Changing the name of a wireless network is one of the first tasks a user faces when initially installing equipment, but it often becomes necessary to do this during operation. SSID (Service Set Identifier) β This is the technical name of your network, which appears in the list of available connections on any device. Standard names assigned by manufacturers often contain complex combinations of numbers and letters, making it difficult to find the desired connection among neighboring networks.
There are two main ways to change the network name: directly through the provider's or router's mobile app, or through the router's web interface. It's important to understand that renaming the network on the router itself will automatically update the information on all connected devices, but will require re-entering the password on previously paired devices. If you want to change how your phone appears when it's sharing internet, the process will differ and depend on the operating system.
In this article, we will examine in detail all possible scenarios: from setting up TP-Link And Keenetic before changing the access point settings on Android And iOSWe'll cover not only technical steps but also security rules to help protect your home network from unwanted visitors. Choosing the right network name is the first line of defense for your digital space.
Why is it important to change the default Wi-Fi network name?
Many users ignore the standard network name assigned by the manufacturer, for example, TP-LINK_5G_3A2B or ASUS_2.4. However, using the factory SSID carries certain security risks. Attackers, knowing your router model by its name prefix, can more quickly identify vulnerabilities specific to a specific manufacturer or series of equipment.
Furthermore, in apartment buildings, where the airwaves are saturated with signals, a unique name helps quickly identify your network. Imagine a situation where there are ten networks with the same name available in the list. Beeline_WiFi or DomruIn such a situation, it is easy to make a mistake and connect to someone else's node, which can lead to traffic leakage or attempted attacks like Man-in-the-Middle.
A custom name also allows you to hide information about the technical equipment in your home. If the name doesn't indicate that it's a router MikroTik or Zyxel, the hacker will have to spend more time on reconnaissance, which often scares off those looking for easy prey.
β οΈ Caution: Avoid using personal information, such as your last name, apartment number, or address, in your network name (SSID). This makes your network easily identifiable to attackers who may be physically located near your home.
Changing the name is also useful for separating frequency bands. Modern routers often broadcast two signals: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Adding suffixes _2.4G And _5G to the name will help you manually select a higher speed or longer range depending on the current tasks.
How to change the Wi-Fi name via the router's web interface
The most reliable and universal way to rename a network is to access the router's settings. This method works for any model, whether Asus, Tenda or D-Link, and gives you complete control over your streaming settings. First, connect to your router via cable or Wi-Fi and open any browser.
In the address bar, you need to enter the IP address of the device. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1The exact address, as well as the default login and password, are usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the device. After entering the credentials, the control panel will open, where the interface may vary depending on the firmware version.
You'll need to find the section responsible for wireless networking. It may have different names in different firmware versions: Wireless, Wi-Fi Network, Wireless mode or WLANThis is where the field is located. SSID or Network Name, which needs to be edited.
Below is a table with addresses and typical settings paths for popular router brands to help you navigate the menu more quickly:
| Router brand | Entrance address | Path to name setting | Editing field |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless -> Wireless Settings | SSID (Wireless Network Name) |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless Network -> General Settings | SSID |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network | Network name (SSID) |
| MikroTik | 192.168.88.1 | Wireless -> Double-click on the interface | SSID |
After changing the field SSID Be sure to press the button Save (Save) or Apply (Apply). The router may reboot the wireless module, and the internet connection on your phone or laptop will be temporarily interrupted. This is normal system behavior.
βοΈ Check before saving settings
Setting up a network name via the router's mobile app
Modern network equipment manufacturers are increasingly switching to mobile app-based management. This significantly simplifies life for users who don't want to navigate complex web interface menus. Apps such as Tether from TP-Link, Asus Router or Mi Wi-Fi from Xiaomi, allow you to manage your network from anywhere in the world.
First, make sure your smartphone is connected to the router's Wi-Fi network or has an active mobile data connection if the router supports remote management. Open the appropriate app and log in. If you're setting up the device for the first time, you may need to create a manufacturer account.
The app's main menu usually displays the network status and the name of the current access point. Find the section Wi-Fi Settings (Wi-Fi Settings) or WirelessThere will be a field for changing the network name. Unlike the web interface, this one is adapted for touchscreens, and the desired option is often readily visible.
Some applications allow you to set separate names for guest and main networks, as well as for different frequency bands. This provides flexibility in managing access for different user groups.
β οΈ Warning: Changing settings through the app may reset the router's Wi-Fi module. Your phone will lose internet connection while the settings are being applied. Don't panic, simply reconnect to the network with the new name.
After entering the new name, confirm the changes. The app may prompt you to scan a QR code to quickly connect guests to the updated network. This is a convenient feature that eliminates the need to dictate a complex password.
What should I do if the app doesn't see the router?
If the app can't find your router, make sure GPS (geolocation) is enabled on your phone. On Android, this is a requirement for scanning Wi-Fi networks. Also, make sure you're connected to the router's network and not your mobile data if the app is running in local mode.
How to rename a hotspot on Android
Often users want to change not the name of the network they are connected to, but the name of their phone when it is in modem mode. This is called Wi-Fi hotspotOn smartphones running Android The process may differ slightly depending on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI etc.).
To get started, go to Settings your device. Find the section Connections, Network and Internet or Other connections. Are you interested in the item? Access point and modem (Hotspot & Tethering). This is where the naming settings for your newly created network are hidden.
Click on Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot or simply Wi-Fi hotspotA window will open where you can change the network name (SSID) and password. By default, it displays the phone model name, for example, Samsung Galaxy S21, which is not always convenient to hide in places.
- π± Open
Settingsand select Connections. - π‘ Go to Mobile hotspot or Modem mode.
- βοΈ Click Tune or Access point name.
- πΎ Enter a new name and save the changes by clicking the button
Save.
It's important to note that changing the access point name doesn't affect the Bluetooth device name. If you plan to share the internet via Bluetooth, you'll need to configure it separately in the appropriate menu section.
Changing iPhone's name when sharing Wi-Fi
Device owners Apple You should know an important detail: iOS doesn't have a separate name setting just for tethering. The name of the Wi-Fi network your iPhone, exactly matches the device name set in the system. This is done for consistency: the phone's name in contacts, AirDrop, and Bluetooth is the same name it will have on Wi-Fi.
To change the network name, you need to rename the phone itself. Go to Settings, then select Main (General). At the very top of the list there will be an item About this device (About). Click on the field Name (Name) and enter the desired name.
Once you rename your device, the changes will take effect immediately. If Personal Hotspot is enabled at this time, other users will need to search for the network under the new name. This also applies to all other Apple services, such as Airdrop And Find My.
You should be careful when using emoji in your iPhone name. While iOS supports them, some older devices Windows or Android may display them incorrectly or see squares instead, making it difficult to find your network.
Connection issues after changing network name
Once you've changed the network name on your router, all your devices (smartphones, laptops, TVs) will stop automatically connecting to the internet. To them, this will appear as if the old network has disappeared and a new one has appeared, even if the password remains the same.
You'll need to manually select the new network from the list of available connections on each device and re-enter the password. This is standard security protocol behavior. WPA2/WPA3: Binding is done specifically to the SSID. If there are many devices, the process may take time.
Sometimes the issue of "duplicate" profiles arises. The device may remember an old network with the same name (if you restored the old name or set up a guest network with a similar name), but with different security settings. In this case, find the old network in the list of known networks on your computer or phone and select the option Forget the network (Forget Network).
- ποΈ On your phone, tap the gear next to the network name and select Delete.
- π» On Windows, right-click on Wi-Fi and select Forget.
- πΊ On your Smart TV, find the network management option deep within the settings menu.
It's also possible that after changing the name, some smart devices (light bulbs, sockets, vacuum cleaners) will lose connection with the router. They typically need to be reconfigured through the manufacturer's app, re-pairing them with the new network.
What should I do if my router doesn't save the new name?
If you enter a new name and click "Save," but the name remains the same after rebooting, check the following: the name may contain invalid characters (some routers don't accept trailing spaces or special characters). Also, try resetting your browser settings or using incognito mode. In rare cases, a full reset of the router to factory settings (Reset button) may help, but this will erase all your provider settings.
Is it possible to use Russian letters in the Wi-Fi name?
Technically, the standard allows for the use of UTF-8, and many modern routers display Cyrillic. However, older devices (10-year-old laptops, old printers, game consoles) may not recognize a network with a Russian name or display gibberish. For maximum compatibility, it's best to use the Latin alphabet.
Does the length of a network name affect internet speed?
No, the SSID length (up to 32 bytes) does not affect data transfer speed or connection stability. However, an excessively long name may not be fully displayed on some devices, making it difficult to select a network. The optimal length is 5 to 15 characters.
How to hide network name (SSID Broadcast)?
You can disable SSID broadcasting in your router settings. The network will become "Hidden." To connect to it, you'll need to manually enter the name and security type on each device. This provides a false sense of security, as professional scanners will still see network activity, but it will protect you from random neighbors.