Change your network name through the Xfinity gateway settings

Your Xfinity gateway broadcasts a default network name — usually something like "XFINITY-1234" or "XFINITY-5G-1234" — that every device in range can see. You can change this to anything you want by logging into your gateway's settings page. The process takes about five minutes and requires only the password you use to access your gateway admin panel.

The fastest way is through a web browser on any device connected to your Xfinity network. You do not need to call Xfinity or restart anything. The new name takes effect when ready, though devices already connected will stay connected until you manually disconnect them.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your gateway at 10.0.0.1 using your admin password to reach the settings page where you can change the network name.
  • The network name field is usually labeled "SSID" or "WiFi Name" and accepts any combination of letters, numbers, and most special characters.
  • Change both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names separately if your gateway broadcasts both — they can have the same name or different ones.
  • Devices already connected to the old network name will not automatically switch; you must forget the old network and reconnect to the new one.

Step 1: Open your gateway settings page

Open a web browser on any device connected to your Xfinity WiFi. Type 10.0.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. A login page will appear asking for a username and password.

Enter admin as the username. For the password, use the one printed on the back or bottom of your gateway device — it is usually labeled "WiFi Password" or "Admin Password" and is different from your Xfinity account password. If you have changed this password before and do not remember it, you will need to factory reset the gateway, which erases all your custom settings.

Step 2: Find and edit the network name field

After you log in, look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network Settings. The exact location varies by gateway model, but it is usually in the main menu or under an "Advanced" tab.

You will see two separate sections if your gateway supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks — most modern Xfinity gateways do. The field you need is labeled SSID or WiFi Name. Click into the text box, delete the current name, and type the new one. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters except quotation marks. Keep it under 32 characters for compatibility with older devices.

If you want both networks to have the same name, enter it in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz fields. If you prefer different names so you can see which band you are connecting to, use something like "MyNetwork-2.4" and "MyNetwork-5G".

Step 3: Save and reconnect your devices

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button at the bottom of the page and click it. The gateway will process the change — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. You may see a brief message saying the settings are being applied.

Once the change is complete, the new network name will appear in the list of available networks on your devices. However, any device that was already connected to the old network name will stay connected and will not automatically switch. You must manually disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one.

On phones and tablets, go to WiFi settings, find the old network name, and select "Forget This Network." Then scan for available networks, find your new network name, and enter the WiFi password (printed on your gateway). On computers, the process is similar — open network settings, remove the old network, and connect to the new one.

What to do if you cannot log into the gateway settings

If the address 10.0.0.1 does not load, make sure you are connected to your Xfinity network — you cannot reach the settings page on a different WiFi network or over cellular. Try typing the address again slowly, or try 192.168.0.1 instead, which works on some older Xfinity models.

If you see a login page but the admin password does not work, check the sticker on your gateway again — the password is case-sensitive and may include numbers or special characters that are straightforward to misread. If you have changed the admin password before and cannot remember it, you will need to perform a factory reset by holding the reset button on the back of the gateway for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all custom settings and returns the gateway to its default state.

Why changing your network name matters for security

The default Xfinity network name broadcasts your gateway model and sometimes your account number to anyone in range. Changing it to something generic makes it harder for someone to target your specific device with known vulnerabilities. It also makes your network less obvious to casual attempts to connect without permission.

Changing the network name alone does not find your network — your WiFi password is what actually prevents unauthorized access. But combined with a strong password and regular gateway updates, a custom network name is one part of making your network less of an straightforward target.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the network name without restarting my gateway?

Yes. The change takes effect when ready after you save it in the settings page. You do not need to unplug the gateway or restart anything. Devices already connected will stay connected, but new devices will see only the new network name.

What happens to devices connected to the old network name?

They stay connected to the old network name until you manually disconnect them. Once you change the name, the old name disappears from the available networks list, but devices that were already connected will hold onto that connection. You must forget the network and reconnect to the new name.

Can I use special characters or spaces in the network name?

Most special characters work, including spaces, hyphens, and underscores. Avoid quotation marks, which can cause connection problems. Keep the name under 32 characters so older devices can connect without issues.

Do I need to change the password when I change the network name?

No. The network name and password are separate. You can change one without changing the other. However, if you want to change your WiFi password, that is done in the same settings page, usually in a field labeled "WiFi Password" or "Passphrase."

What if I forget what I named my network?

Log back into the gateway settings at 10.0.0.1 and check the SSID field in the WiFi settings section. You can also look at the list of available networks on any of your devices — your network name will appear there. If you need to change it again, follow the same steps.