You can change your WiFi network name in your router settings in about five minutes

Your WiFi network name — called the SSID — is what shows up when you look for networks on your phone or laptop. You change it by logging into your router's admin panel, which you access through a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi. The steps are the same whether you have a modem and router as separate boxes or a combined unit.

The reason to change it is usually practical: you might want a name that's easier to remember, or you might want to hide that you're using a particular brand of router (which can make your network a less obvious target). You might also want to change it if your current name is embarrassing or if you're sharing WiFi with guests and want a separate network name for them.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser, then enter your admin username and password.
  • Look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network Name," or "SSID" in your router's settings menu.
  • Change the name to anything you want, but avoid special characters and keep it under 32 characters for best compatibility.
  • Save your changes — your WiFi will disconnect briefly, and you'll need to reconnect your devices using the new name.
  • Your router's default admin password is printed on a sticker on the device itself or in the manual that came with it.

Finding your router's IP address and logging in

Your router has an IP address — a number that acts like a street address for the device on your network. You use this address to reach the router's settings page. On most home routers, this address is either 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. You can also find the exact address on the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or in the manual.

Open any web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) on a device that's connected to your WiFi. Type the IP address into the address bar at the top — for example, type 192.168.1.1 and press Enter. A login page should appear asking for a username and password. The default username is usually "admin" and the default password is printed on a sticker on your router. If you've changed the password before and don't remember it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings (which erases all your changes and returns it to defaults).

Locating the WiFi name setting in your router

Once you're logged in, you'll see a menu or dashboard. Look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "SSID." Different router brands organize this differently — some put it on the main page, others hide it under an "Advanced" menu. If you can't find it, check your router's manual or search online for "[your router model] change WiFi name" to see the exact steps for your device.

When you find the right section, you'll see a text field with your current network name in it. This is the name that appears when someone looks for WiFi networks on their phone or computer. You can change this to anything you want.

Choosing a new network name

Your new WiFi name can be almost anything, but a few practical limits explore. Keep it under 32 characters (letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens work best). Avoid special characters like @ # $ % or quotation marks, because some older devices won't connect to networks with those characters in the name.

You might choose something straightforward like "Home WiFi" or "Apartment 3B," or something more creative. If you're setting up a separate guest network, you might call it "Guest WiFi" or "Visitors." The name is visible to anyone in range, so avoid putting personal information like your last name or address in it.

Saving your changes and reconnecting devices

After you type in your new network name, 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 WiFi will disconnect, and the new network name will appear.

Once the restart is complete, you'll need to reconnect all your devices to the WiFi using the new name. On your phone or laptop, go to your WiFi settings, find the new network name in the list, and select it. You'll be asked to enter your WiFi password (this is different from your router admin password — it's the password you use to connect to the internet). If you haven't changed this password, it's also printed on the sticker on your router.

What to do if you can't log into your router

If the IP address doesn't work, try the other common one (if 192.168.1.1 doesn't work, try 192.168.0.1). If neither works, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully restart (usually two to three minutes), then try again.

If you've forgotten your admin password and can't find it on the sticker, you'll need to reset your router to factory settings. This erases all your settings and returns the router to how it came from the manufacturer. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. After the reset, the default username and password will work again, and you can change the network name. You'll also need to set up your WiFi password again.

Changing your WiFi password at the same time

While you're in your router settings, you might want to change your WiFi password too. This is the password people use to connect to your internet, not the admin password. Look for a section called "Security," "Wireless Security," or "WiFi Password." You can change it to anything you want — make it at least 12 characters long and mix letters, numbers, and symbols for better security.

Your WiFi password and your network name are separate things. You can change one without changing the other. If you change the password, all your connected devices will disconnect and ask you to enter the new password before they can reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi name affect my internet speed?

No. The network name is just a label — it has no effect on how fast your internet is. Speed depends on your internet plan, your router's hardware, and how far devices are from the router.

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

Many modern routers support a "guest network" feature that lets you broadcast a second WiFi name with separate settings. This is useful if you want visitors to connect to a different network than your main devices. Look for "Guest Network" or "Guest WiFi" in your router settings.

What happens to my devices when I change the network name?

They'll disconnect and won't automatically reconnect. You'll need to manually select the new network name in your WiFi settings and enter your password again. Devices that were set to connect automatically to the old name won't find it anymore.

Is it safer to hide my WiFi network name?

Hiding your network name (called "SSID broadcast") provides minimal security — anyone with basic tools can still see it. It's more of a convenience feature than a safety measure. Focus on using a strong WiFi password instead.

Do I need to change my network name if I change routers?

No, but you can if you want. If you keep the same network name and password on your new router, your devices will reconnect automatically. If you change the name, you'll need to reconnect everything manually.