Change your WiFi name through your router's settings page

Your WiFi network name — called the SSID — is what appears in the list when you search for networks on your phone or computer. You change it by logging into your router's control panel, not through your device. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether your router is from your internet provider or one you bought yourself.

You will need two things: your router's IP address (usually printed on the router itself or in your manual) and your router's admin password. If you have never changed the admin password, it is likely the default one printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router. Write down both before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi network name is changed in your router's settings page, which you reach by typing your router's IP address into a web browser.
  • You will need your router's admin password, which is often the default password printed on the router itself if you have never changed it.
  • After you change the name and save, your old network will disappear and the new name will appear in your device's network list within seconds.
  • You will need to reconnect all your devices to the new network name and enter your WiFi password again.
  • If you cannot remember your admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this will erase all your custom settings.

Find your router's IP address and admin password

Look at the physical router — usually a box with antennas sitting on a shelf or mounted on a wall. On the back or bottom, you should see a sticker with several pieces of information. Look for a line that says "IP Address" or "Default Gateway" — this is typically something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Write this down.

On the same sticker, find the line labeled "Admin Password", "Default Password", or sometimes just "Password". This is not your WiFi password — it is the password to access the router's control panel. Write this down too. If the sticker is worn or missing, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website. You can usually find the manual by searching "[your router model] manual" online.

Log into your router's control panel

Open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi — a phone, tablet, or computer. In the address bar at the top, type the IP address you found on the sticker. For example, type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter. A login page should appear.

Enter the admin password you wrote down and click the button to log in. You are now in your router's control panel. The layout varies depending on the router brand, but you should see a menu on the left side or top of the page with options like "Wireless", "WiFi Settings", or "Network Settings".

Locate and change the network name setting

Look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi", "Wireless Settings", or "Network Name". Click on it. You should see a field labeled "SSID", "Network Name", or "Wireless Network Name" — these all mean the same thing. This field currently contains your WiFi network's name.

Click in that field and delete the current name. Type the new name you want. WiFi names can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols. Choose something you will recognize and remember. For example, "Smith Family WiFi" or "Apartment 3B Network".

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

After you type the new name, look for a button labeled "Save", "explore", or "OK" — usually at the bottom of the page. Click it. Your router will restart, which takes about 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will go down briefly.

Once the router restarts, the old network name will disappear from your device's network list and the new name will appear. On each device you use — your phone, laptop, tablet, or smart TV — you will need to forget the old network and reconnect to the new one. Go to your WiFi settings, select the new network name, and enter your WiFi password (the password you use to connect to the internet, not the admin password). Repeat this for every device that was connected before.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you type the IP address and nothing appears, make sure you are connected to the WiFi network. If you are on a different network or using mobile data, you cannot reach the router's control panel. Switch to your WiFi and try again.

If the login page appears but the admin password does not work, you may have changed it in the past and forgotten it. Your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. On most routers, there is a small button labeled "Reset" on the back. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default settings, including the default admin password printed on the sticker. You will need to set up your WiFi password again after resetting.

Why you might want to change your network name

People change their WiFi name for several reasons. You might want something easier to remember than the default name your router came with. You might want to hide the router brand from people looking at available networks. Or you might have multiple routers in your home and want to name them differently so you know which one to connect to in each room.

Changing the network name does not affect your internet speed or security. Your WiFi password — the thing that keeps people from connecting without permission — stays the same unless you change it separately in the router settings. The network name is just a label that helps you identify which network is yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the WiFi name disconnect me from the internet?

Yes, briefly. When you save the change, your router restarts for 30 seconds to two minutes. Your internet will be down during that time. After the restart, you will need to reconnect each device to the new network name.

Do I need to change my WiFi 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 password at the same time, you can do that in the same router settings page — look for a field labeled "WiFi Password", "Passphrase", or "Security Key".

What if I change the network name and then forget what I changed it to?

Log back into the router's control panel using the same IP address and admin password. The current network name will be displayed in the SSID field. You can change it again or write it down this time.

Can I have two different network names on the same router?

Many modern routers support this through a feature called "dual-band" or "guest network". You can have one network name for your main devices and a separate guest network for visitors. This is set up in the same WiFi settings area of your router's control panel, but the exact steps depend on your router model.

Does changing the network name affect my smart home devices?

Yes. Smart devices like cameras, thermostats, and speakers connect to the network by name. When you change the name, these devices will lose connection. You will need to reconnect each one through its app or setup process, just like you would with a phone or computer.