How to change the name of a Wi-Fi router: instructions for all models

The name of your Wi-Fi network (or SSID) is the first thing neighbors and guests see when searching for available connections. Standard names like TP-Link_1234 or ASUS_5G Not only do they look unsightly, but they also reveal your router's model, which can be a vulnerability for hackers. Changing the network name can be done in 2-3 minutes through the router's web interface, but the process varies depending on the manufacturer and firmware.

In this article you will find:

• 🔧 Step-by-step instructions for TP-Link, ASUS, Xiaomi, Keenetic and other popular brands
• 🔒 How to choose a secure and memorable network name
• ⚡ What to do if the new name doesn't apply or the network disappears
• 📡 How to change the SSID for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz separately (for dual-band routers)

Before you begin, make sure you have access to your router's administrative panel. This usually requires a cable or Wi-Fi connection and knowledge of Router IP address (more often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and login details (logs/default password are indicated on the device sticker).

1. How to access router settings to change the Wi-Fi name

The first step is to log in to the router's web interface. Without this, you won't be able to change anything. SSID, no password, or other network settings. The login process is the same for most models, but there are some nuances.

Standard sequence of actions:

1. Connect to your router via cable (recommended) or Wi-Fi. If you're already connected to the network you want to rename, simply open your browser.
2. In the address bar, enter 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Less commonly used. 192.168.8.1 (at Xiaomi), 192.168.100.1 (for some ZTE) or my.keenetic.net (at Keenetic).
3. Enter your login and password. By default, this is often admin/admin, but on newer models you may need to create an account the first time you sign in.

If the default address does not work, check:

• 🔌 Connect to the router (the indicators should be on)
• 🌐 Correct IP input (without http:// or www)
• 🔄 Reboot the router (using the button) Reset or turning off the power for 30 seconds)
• 📋 A sticker on the back of the device - it may contain a unique address

⚠️ Note: If you have previously changed your admin panel password and have forgotten it, the only way to reset the settings is to click the button Reset on the router (usually it's recessed and requires a paperclip). This will reset all settings to factory defaults, including the Wi-Fi name and password.

Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi|

Find out the IP address of the admin panel|

Prepare login/password for entry|

Check the stability of the router's power supply (do not disconnect it during setup)

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2. Instructions for changing the Wi-Fi name for popular brands

Router interfaces vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Below are the current settings paths as of 2026. SSID for the most common brands. If your model isn't listed, look in the section Wireless, Wi-Fi or Wireless network.

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

U TP-Link two interface options: classic (Archer C6, TL-WR841N) and new (Deco, Archer AX10).

• 📌 Classic interface: Basic → Wireless (for 2.4 GHz) or Advanced → Wireless → Wireless Settings (for 5 GHz). Field Network Name (SSID).
• 📌 New interface: Network → Wi-FiHere you can rename both networks separately.

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

Routers ASUS have one of the most user-friendly interfaces. To change SSID:

1. Go to Wireless network (or Wireless (in the English version).
2. Tab General (General).
3. Field Network name (SSID)For dual-band models, there will be two blocks here: one for 2.4 GHz and one for 5 GHz.

2.3. Xiaomi (Mi Router, AIoT Router)

Xiaomi uses a cloud interface, so to change SSID an account may be required Mi Account.

• 📌 Path: Wi-Fi settings → Basic Settings.
• 📌 Feature: On some firmware versions, the network name only changes after rebooting the router.

2.4. Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Viva)

U Keenetic two interface options: NDMS v2 (old) and KeeneticOS (new).

2.5. D-Link (DIR, DVA)

U D-Link settings SSID hidden in the section Wi-Fi → Basic Settings. Feature: on some models (DIR-825) after changing the name, you need to manually save the settings using the button Apply at the bottom of the page.

⚠️ Attention: On routers with firmware from the provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) the path to the settings may differ. Sometimes the section Wi-Fi blocked - in this case, please contact your operator's support.

3. How to choose a safe and convenient name for Wi-Fi

Change SSID It's not just about aesthetics, but also a safety issue. A poorly chosen name can:

• 🔓 Make it easier to hack a network (if the name contains the router model or personal information).
• 📵 Cause conflicts with neighboring networks (if the name matches someone else's).
• 😤 Create inconvenience for guests (the name is too complicated or unreadable).

Recommendations for choosing a name:

• ✅ Use Latin alphabet and numbers. Cyrillic and special characters (for example, #, @) may cause problems on some devices.
• ✅ Length - from 8 to 32 characters. Too short names (for example, MyWiFi) are easy to select, but too long ones are difficult to enter.
• ✅ Avoid personal information: names, addresses, phone numbers.
• ✅ Do not specify the router model (for example, ASUS_RT-AX88U) - this helps hackers find vulnerabilities.

Examples of good names:

• GreenLantern5G (for 5 GHz)
• CoffeeTime_24 (for 2.4 GHz)
• Area51_Guest (for guest network)

Examples bad titles:

• Ivanov_Family_123 (personal data)
• TP-Link_ArcherC6 (router model)
• FREE_WIFI_HERE (Cyrillic + provocative name)

4. How to change the Wi-Fi name on dual-band routers (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

Dual-band routers (dual-band) two separate networks broadcast: on the frequency 2.4 GHz (higher range, lower speed) and 5 GHz (higher speed, but shorter range). Many users mistakenly think they are changing the name for both bands at the same time, but in fact, they can be renamed separately.

How to do it:

1. Go to your router settings (see Section 1).
2. Find the section Wi-Fi or Wireless.
3. There are usually two blocks here: 2.4GHz And 5GHz (or Band 1/Band 2).
4. Change SSID for each range separately. For example:
   • MyHomeNet_24 — for 2.4 GHz
   • MyHomeNet_5G — for 5 GHz

Why this is important:

• 📶 Devices older than 2015 (such as some smartphones or printers) may not support 5 GHz. If you give two networks the same name, they will automatically connect to 2.4 GHz even if 5 GHz is available.
• 🔄 Different names allow you to manually select a network depending on your needs: 5 GHz is better for 4K video, and 2.4 GHz is better for a smart home (distant sensors).

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (TP-Link Deco, Google Nest WiFi) 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks are combined into one with technology Smart ConnectIn this case, it is impossible to change their names separately - they will be broadcast under one SSID.

5. Common errors and problems when changing the Wi-Fi name

Even after the correct change SSID Problems may arise. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

ipconfig /flushdns

If after the shift SSID The internet connection disappears on all devices, check:

• 🔌 Connecting the router to the provider (are the indicators on?) WAN or Internet).
• 🔄 Settings WAN (the connection type may have been reset - PPPoE, DHCP etc.).
• 📡 Wi-Fi channel (if a manual channel is selected, it may conflict with neighboring networks).

If the router starts rebooting constantly after changing the SSID, this is a sign of corrupted firmware. Don't try resetting the settings using the Reset button; immediately re-flash the device using the web interface or the manufacturer's utility (e.g. TP-Link Tether or ASUS Firmware Restoration).

6. Additional settings after changing the Wi-Fi name

Change SSID — a good reason to check other network parameters as well. This will help improve speed, stability, and security.

6.1. Optimizing the Wi-Fi channel

If you have a lot of neighbors in your building, their networks may interfere. To select the least crowded channel:

1. Download the app to your smartphone WiFi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (iOS/macOS).
2. See what channels neighboring networks are using.
3. In the router settings (Wireless → Channel) select a free channel:
   • For 2.4 GHz: 1, 6 or 11 (they do not intersect).
   • For 5 GHz: any channel from the range 36-48 or 149-165 (not all are permitted in Russia).

6.2. Security settings

Together with network renaming it is recommended:

• 🔐 Change your Wi-Fi password (in the section Wireless Security). Use WPA3 (or WPA2-PSK, if the devices do not support WPA3).
• 🛡️ Disable WPS - This function is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
• 👥 Create a guest network with a separate SSID and password (section Guest Network).

6.3. Firmware update

Outdated firmware can cause problems with Wi-Fi operation, including changing SSIDTo update the software:

1. Go to Administration or System Tools.
2. Select Firmware Upgrade.
3. Download the latest version from the manufacturer's official website (do not use third-party sources!).
4. Download the file and wait for the process to complete (do not turn off the router!).

7. How to change the Wi-Fi name using the mobile app

Many manufacturers offer mobile apps for managing routers. This is convenient if you don't have access to a computer or prefer to configure your network from your smartphone. Below are instructions for popular apps.

7.1. TP-Link Tether

Suitable for most routers and mesh systems TP-Link.

1. Connect to the router's network.
2. Open the application and log in.
3. Select your router from the list.
4. Go to Settings → Wireless Network.
5. Change Network name (SSID) for 2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz.
6. Save the changes.

7.2. ASUS Router

Application for ASUS allows you to change SSID even remotely (if Internet access is enabled).

• 📌 Path: Wi-Fi → Basic Settings.
• 📌 Feature: You can change the password and security type at once.

7.3. Mi WiFi (Xiaomi)

For routers Xiaomi account required Mi Account.

• 📌 Path: Router Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 📌 Limitation: Some features (such as splitting ranges) are only available in the web interface.

⚠️ Please note: Mobile apps may not support all router features. For example, TP-Link Tether It's not possible to manually select a Wi-Fi channel for some models. In such cases, use the web interface.

8. Frequently Asked Questions