Log into your router's admin panel using your current password

Your router has a built-in control panel where you can change the network name (called the SSID, or Service Set Identifier). To reach it, open a web browser on any device connected to your WiFi 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, but check your router's label or manual if neither works.

When the login page appears, enter your router's username and password. The default is often admin for both, but this varies by manufacturer. If you changed the password before and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings — a small button on the back that you hold for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your custom settings, so only do this if you cannot recover the password another way.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's control panel is reached by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser, then logging in with your router's admin password.
  • The network name (SSID) is usually found under a section called Wireless, WiFi Settings, or Network Settings — the exact name depends on your router brand.
  • Changing your WiFi name does not affect your password; you can change one without touching the other.
  • After you save the new name, all your devices will see the new network name and may ask you to reconnect using your existing password.
  • If you cannot remember your router's admin password, you can reset the router to factory defaults, but this erases all custom settings including your WiFi password.

Find the wireless or WiFi settings section

Once you are logged in, look for a menu item labeled Wireless, WiFi, WiFi Settings, or Network Settings. Different router brands organize this differently — some put it on the main dashboard, others in an Advanced menu. If you cannot find it, check your router manufacturer's support page by searching "[your router model] change SSID" or "[your router model] change network name".

You should see a field that shows your current network name. This is the name that appears when you look for available networks on your phone or laptop. Write down your current name before you change it, in case you need to refer back to it.

Enter your new WiFi name and save

Click or tap the field with your current network name and replace it with whatever you want to call your network. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters, though some routers reject certain symbols. Keep it short enough to remember — 32 characters is the maximum, but shorter names are easier to type when connecting new devices.

After you type the new name, look for a Save, explore, or OK button. Click it and wait for the router to restart. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will drop briefly, and all connected devices will lose their connection.

Reconnect your devices to the new network

Once the router restarts, your devices will no longer see the old network name. On each device, go to your WiFi settings and look for the new network name you just created. Select it and enter your WiFi password — this is the same password you used before, since you only changed the name, not the security settings.

Phones, tablets, and laptops usually remember the old network name and may not automatically switch. You may need to "forget" the old network first, then connect to the new one. On most phones, this means going to WiFi settings, selecting the old network name, and choosing "Forget" or "Remove".

Changing your name does not change your password

The network name and the WiFi password are separate settings. Changing one does not affect the other. If you want to change your password at the same time, look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, or Pre-Shared Key (PSK) in the same Wireless Settings section. Save both changes together, then reconnect your devices using the new name and the new password.

If you change only the name and keep the password the same, your devices will reconnect without asking for the password again — they already know it. If you change the password, every device will need the new password to connect, even if the network name stays the same.

What to do if you cannot access the admin panel

If you cannot remember your router's admin password and cannot log in, your only option is to reset the router to factory settings. Look for a small recessed button on the back or bottom of the router, usually labeled Reset. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the reset, the router returns to its default settings: the network name is usually the router model or manufacturer name, and the admin password is the default (often printed on the router label). You will need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch. This is why it is worth writing down your admin password somewhere safe when you first set up your router.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi name disconnect me from the internet?

Yes, briefly. When you save the change, the router restarts for 30 seconds to two minutes. During that time, all devices lose connection. Once the router comes back online, you can reconnect to the new network name using your existing password.

Can I change my WiFi name without changing my password?

Yes. The network name and password are separate settings in the router's admin panel. You can change one without touching the other. If you change only the name, your devices will reconnect automatically because they already know the password.

What if I forgot my WiFi password but remember my admin password?

Log into the admin panel and look for the password field in Wireless or WiFi Settings. It may be hidden or shown as dots for security. You can view it or change it to something new. Write down the new password before you save.

Do I need to change my WiFi name for security reasons?

Changing the name itself does not improve security — a network name is visible to anyone nearby. Security depends on your password strength and the encryption type (usually WPA2 or WPA3). If you want better security, focus on using a strong, unique password rather than changing the network name.

What characters can I use in my WiFi name?

Most routers accept letters, numbers, spaces, and common symbols like hyphens and underscores. Some routers reject special characters like &, %, or @. If you try to save a name and get an error, try removing special characters and use only letters, numbers, and hyphens instead.