How to change Wi-Fi to WLAN in your router settings: A complete guide

Have you just bought a new router, connected it, but the list of available networks shows a mysterious "WLAN" instead of the usual "Wi-Fi"? Or maybe your old router suddenly started broadcasting a network with an inconvenient name? Don't worry—this is a common issue that can easily be resolved through the device's web interface. In this article, we'll look at why this happens and how to change it correctly. WLAN to Wi-Fi on routers from different manufacturers, and what to do if the changes are not applied.

Terms WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) and Wi-Fi They essentially mean the same thing—a wireless local area network—but equipment manufacturers sometimes use different default names. For example, TP-Link And D-Link often put "WLAN" or "TP-LINK_XXXX", and ASUS And Keenetic They may use "WiFi" or the model name. Fortunately, changing this name can be done in 2-3 minutes without any complicated technical steps.

Why does my router show WLAN instead of Wi-Fi?

Before changing settings, it's worth understanding why this is happening. Here are the main reasons:

• 📦 Factory default settings. Many manufacturers (especially TP-Link, Mercusys, Tenda) set the default network name WLAN or WLAN_XXXX, where XXXX is the unique device identifier. This is done to simplify production, not due to technical limitations.
• 🔄 Reset settingsIf the router was reset to factory settings (for example, after a firmware update or pressing a button Reset), it will revert to the original network name.
• 📡 Dual network (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)Some routers create two separate networks for different frequencies, and one of them may be called WLAN-5G, and the other one is WiFi-2.4GThis is not a bug, but a feature of working with two ranges.
• 🛠️ Firmware from third-party developersIf the router has custom firmware installed (for example, DD-WRT or OpenWRT), the default network name may differ from the standard one.

It is important to understand that WLAN And Wi-Fi — These are synonyms from a technical standpoint. The only difference is in the ease of perception: most users are accustomed to seeing the word "Wi-Fi" in the list of networks, so they tend to install it. Incidentally, some modern routers (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) automatically prompt you to select a network name when you first connect, eliminating the need to change it manually.

Preparing to change the network name

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

Make sure the router is turned on and working properly (the power indicator is green or blue)

Connect to the router's network via cable (recommended) or through your current wireless connection

Write down your current Wi-Fi settings (name, password) in case you need to roll back changes

Make sure VPN and proxy are disabled on your computer/phone (they may block access to the control panel)

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If you are connected to the router via Wi-Fi, rather than via cable, be prepared for the connection to be lost after changing the network name. In this case:

1. Open the list of available networks on your device.
2. Find the new network with the changed name.
3. Connect to it using the new (or old, if you haven’t changed it) password.

It is also worth considering that some routers (for example, Zyxel Keenetic) can have two separate names for ranges 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzIn this case, you'll have to change both names if you want the networks to appear identical. We'll cover this in more detail in the relevant section.

⚠️ Attention: If you use guest network, its name changes separately! Don't confuse the main network with the guest network—they have different security settings and restrictions.

Step-by-step instructions for TP-Link routers

Routers TP-Link — are some of the most popular, so let's start with them. The instructions are suitable for most models, including Archer C6, TL-WR841N, Deco and others. If you have a different firmware version, the menu may differ slightly, but the general principle remains the same.

1. Login to the control panel
   

   Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 (less often - tplinkwifi.net). Click Enter.
   

   Enter your login and password (usually by default admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).

2. Go to Wi-Fi settings
   

   In the main menu, select a section Basic → Wireless (or Wireless mode (in the Russian version).

3. Changing the network name
   

   Find the field Wireless Network Name (SSID) or Network name (SSID). Delete the current value (WLAN or TP-LINK_XXXX) and enter what you want, for example, MyWiFi_2.4G or HomeWiFi.
   

   Advice: Do not use spaces at the beginning or end of the name - this may cause connection problems on some devices.
4. Saving changes
   

   Scroll down the page and click Save (or Save). The router will reboot, and after 1-2 minutes the network will appear with a new name.

If your router has support 5 GHz, repeat the steps for the range Wireless 5GHz (usually a separate tab in the same section). To avoid confusion between networks, you can add a suffix to the name, for example: MyWiFi_5G.

How to change WLAN to Wi-Fi on ASUS routers

Routers ASUS (For example, RT-AX55, RT-AC68U) have a more modern interface, but the operating principle is similar. The main difference is the presence of the "AiMesh", which may hide some settings if the router is part of a mesh system.

1. Authorization
   

   Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1 or router.asus.comThe default login and password are - admin/admin (if not changed).

2. Wireless Network Section
   

   In the main menu, select Wireless (or Wireless network (in the Russian version).

3. Setting up an SSID
   

   In the field SSID change the current name (eg. ASUS_XX or WLAN) to the desired. For 5 GHz go to the tab 5GHz and repeat the action.
   

   Important: If you have the mode enabled Smart Connect (combination of 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under one name), field for change SSID may be hidden. In this case, first disable Smart Connect in the section Wireless → Professional.
4. Applying changes
   

   Click Apply at the bottom of the page. The router will reboot, and within 1-2 minutes the network will appear with a new name.

If the network does not appear after changing the name, check:

• 🔌 Is the router connected to power (the indicator should be steadily lit, without blinking).
• 📶 Is Wi-Fi disabled on the router itself (some models have a physical button) Wi-Fi On/Off).
• 🔄 Were the settings reset after updating the firmware (check the version in the section Administration → Firmware Upgrade).

⚠️ Attention: On routers ASUS with firmware Asuswrt-Merlin (custom) The path to the settings may vary. If you don't find the section Wireless, check the menu Advanced Settings.

Changing the network name on Keenetic routers

Routers Zyxel Keenetic (For example, Keenetic Giga, Keenetic Extra) have a unique interface KeeneticOS, which differs from classic control panels. Here, changing the network name is integrated into the general Wi-Fi settings section.

1. Login to the web configurator
   

   Open your browser and type 192.168.1.1 or my.keenetic.net. Log in (default login/password - admin/1234, if you haven't changed it).

2. Go to Wi-Fi settings
   

   In the main menu, select Wi-Fi network (antenna icon).

3. Changing the SSID
   

   In the block Main Wi-Fi network find the field Network name (SSID). Delete the current value and enter a new one (for example, Keenetic_WiFi).
   

   For the range 5 GHz switch to the tab 5 GHz and repeat the action.
   

   Peculiarity: IN Keenetic you can enable the option Combine 2.4 and 5 GHz networksso that devices automatically connect to the best band. In this case, you only need to change the name of the primary network.
4. Preservation
   

   Click ApplyThe router will reboot, and within 1-2 minutes the network will be available under the new name.

If you have Keenetic with firmware from the provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), the interface can be simplified. In this case:

1. Go to the section Wi-Fi.
2. Find the tab Basic settings.
3. Change Network name (SSID) and save.

What should I do if the network name is reset after changing it?

If the router Keenetic after reboot the old network name returns, this may be due to:

1. Automatic firmware update - Some provider versions reset the settings.

2. Conflict with cloud management - if the router is linked to an account Keenetic Cloud, check the settings in the mobile app.

3. Hardware failure — It’s rare, but it happens that the router’s flash memory is damaged.

Solution: Disable auto-update in the section System → Updates and reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds).

Features for routers from other manufacturers

If you have a different brand of router, the steps are the same, but the menu paths may differ. Below are brief instructions for popular brands:

If your model is not in the table, use the universal method:

1. Find a sticker on the router body with the login information (usually it says IP address, login and password).
2. Enter the address in your browser and log in.
3. Look for sections with words Wireless, WLAN, Wi-Fi or Wireless network.
4. In the field SSID or Network Name change the name and save.

⚠️ Attention: On routers with firmware from the provider (for example, Rostelecom, MTS, Beeline) Some settings may be locked. In this case, contact your provider's support or reset the router to factory settings (button Reset for 10-15 seconds).

What to do if changes are not applied

Sometimes, after saving changes, the router reboots, but the network still displays with the old name. Here are possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Browser cache. Clear your cache or try a different browser (for example, Firefox instead of Chrome). Sometimes old form data remains and prevents new settings from being applied.
• 📡 Double network. Make sure you change the name to the correct range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Sometimes users change the name for only one network, but connect to another.
• 🔌 Firmware failureIf the router behaves erratically after changing the settings (the indicators flash, the network disappears), try updating the firmware in the section System Tools → Firmware Upgrade.
• 🛠️ Conflict with other devicesIf there's a second router or repeater with the same name on the network, a conflict may occur. Make sure the new network name is unique.
• 📱 Problems on the client deviceOn your phone or laptop, delete the old network from the saved ones and reconnect. Windows this is done in Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.

If nothing helps, do resetting the router to factory settings:

1. Press and hold the button Reset (usually located on the rear panel) for 10-15 seconds.
2. Wait for the reboot (the indicators should light up in standard mode).
3. Connect to the default network (name and password are on the router sticker).
4. Repeat the steps to change the network name.

Additional settings after changing the network name

Change WLAN on Wi-Fi — that's only half the battle. To ensure the network operates stably and securely, we recommend checking a few more parameters:

• 🔒 Wi-Fi passwordIf you changed the network name, update the password as well (especially if it was a default one, for example, admin or 12345678). Use a complex combination of letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g. WiFi@Home2026!).
• 📶 Channel and channel widthIn the Wi-Fi settings section, select the channel manually (for example, 6 or 11 For 2.4 GHz) to avoid interference from neighboring networks. Channel width for 2.4 GHz better to leave 20 MHz (for stability), and for 5 GHz can be exhibited 40 MHz or 80 MHz (for speed).
• 🛡️ Security type. Make sure it is selected. WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK (Not WEP or Open network!). WPA3 more secure, but some older devices may not support it.
• 📴 Hiding the SSID. Option Hide SSID (or Hide network) makes the network invisible to outsiders, but it can still be connected to if you know the name. This doesn't significantly increase security, but it does reduce the number of connection attempts.
• 🔄 Guest networkIf you have a guest network, you can also change its name in the appropriate section (usually Guest Network). This is useful to distinguish between the main network and the guest network.

If you have a dual-band router and devices (such as older smartphones or printers) cannot see the 5 GHz network, try enabling compatibility mode in the 5 GHz settings (for example, set the standard 802.11a/n/ac instead of 802.11ax).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about switching from WLAN to Wi-Fi

Is it possible to change the network name from your phone, without a computer?

Yes, most modern routers support mobile app control. For example:

• For TP-Link - application Tether.
• For ASUS — ASUS Router.
• For Xiaomi — Mi WiFi.
• For Keenetic — My Keenetic.

Find the section in the application Wi-Fi or Wireless network and change SSID the same as in the web interface.

After changing the name, the Wi-Fi stopped working. What should I do?

Possible causes and solutions:

1. Error in network name. Make sure the name does not contain any prohibited characters (eg. #, $, %). Use only letters, numbers, and hyphens (-) and underscore (_).
2. Firmware failure. Try rebooting your router (turn off the power for 30 seconds and turn it on again).
3. Channel conflict. In the Wi-Fi settings, select a different channel (for example, 1, 6 or 11 For 2.4 GHz).
4. Incompatibility of standards. If you have older devices, try setting the Wi-Fi mode in the settings 802.11b/g/n instead of 802.11ac/ax.

If nothing helps, reset the router to factory settings (button Reset) and set up the network again.

Do I need to change the network name if everything is working as is?

Technically, no. WLAN And Wi-Fi They work the same way. But there are several reasons to do this:

• 🔍 Convenience. It's easier to find your network in the list if it's called, for example, Ivanov_WiFi, and not WLAN_1234.
• 🛡️ Safety. Standard names like TP-LINK_XXXX or ASUS_XX They provide the router model, which can make it easier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
• 📶 Avoiding conflicts. If your neighbors have the same routers, their networks may have the same names, which can cause interference.

If you are happy with the current name, you don't have to change it. But if the network is called WLAN or contains random characters, it is better to reconfigure.

Is it possible to set the network name in Cyrillic?

Yes, most routers support Cyrillic in the network name (SSID). However, there are several nuances:

• ✅ Modern devices (smartphones, laptops, TVs) connect to networks with Cyrillic names without any problems.
• ⚠️ Old devices (printers, some smart bulbs, game consoles) may not see the network or display the name incorrectly (as ?????).
• 🔧 Some firmware (For example, DD-WRT) may not work correctly with Cyrillic in SSID.

If you decide to use Cyrillic, avoid complex characters (for example, Yo, yo, Yi, yi), as they may not display correctly on some devices.

How can I make the network name appear without suffixes (_2.4G, _5G)?

If your router supports the technology Smart Connect (or Band Steering), you can combine networks 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz under one name. To do this:

1. In the Wi-Fi settings, find the option Smart Connect, Band Steering or Combine networks.
2. Enable it and set the same name (SSID) for both ranges.
3. Save the settings and reboot the router.

After this, devices will automatically connect to the best range, and only one name will be displayed in the list of networks.

⚠️ Important: Not all devices work correctly with Smart ConnectFor example, some printers or smart speakers may become stuck on 2.4 GHz, even if 5 GHz freer. In this case, it's better to leave