How to Change the Wi-Fi Name on a Router: A Step-by-Step Guide with Pictures

Changing the name of a Wi-Fi network (or SSID) is one of the first settings you make after purchasing a router. Standard names like TP-Link_1234 or ASUS_5G Not only do they look unsightly, but they also reveal your device's model, which can be exploited by attackers. Furthermore, a personalized network name helps you find it faster in the list of available connections, especially if you have many neighbors with similar routers.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for popular brands (TP-Link, ASUS, Xiaomi, Keenetic, Zyxel etc.), you will learn how to choose the right new network name, what symbols can be used, and also get exclusive safety tips, which aren't included in standard manufacturer manuals. If you've never accessed your router's admin panel before, don't worry: we'll walk you through the process from A to Z, including IP address access and authorization.

Why you should change the default Wi-Fi name

Many users use a router with the factory network name for years without even realizing the risks. Here are three key reasons why you should do this:

• 🔒 Security: Standard names (eg. MikroTik-2.4G) reveal the router model. Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in specific firmware to launch an attack.
• 📡 ConvenienceIn an apartment building with a dozen networks TP-Link_XXXX Your network will be easily recognizable if you give it a unique name (for example, IvanovFamily_5G).
• 🛠️ Control: A personalized name helps you quickly identify your network when setting up new devices or troubleshooting issues.

In addition, some modern routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U or Keenetic Ultra) allow you to customize separate names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHzThis is useful if you want to split traffic between frequency-sensitive devices (for example, smart bulbs only work on 2.4 GHz, while a laptop is better connected to 5 GHz for speed).

⚠️ Attention: If you live in a house with a lot of Wi-Fi networks, avoid names that contain personal information (e.g. Ivanov_kv45 or Maria_Home). This can be used for social engineering.

Preparing to change your Wi-Fi name

Before accessing your router settings, follow a few simple steps to avoid problems:

1. Check your connectionMake sure your computer or smartphone is connected to the router via cable (recommended) or Wi-Fi. Changing the network name may cause your device to lose connection.
2. Find out your router's IP address: Usually it is 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.8.1The exact address can be found on the sticker on the back of the device.
3. Prepare your login details: The default login and password are also indicated on the sticker (most often admin/admin or admin/password). If you changed them, use the current ones.

If you don't remember the password for the admin panel, you will have to reset the router to factory settings using the button Reset (It's usually recessed and requires a paperclip). Remember that this will erase all your settings, including your Wi-Fi password and port forwarding rules.

How to access router settings: a comprehensive guide

Regardless of your router model, the process for logging into the admin panel is virtually the same. Follow these steps:

1. Open your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) on a device connected to the router.
2. Enter the IP address router in the address bar. For example:

   192.168.0.1

   If the address does not open, try alternative options: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.8.1 or my.keenetic.net (For Keenetic).

3. Enter your login and passwordIf you haven't changed them, use the information from the sticker on the router.

If the page does not open, check:

• 🔌 Connect to the router (try rebooting it).
• 🌐 Correct entry of IP address (without http:// or www).
• 🔒 Disable your VPN or proxy if they are active.

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg. Rostelecom or Beeline) block access to router settings through their proprietary firmware. In this case, you may need to reset the device or contact support.

Step-by-step instructions for popular brands

Router interfaces vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the logic for changing the Wi-Fi name is similar. Below are instructions for the most common brands.

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

Routers TP-Link have one of the simplest interfaces:

1. Log in to your admin panel at 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net.
2. Go to the section Basic → Wireless (or Wireless mode (in the Russian version).
3. In the field Wireless Network Name (SSID) Enter a new name.
4. Click Save (Save). The router will reboot.

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

Interface ASUS more rich, but intuitive:

1. Log in to the panel at 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.com.
2. Open Wireless → General (or Wireless Network → General).
3. In the field SSID Enter a new name. For dual-band routers, configure both fields: 2.4GHz SSID And 5GHz SSID.
4. Click Apply (Apply).

3. Xiaomi (Mi Router, AIoT Router)

Xiaomi uses a proprietary interface MiWiFi:

1. Visit the address 192.168.31.1 or via the app Mi WiFi.
2. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi Settings.
3. In the field Wi-Fi name Enter a new name.
4. Save the changes. The router will reboot automatically.

4. Keenetic (Giga, Hero, Ultra)

Routers Keenetic have a unique interface NDMS:

1. Log in to the panel at 192.168.1.1 or my.keenetic.net.
2. Open Wi-Fi network → Basic settings.
3. In the field Network name (SSID) Enter a new name. Set up a separate name for the guest network.
4. Click Apply.

For other brands (Zyxel, D-Link, Tenda) the logic is similar. The main thing is to find the section with wireless network settings (usually Wireless, Wi-Fi or WLAN).

The new name does not contain spaces at the beginning/end

Only permitted characters are used (Latin, numbers, -, _)

Different names are selected for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (if needed)

Wi-Fi password has also been updated (recommended)-->

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

Not all characters are allowed in a Wi-Fi network name. Here are the basic rules:

Examples of correct names:

• ✅ Ivanov_Home_5G
• ✅ Flat42_WiFi
• ✅ MySuperNetwork2026

Examples of incorrect names:

• ❌ My home network (Cyrillic)
• ❌ WiFi@Home (forbidden symbol) @)
• ❌ MyWiFi (spaces at the edges)

What to do if the new Wi-Fi name doesn't apply

Sometimes, after saving changes, the router doesn't apply the new network name. Here are possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 The router did not reboot.: Try to manually reboot it by turning off the power for 30 seconds.
• 📵 Conflict with another device: If there is another router on the network with the same name, change the name to something unique.
• 🔧 Error in symbols: Check that the name does not contain prohibited characters (see table above).
• 🛠️ Firmware failure: If the problem persists, update your router firmware to the latest version.

If nothing helps, reset the router to factory settings (button Reset) and repeat the setup.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (Zyxel Keenetic, some models ASUS) Changing the Wi-Fi name may reset the password. Write it down in advance or have a new one ready.

Security: How to Protect Your Wi-Fi Network After Changing Its Name

Changing your network name is just the first step to security. Here's what else you should do:

1. Change your Wi-Fi password: Use a complex password (at least 12 characters, with capital letters, numbers, and symbols). Example: kL9#pQ2!mN7@xY1.
2. Enable WPA3 encryption: In the security settings, select WPA3-Personal (or WPA2/WPA3, If WPA3 (not supported).
3. Disable WPS: This feature is vulnerable to brute-force attacks. Find the option WPS and deactivate it.
4. Set up a guest networkIf you have guests visiting you frequently, create a separate network with limited access to local devices.

Also recommended:

• 🔄 Update your router firmware regularly (every 3-6 months).
• 📡 Turn off Wi-Fi during long absences (via timer or manually).
• 🛡️ Use MAC filtering (although this is not a panacea for hacking).

How do you know if your Wi-Fi has been hacked?

If you notice that your internet speed has dropped sharply for no apparent reason, in the list of connected devices (section DHCP Clients or Connected Devices) If you've noticed unknown devices appearing, or your router has started slowing down, it's possible that someone else has connected to your network. In this case, immediately change your Wi-Fi password and check your security settings.

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

Can I use emojis in my Wi-Fi name?

Technically yes, some routers (eg. ASUS or Xiaomi) allow the use of emoji in the network name. However, this may cause connection issues on devices. Apple (iPhone, MacBook) or older versions AndroidIf you decide to use emoji, choose simple symbols like ⚡, 🏠, or ★, and avoid complex combinations.

How to change Wi-Fi name from phone?

The process is the same as from a computer:

1. Connect to your router's Wi-Fi.
2. Open a browser on your phone and enter the router's IP address.
3. Log in and find the section with wireless network settings.
4. Change the name and save the changes.

For routers Xiaomi or TP-Link You can use official applications (Mi WiFi or Tether), where the process is even simpler.

Why did the Internet disappear after changing the Wi-Fi name?

This can happen for several reasons:

• If your router hasn't rebooted correctly, try disconnecting it from the power supply for 30 seconds.
• DHCP settings are corrupted - check if the DHCP server is enabled in the LAN settings.
• IP address conflict - try manually assigning an IP to your device (e.g. 192.168.1.100).

If the problem persists, reset the router to factory settings and set it up again.

Is it possible to return the old Wi-Fi name?

Yes, you can restore the old name at any time by repeating the same steps. However, if you don't remember the previous name and the router has already rebooted, it will be impossible to restore it (unless it's saved in your browser history or notes).

How can I prevent my Wi-Fi name from appearing in the list of networks?

To do this, you need to enable the option Hide SSID (or Hide SSID) in your wireless network settings. However, keep in mind that this doesn't make your network invisible to experienced users—it just won't be visible to random people. To connect to a hidden network, you'll have to manually enter its name on each device.