How to change the Wi-Fi network name on a TP-Link router: instructions with pictures

Have you noticed how annoying standard network names like TP-Link_1234 or Archer_C50 in the list of available Wi-Fi networks? Such a name not only looks unsightly, but also gives away your router's model—a potential loophole for hackers. Fortunately, changing SSID (this is the scientific name of the wireless network) takes only 5 minutes if you know the correct algorithm.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions with pictures for all popular models TP-Link (from budget TL-WR840N to the flagship Archer AX73), you'll learn why you shouldn't use personal information in your network name and how to avoid common setup mistakes. And if your Wi-Fi name isn't saved after you change it, we have a solution for that, too.

Before you begin, make sure you have the following on hand:

• 🔌 Router TP-Link with power connected
• 💻 A computer, laptop, or smartphone connected to the router via cable or Wi-Fi
• 📝 Come up with a new network name (we'll give you tips on how to choose one)

Why you should change the default Wi-Fi name

Manufacturers assign standard SSIDs to routers like TP-Link_XXXX It's not out of laziness—it's easier to identify the device during initial setup. But leaving this name for too long can have serious consequences:

• 🔍 Vulnerability for hackers. By model name (Archer C6, TL-WR940N) attackers can find vulnerabilities in a specific firmware on the network and attack it specifically.
• 🏠 Confusion in apartment buildingsIf there are 10 network neighbors with names TP-Link_1234 And TP-Link_5678, you will constantly connect to the wrong Wi-Fi.
• 📡 Problems with roamingIn mesh systems TP-Link Deco Having the same SSID on all nodes is normal, but for regular routers, duplicate names create conflicts.

Moreover, TP-Link routers with factory settings are often targeted by botnets (such as Mirai) that scan networks with default SSIDs and passwords.By changing your network name and setting a strong password, you reduce the risk of becoming part of a zombie network for DDoS attacks.

But there is also a downside: a name that is too original, like FBI Investigative Department No. 5 This could attract unwanted attention or cause connection issues on some devices (especially for guests). A neutral but memorable name is best.

How to access TP-Link router settings

To change the SSID, you first need to access the router's web interface. To do this:

1. Make sure your device (PC, laptop, smartphone) is connected to the router via cable Or via Wi-Fi. If you're using a wireless connection and the network name changes, you'll be automatically disconnected from the internet.

2. Open any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and enter one of the IP addresses in the address bar:

   192.168.0.1
   or
   192.168.1.1

   For models TP-Link Deco use the address deco.tplinkra.com.

3. Enter your username and password. If you haven't changed them, try the default combinations:

   Router model	Login	Password
   Archer C50/C60, TL-WR840N/841N	admin	admin
   Archer AX10/AX20	admin	(empty field)
   Deco M4/M5	admin	password from the sticker on the device
   TD-W8961N (modem-router)	admin	admin or password

If the default settings aren't suitable and you've forgotten them, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings. To do this:

⚠️ Attention: Reset will delete all settings, including the Wi-Fi password, provider binding, and parental control rules. After the procedure, the router will revert to the factory SSID.

• 🔧 Press and hold the button Reset (usually it is recessed into the case and requires a paper clip) within 10 seconds.
• 💡 Wait until all the indicators on the router turn off and then turn on again.

Step-by-step instructions for changing the SSID

Once you access the web interface, the steps will vary slightly depending on your router model. We'll cover the three most common options.

1. Classic interface (TL-WR840N, Archer C50, C60)

This design is used in most budget and mid-budget models:

1. In the menu on the left, select Wireless → Wireless Settings.

2. In the field Wireless network name (SSID) Enter a new name (up to 32 characters, no spaces or special characters like @, #, $).

3. Leave the checkbox next to it Enable wireless broadcasting (otherwise Wi-Fi will turn off).

4. Click SaveThe router will reboot (takes ~30 seconds).

2. New interface (Archer AX10, AX20, AX50)

On routers with Wi-Fi 6 support, the menu looks different:

1. Go to Advanced settings → Wireless mode → Settings.

2. In the block 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz (depending on range) change field Network name (SSID).

3. If you have a dual-band router, repeat the step for the second band (you can set the same or different names).

4. Click Save and confirm the reboot.

3. TP-Link Deco mesh systems

IN Deco Network settings are synchronized between all nodes, so you need to change the SSID in the main menu:

1. Open the app TP-Link Deco on a smartphone.

2. Go to More → Wireless Network → Wi-Fi Settings.

3. In the field Network name Enter the new SSID. For dual-band models (Deco X20, X60) you can set separate names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

4. Save changes. All nodes Deco will reboot automatically.

The new name does not contain personal information (full name, address, telephone number)

The name is unique (does not match the neighbors' networks)

Different names are chosen for the dual-band router (for example, MyWiFi_2G and MyWiFi_5G)

The "Enable wireless broadcasting" checkbox is checked -->

How to choose a secure and convenient Wi-Fi name

It might seem like there's nothing wrong with a network name. In practice, users often encounter problems due to poor SSID selection. Here are the key rules:

• 🚫 Do not use:
  • Personal data (Ivanov_kv45, Masha_1990)
  • Router model names (TP-Link_Archer_C6)
  • Provocative phrases (Virus_Here, FSB is listening)
  • Symbols #, %, & - they may cause connection errors on some devices.
• ✅ Optimal options:
  • MyHomeWiFi_2G / MyHomeWiFi_5G (for dual-band routers)
  • Starbucks_Free (Joke for guests, but don't use real names of nearby cafes)
  • LAN_404 (neutral and memorable)

If you want to add some originality, use SSID generators (For example, WiFi Name Generator), but avoid names that are too long - they may be cut off on some devices.

For owners TP-Link Omada (Corporate solutions) It's important to note that the SSID in such systems is often tied to a VLAN. Changing the name may require reconfiguring network policies.

Why can't I use Cyrillic in SSID?

Some devices (especially older printers, game consoles, and smart light bulbs) don't support UTF-8 encoding in network names. This can result in gadgets simply not seeing your Wi-Fi or connecting with errors. Latin characters are the universal standard.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after successfully changing the SSID, users sometimes encounter problems. Here are the most common scenarios and how to fix them:

If you lose internet connection after changing your SSID, check:

• 🔌 Connecting the cable from the provider to the router (indicator WAN should be green).
• 📶 Settings WAN (PPPoE or DHCP data may have been reset).
• 🔄 Try manually updating the IP address on your device (ipconfig /release → ipconfig /renew in Windows).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions TP-Link (Especially on older versions) changing the SSID may reset the Wi-Fi password. If you can't connect, try the default password from the sticker on the router or reset the settings.

Additional settings for advanced users

If you don't just want to change the network name, but also optimize your Wi-Fi performance, pay attention to these options (available in Advanced settings → Wireless mode):

• 📶 Channel and channel width:

  By default, the router selects a channel automatically, but in multi-apartment buildings this often leads to interference. Use apps like WiFi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (Windows/Mac) to find the least crowded channel (e.g. 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz). Set the channel width for 5 GHz to 80 MHz (if your devices support it).

• 🔒 Hiding SSID:

  Option Hide SSID makes the network invisible to outsiders, but this false security — an experienced hacker will find it in seconds. However, guests will have to enter the network name manually. Use only if absolutely necessary.

• 🔄 Guest network:

  In models Archer AX And Deco You can create a separate network for guests with limited access to local devices. This is useful if you frequently share Wi-Fi but don't want to compromise the security of your main network.

For owners TP-Link Omada function available Band Steering — it automatically switches devices between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands depending on the load. For it to work correctly, the names of both bands must match.

How to change the SSID using the TP-Link Tether mobile app

If you prefer to configure your router from your smartphone, use the official app. TP-Link Tether (available for Android And iOS). The algorithm is simpler than through the web interface:

1. Download and install the application from App Store or Google Play.

2. Connect to the router's network (if the name has changed, use the old one).

3. Launch Tether and select your router from the list. Enter the login/password (default admin/admin).

4. Go to Settings → Wireless Network.

5. Change Network name (SSID) for 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz.

6. Save the changes and wait for the router to reboot (~1 minute).

Application Tether also allows:

• 📊 View the list of connected devices.
• 🔒 Changes Wi-Fi password without logging into the web interface.
• 📱 Set up parental controls and time limits.

⚠️ Attention: In some versions Tether (Especially for older routers) After changing the SSID, access to the app may be lost. If this happens, connect to the router via cable or use the web interface.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi name without accessing the router?

No. You can only change the SSID through the router's web interface or mobile app. TP-Link Tether/DecoIf you don't know the login password, you'll have to reset the router to factory settings (using the button) Reset).

How many characters can a Wi-Fi name have?

The maximum SSID length is 32 characters. However, we recommend using no more than 15–20 characters, as long names may be truncated on some devices (such as printers or smart TVs).

Do I need to change my network name if I have a TP-Link Deco mesh system?

IN Deco All nodes use the same SSID, so you only need to change it in the main menu of the application. If you have a dual-band model (Deco M5, X60), you can set different names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz or keep them the same for seamless roaming.

Why do some devices not connect after changing the SSID?

This can happen for several reasons:

• The device has remembered the old network settings. Try "forgetting" the network in the Wi-Fi settings and reconnecting.
• The new name uses unsupported characters (such as Cyrillic or emoji). Change the SSID to Latin characters.
• The MAC address filter is enabled on the router. Check the list of allowed devices in Wireless Mode → MAC Filter.

How do I restore my old Wi-Fi name if I forgot the new one?

If you don't remember the new SSID, connect to the router via cable and access the web interface via 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1In the wireless network settings, you'll see the current name and can change it back. If you can't access it via cable, the only option is to reset the router using the button. Reset.