Change your hotspot name in your phone's settings, not through your carrier

Your hotspot name — also called the SSID or network name — is what appears in the list when someone looks for Wi-Fi networks nearby. By default, your phone broadcasts something like "iPhone 12" or "Galaxy A52," which tells anyone in range what device you're using. Changing it to something generic or meaningless makes your hotspot a less obvious target and prevents people from knowing what kind of phone you carry.

The steps differ slightly between iPhone and Android, but both take less than a minute. You do not need to contact your carrier or restart anything. The new name takes effect when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default hotspot name broadcasts your phone model to anyone nearby, so changing it removes one piece of identifying information an attacker could use.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Wi-Fi Password and tap the Wi-Fi Name field to edit it directly.
  • On Android, go to Settings > Tethering and Portable Hotspot (or Mobile Hotspot), tap the gear icon next to your hotspot name, and change the Network Name field.
  • Use a name that does not reveal your identity, device type, or location — something like "Network1" or "GuestWiFi" works better than your name or street address.
  • Your hotspot password is separate from the name; changing the name does not change your password, so existing devices stay connected.

How to change the hotspot name on iPhone

Open Settings and scroll down to find Personal Hotspot. Tap it. You will see a toggle to turn the hotspot on or off, and below that a field labeled Wi-Fi Name. Tap directly on the text in that field — it is editable, not just a label. Delete the current name and type a new one. The name can be up to 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, and spaces.

When you tap away from the field or press Done, the change saves automatically. Your phone will broadcast the new name the next time someone searches for networks nearby. Devices already connected to your hotspot will stay connected; they do not need to rejoin.

How to change the hotspot name on Android

The exact path varies slightly by manufacturer and Android version, but the general route is Settings > Tethering and Portable Hotspot (sometimes labeled Mobile Hotspot or Wireless Hotspot). Look for a gear icon or settings button next to your hotspot name — tap that. You should see a field labeled Network Name or SSID. Tap it, delete the current name, and type a new one.

Some Android phones let you edit the name directly from the main Tethering screen without opening a settings menu. If you see the name listed with an edit icon next to it, you can tap that instead. Save your changes and the new name takes effect when ready.

What makes a good hotspot name

Avoid names that identify you, your location, or your device type. Do not use your full name, your street address, your workplace name, or anything that includes "iPhone" or "Samsung." These details make you a more specific target and can help someone narrow down who owns the network.

Generic names like "Network1," "GuestWiFi," "Hotspot," or "Mobile" are better because they do not stand out and do not reveal anything about you. Some people use random character strings, but a straightforward generic name is easier to remember when you need to tell someone else how to connect.

Why your default name matters for security

Your phone's default hotspot name is a small piece of information, but it is visible to anyone within range — no password needed to see the list of networks. Someone scanning for networks learns your device type, which tells them what operating system you run and what vulnerabilities might exist in that version. They also learn that you are in that location at that time, which can matter if you are at home, at work, or at a place you prefer to keep private.

Changing the name does not make your hotspot find by itself — you still need a strong password and to keep your phone's software updated. But it removes one piece of information that makes you identifiable and reduces the chance that someone will target your specific device.

What happens to devices already connected

When you change your hotspot name, devices that are already connected stay connected. They do not drop off and have to rejoin. The name change only affects new devices trying to connect — they will see the new name in their network list and will need the password to join.

If someone was previously connected to your hotspot under the old name and you change it, they will see the old name disappear from their available networks. If they want to reconnect, they will need to look for the new name and enter the password again.

Changing your hotspot password separately

Your hotspot name and password are separate settings. Changing the name does not change the password. If you want to change the password as well — which is a good idea if you think someone has it — that is a different step in the same settings menu.

On iPhone, the password field is right below the Wi-Fi Name field in Personal Hotspot settings. On Android, it is usually in the same gear-icon menu where you change the network name. Both let you generate a new random password or type one yourself. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if the system allows it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my hotspot name disconnect people who are using it right now?

No. People currently connected stay connected. Only new devices looking for your network will see the new name. Existing users will not notice anything until they disconnect and try to rejoin.

Can I use special characters or emoji in my hotspot name?

Most phones allow letters, numbers, and spaces. Special characters and emoji may work on some devices but can cause problems on older phones or certain devices trying to connect. Stick to standard letters and numbers to avoid connection issues.

What if I change my hotspot name and then forget what I changed it to?

Go back to the same settings menu where you changed it. Your current hotspot name is always displayed there. You can change it again anytime without restarting your phone or losing any connections.

Does changing the hotspot name affect my phone's regular Wi-Fi connection?

No. Your hotspot name is separate from the Wi-Fi networks your phone connects to. Changing your hotspot name does not affect which networks your phone can join or how it connects to them.