Wi-Fi settings (click on the name of your network).

Enter the received IP into the browser address bar.

Log in (login/password are usually indicated on the router sticker).

Find the Wi-Fi settings section. It's usually called: Wireless, WLAN, Wireless network, Wi-Fi Settings.

Change SSID (may be called Network Name or Network name).

Save the settings and reboot the router.

Make sure the new network name does not contain any prohibited characters.

Make sure you have different names for 2.4GHz and 5GHz (if needed)

Write down the new SSID and password on paper (in case of problems)

Disable the guest network if you are not using it.

Make sure the "Enable wireless network" boxes are checked.

What to do if the Wi-Fi connection is lost after changing the name

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

If nothing helps, reset the router to factory settings:

1. Press and hold the button Reset (usually located on the rear panel) for 10-15 seconds.
2. After rebooting, log into the default control panel (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Please set up your internet and Wi-Fi connection again.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (MikroTik, Ubiquiti) Changing the SSID may disconnect all clients, including those connected via cable. Before changing, back up your settings in the System → Backup.

How to hide a Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and whether it's worth it

Many users think that hiding the SSID (Hide SSID or Hide network) increases security. In fact, this is a myth: an experienced attacker can easily find a hidden network using traffic analyzers like Wireshark or Airodump-ngHowever, there are situations when this is justified:

• 🏢 In offices where Wi-Fi should be available only to employees (but it is better to use WPA3-Enterprise).
• 🏨 In hotels or guest houses, where the network is configured by the administrator.
• 🔒 To temporarily restrict access (for example, during repairs).

How to hide SSID:

1. Go to your router settings.
2. Find the section Wi-Fi → Security Settings or Wireless → Advanced.
3. Activate the option Hide SSID, Hide network or Disable SSID Broadcast.
4. Save the settings.

To connect to a hidden network:

• On Windows: in the list of networks, click Hidden network → Enter the name (SSID) and password.
• On Android/iOS: In the Wi-Fi settings, select Another network or Add a network.
• On Smart TV or printers: use the manual connection function (usually in the Other settings).

⚠️ Warning: Hiding the SSID may cause problems with connecting smart devices (Amazon Echo, Google Home, Xiaomi), as they can't search for hidden networks. This will also make it more difficult for the provider's technical support to diagnose problems.

How to find a hidden Wi-Fi network without special software?

On Android smartphones with a Qualcomm chipset (most flagships), you can use the engineering menu:

1. Enter the code in the phone app ##4636##.

2. Select "Wi-Fi Information".

3. Click "Scan" - all networks will appear in the list, including hidden ones (marked as [hidden]).

This method does not work on all devices and requires superuser (root) rights on some firmware.

Wi-Fi Name Best Practices: Examples and What to Avoid

A good Wi-Fi name should be:

• 🔑 Unique - so as not to confuse with neighboring networks.
• 🔒 Neutral - without personal information.
• 📶 Short — for ease of input on devices without a keyboard.
• 😊 Memorable - so that guests can easily connect.

Examples of successful names:

• HomeNet_5G And HomeNet_2G (to separate ranges).
• Area51_LAN (humorous, but neutral).
• SecureLink_2026 (indicating the year for personal control).
• Guest_WiFi (for guest network).

What to avoid in SSID:

• ❌ Personal information: Ivanov_Family, Moscow_Lenina_45.
• ❌ Offensive or provocative names (may lead to complaints from neighbors).
• ❌ Too long names (>20 characters).
• ❌ Characters that are difficult to enter on some devices (!, @, #).

For business networks (offices, cafes) it is better to use the following format:

[Company Name]_[Network Type]_[Band]
Examples:
CoffeeShop_Public_2G
TechCorp_Staff_5G

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing your Wi-Fi name

Do I need to change my Wi-Fi password after changing the network name?

No, you don't have to do this. The network name (SSID) and password are different settings. However, It is recommended to update your password every 6-12 months. For security reasons, especially if you've shared it with guests or roommates. If you change your SSID because you suspect it's been hacked, you should definitely update the password.

Can I use emojis in my Wi-Fi name?

Technically, some routers (for example, ASUS with Merlin firmware) allow you to enter emoji into the SSID, but this is a bad ideaMost devices (especially older smartphones, printers, and game consoles) can't display or connect to these networks. If you're really looking for something original, use text symbols: <3_WiFi or Star_Wars_Fan.

Why don't some devices connect after changing the Wi-Fi name?

This problem occurs for three reasons:

1. Cached settingsThe device remembers the old SSID. Solution: "Forget" the network in the Wi-Fi settings and reconnect.
2. Unsupported charactersThe new name contains spaces, emoji, or Cyrillic characters. Solution: Simplify the name to Latin characters and numbers.
3. Reset security settings: On some routers (D-Link, Tenda) changing the SSID resets the encryption type to WEP (unsafe) Solution: check what is worth WPA2-PSK or WPA3.

How to change the Wi-Fi name from your phone without a computer?

Most modern routers support configuration via mobile apps:

• 📱 TP-Link: application Tether.
• 📱 ASUS: ASUS Router.
• 📱 Keenetic: My Keenetic.
• 📱 D-Link: D-Link Wi-Fi.

If you don't have the app, use your smartphone's browser:

1. Connect to your router's Wi-Fi.
2. Enter in the address bar of your browser 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
3. Log in and change the SSID as you would on a computer.

On iPhone You may need to use your browser in "Desktop Sites" mode (in Safari click AA → Request site for PC).

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

It depends on your devices:

• ✅ One Name (Smart Connect) convenient if you have modern devices (iPhone 12+, Samsung Galaxy