Log into your router's settings page

To change your WiFi name, you need to access your router's control panel. Open a web browser on any device connected to your network and type your router's IP address into the address bar. The most common address is 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — if neither works, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, which usually lists the correct address.

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. These are also printed on the router itself, often as "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the router's serial number. If you changed these credentials before and cannot remember them, you will need to reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your custom settings and returns everything to default.

Find the wireless settings section

Once logged in, look for a menu option labeled Wireless, WiFi, WLAN, or Network Settings. Different router brands organize this differently — Netgear calls it "Wireless Settings", TP-Link calls it "Wireless", and Linksys calls it "WiFi". The layout varies, but the option is always there somewhere on the main menu.

Click into that section. You should see a field labeled Network Name, SSID, or Wireless Network Name. SSID stands for Service Set Identifier — it is the technical term for what you see when you look for WiFi networks on your phone or laptop. This is the field you will change.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is printed on a sticker on the device itself, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • The username and password for your router are also on that sticker and are often "admin" for both fields.
  • The WiFi name field is called SSID, Network Name, or Wireless Network Name depending on your router brand.
  • Changing your WiFi name does not affect your password — you change those in separate fields.
  • After you save changes, all devices will lose connection and must reconnect using the new name.

Clear the old name and type the new one

Select all the text in the Network Name or SSID field and delete it. Type your new WiFi name. Choose something you will recognize easily on your device list, but avoid including personal information like your last name or address — the WiFi name is visible to anyone in range of your router.

Good WiFi names are straightforward and descriptive: "Home WiFi", "Kitchen Network", or your last name alone. Avoid special characters and spaces if possible, as some older devices struggle to connect to networks with those characters. Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens.

Change your WiFi password at the same time

While you are in the wireless settings, scroll down to find the Security, Password, or Passphrase field. This is separate from the network name. Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3 — never use WEP or WPA alone, as these are outdated and insecure.

Create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe, because you will need it to reconnect every device in your home. If you lose it, you can always return to this page and change it again.

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button at the bottom of the page. Click it. Your router will restart — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will drop and all connected devices will disconnect.

Once the router restarts, the old WiFi name will disappear from your device list. Open your WiFi settings on your phone, laptop, or tablet and look for the new network name you just created. Select it, enter your password, and reconnect. Repeat this for every device in your home — phones, tablets, smart speakers, printers, and anything else that uses WiFi.

Troubleshoot if devices cannot reconnect

"Forget" the old network from each device before trying to connect to the new one. On iPhones and iPads, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the old network name, and select "Forget This Network". On Android phones, long-press the old network name in your WiFi list and select "Forget". On Windows computers, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, find the old name, and click "Forget".

If a device still will not connect after you forget the old network, restart the device completely. Power it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then try connecting to the new network again. If you still have trouble, double-check that you are typing the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword".

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi name disconnect me from the internet?

Yes, temporarily. When you save the new name, your router restarts and all devices disconnect. This usually takes one to three minutes. After the router comes back online, you reconnect to the new network name and your internet works normally again.

Do I have to change my password when I change my WiFi name?

No, the name and password are separate settings. You can change just the name and keep the same password, or change both, or change only the password. However, changing both at once is a good security practice, especially if you have not updated your password in over a year.

What if I cannot log into my router?

Check the sticker on your router for the correct IP address and default username and password. If you changed these before and forgot them, hold down the reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds to restore factory defaults. This will erase all your settings, so you will need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my WiFi name?

Technically yes, but it can cause problems with older devices. Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens for the widest compatibility. Spaces and symbols like @ or ! sometimes cause connection issues, especially on older phones or smart home devices.

How often should I change my WiFi name?

You do not need to change your WiFi name regularly. Change it if you want a new one, if you are selling your home, or if you suspect someone has unauthorized access to your network. Changing your password once a year is more important for security than changing your name.