Changing the name of a wireless network isn't just a whim, but often a necessary security and convenience measure. Standard names assigned by the manufacturer typically contain a series of letters and numbers that make it easy to identify the device model and even its manufacturer. This can become a backdoor for attackers who know the vulnerabilities of specific hardware versions. Furthermore, in apartment buildings, name conflicts often arise when neighbors' routers have the same name, for example, TP-LINK_5G, which confuses gadgets.
The renaming procedure is technically called a change SSID (Service Set Identifier). This is a unique identifier that your smartphones, laptops, and smart bulbs see when searching for available networks. It's important to understand that changing this setting will disconnect all connected devices, and they will have to be reconnected by entering a new password or selecting an updated name from the list. However, this short-term inconvenience is worth it for the sake of order in the airwaves.
Before you begin setting up your router, make sure you have physical access to it and a cable to connect it to your computer, although modern models allow you to make changes over the air. If you plan to change the name of both your primary and guest networks simultaneously, it's best to prepare a list of devices that will require reauthorization in advance. In this guide, we'll cover the general procedure and the specifics of popular brands.
Preparing to change network settings
The first step is always to connect to the router's administrative panel. To do this, your device must be connected to the router either via an Ethernet cable or a current Wi-Fi network. Open any browser on your computer or smartphone and enter your device's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, however, the exact data is always indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the case.
The system will request authorization. If you've never changed the default settings, your login and password can also be found on the label. For security reasons, we strongly recommend changing the default administrator password immediately after logging in for the first time to prevent unauthorized access to your internet settings. After successful login, you'll be taken to the main interface page, where your connection status is displayed.
⚠️ Attention: If you change the network name (SSID) and are in the process of setting up Wi-Fi, the connection to the router will be lost immediately after the settings are applied. The browser will display the error "No internet connection." This is normal. You will simply need to reconnect to the network with the new name.
Interfaces from different manufacturers may look quite different, but the logic remains the same. Look for tabs labeled "Wireless," "Wireless Mode," "Wi-Fi," or "WLAN." These are the sections where you'll find the ID settings. Don't rush to save your changes until you've entered the correct name without any special characters, which may not be supported by older devices.
Universal SSID Change Algorithm
Regardless of your equipment brand, the process for changing the network name follows a common pattern. After logging into the control panel, find the section responsible for wireless settings. Modern models often have separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. You can assign them different names to manually select the frequency, or the same name if you want the router to automatically distribute the load (Smart Connect).
In the field marked as SSID, Wireless Network Name or "Network Name," enter the desired name. It's recommended to use Latin characters, as some older gadgets or smart home devices may not display Cyrillic or special characters correctly. The name is typically limited to 32 characters. After entering the information, be sure to click "Save" or "Apply."
☑️ Action Algorithm
After applying the settings, the router will restart the wireless module. If you used a laptop connected via cable, you will immediately see the changes in the list of available networks. If the settings were made via Wi-Fi, the device will lose connection. In this case, open the list of networks on your smartphone or laptop, find the new name, and enter the password.
What to do if you forgot your new name?
If you've changed your network name and forgot what it's called now, the easiest way is to reset your router to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the Reset button on the device for about 10-15 seconds. This will reset the name to the factory default, as shown on the sticker, but all other settings (ISP password, filters) will also be reset.
Setting up TP-Link and Tenda routers
Equipment from TP-Link And Tenda is one of the most common in the home segment. The interface of these devices, especially in newer firmware versions, is often blue and white and has an intuitive layout. To change the network name, go to the menu Basic (Basic settings) or Advanced (Additional settings), depending on the interface version.
Select a section from the menu on the left Wireless (Wireless Mode). Here you will see subsections for different frequencies. In the field Wireless Network Name Enter a new name. Note the check mark. Enable SSID Broadcast (Enable SSID Broadcast). If unchecked, the network will become hidden and will not appear in the list of available connections on devices, which is an additional, though not absolute, security measure.
In routers Tenda the path may look like this Advanced → Wireless Settings → Basic SettingsHere you can also set a Wi-Fi schedule or disable it completely. After making changes to the network name field, don't forget to click OK or SaveThe device may warn you that the current connection will be terminated.
⚠️ Attention: On some TP-Link models with the "One Wi-Fi Name" feature (combining 2.4 and 5 GHz into a single network), changing the name will affect both bands at once. You can only separate them by disabling this feature, which will open two separate name entry fields.
Instructions for ASUS, Keenetic, and Zyxel
Brand devices ASUS, Keenetic And Zyxel are famous for their advanced firmware. In ASUS routers with the ASUSWRT shell, you need to go to the section Wireless network (Wireless) in the left menu. Here, in the top tab "General" there is a field SSIDA unique feature of ASUS is the ability to set up a guest network with a separate name directly in this section by switching the tab at the top.
Routers Keenetic (formerly Zyxel Keenetic) have a very flexible system. In the web configurator, go to the menu My Networks and Wi-Fi (globe icon). In the "Home Network" section, you'll see the "Network Name (SSID)" field. A unique feature of these routers is the ability to create multiple SSIDs for different user groups (IoT, children, guests) with different access rights.
For equipment Zyxel (old series) the path often lies through Network → Wireless LANThe interface can be more strict and technical. It's important not to mix up the fields. SSID For different bands, if your router is dual-band. They're often listed on the same page, but in different sections.
| Router brand | Menu section | Field name | Peculiarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless / Wireless mode | Wireless Network Name | There is often a "Copy" button to copy the name on 5 GHz |
| ASUS | Wireless network | SSID | Separate tabs for the Guest Network |
| Keenetic | My Networks and Wi-Fi | Network name (SSID) | Multiple SSID support |
| Tenda | Wireless Settings | Wireless Name | Simple interface without unnecessary options |
After changing the name on routers of these brands, a reboot is often required for all settings to take effect, although modern models do this automatically. Check the list of networks on your phone—the old name should disappear and the new one should appear.
Works with dual-band routers (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
Modern communication standards allow for operation in two frequency ranges. Range 2.4 GHz has a longer range, but lower speed and more interference. Range 5 GHz It provides high speed but has poorer wall penetration. Many users wonder: should they be given the same name?
If you assign both bands the same name (SSID) and password, modern devices will automatically switch between them depending on signal strength. This is convenient, but sometimes it results in the phone "latching on" to the distant 2.4 GHz band, ignoring the faster 5 GHz when close to the router. In this case, experts recommend separating the names by adding a suffix, for example, MyHome And MyHome_5G.
By separating names, you gain complete control over your connection. You can lock a desktop PC or TV set-top box to 5 GHz for 4K video, while leaving smart plugs and sensors on 2.4 GHz, as they often don't support higher frequencies. This also helps with diagnostics: if you're having problems with 5 GHz, you know for sure that the problem isn't a signal range issue.
⚠️ Attention: Smart home devices (lights, vacuum cleaners) often operate only in the 2.4 GHz band. When setting up a new network, make sure the smartphone you're using to set up the device is connected to a 2.4 GHz network; otherwise, the device may not be detected in the app.
Solution and security
After changing the name, you may encounter a situation where devices don't see the new network or refuse to connect. In this case, first try "Forget Network" on the client device. Old configurations may conflict with new security settings or encryption types, which may have been reset when the SSID was changed.
The security of the network name is also important. You shouldn't use it in the name. SSID Personal information: apartment number, last name, phone number. This information is available to anyone with Wi-Fi enabled within range. A neutral name, for example, BlueSky_01 or FBI Surveillance Van (popular meme) would be a safer choice.
If you lose internet access on all devices after renaming, check to see if your WAN (Internet Service Provider) settings have been reset. Sometimes, saving wireless settings in older firmware versions can cause a software glitch, requiring a simple reboot of the router via the power button or web interface.
Why doesn't the router allow me to save the name?
Certain characters are prohibited in SSIDs. Use only Latin letters, numbers, and basic symbols (-, _). Spaces are allowed but may cause problems on some devices. The name cannot be empty.
Regularly changing your password and network name is a good habit. If you suspect your neighbors are using your Wi-Fi, changing the SSID will force them to re-enter a password they don't have. Combined with MAC address filtering, this provides a high level of home perimeter protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the Wi-Fi password be reset if I change the network name?
No, the password (security key) will remain the same unless you've specifically changed it in the adjacent settings field. However, since the network name has changed, your devices will need to re-enter the password the first time they connect to the "new" network.
Is it possible to use Russian letters in the Wi-Fi name?
Technically, the standard allows for many characters, but in practice, it is recommended to use only the Latin alphabet. Many devices (printers, cameras, older smartphones) may not recognize a network with a Cyrillic name or display it as a jumble of gibberish.
What happens if two neighboring routers have the same name?
Devices will see them as a single network with a very strong but unstable signal. This will lead to constant connection drops and reconnection attempts. A unique name (SSID) is critical for stable operation in multi-apartment buildings.
How do I get everything back if I forgot the new router password?
If you've changed the password for accessing the router settings (admin panel) and have forgotten it, a full reset using the reset button on the router will help. If you've forgotten the Wi-Fi password specifically, you can find it in the wireless security settings in the router interface by accessing it via cable.