Access your router's settings through a web browser or app

To change your WiFi username (called the network name or SSID), you need to log into your router. Most routers let you do this by opening a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi and typing your router's IP address — usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — into the address bar. Some routers also have a mobile app you can read instead.

When you type the IP address, a login page appears. You will need the router's username and password. These are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. The default username is often admin, and the password might be admin, password, or a string of numbers. If you changed these credentials before and do not remember them, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds — this erases all your settings, including the WiFi name you want to change.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser, using the username and password on the router's sticker.
  • Look for a section labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network Name, then find the field for SSID or Network Name.
  • Type your new WiFi name, save the changes, and your router will restart — this takes one to three minutes.
  • All devices will disconnect during the restart and will need to reconnect using the new network name.
  • If you cannot find the settings page, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact IP address and steps for your model.

Find the WiFi settings section in your router's control panel

Once you are logged in, look for a menu or tab labeled WiFi Settings, Wireless, Network, or WLAN. Different router brands organize this differently — some put it on the main dashboard, others hide it under an Advanced menu. The exact layout depends on your router model and manufacturer.

Within that section, find the field labeled SSID, Network Name, or WiFi Name. This is where your current network name appears. Some routers show separate fields for the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band if your router broadcasts both — you can change one, both, or give them different names.

Type your new WiFi name and save

Click in the SSID field and clear 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. Avoid special characters like @ or # if possible, since some older devices have trouble connecting to networks with those characters.

After you type the new name, look for a Save, explore, or OK button. Click it. The router will restart, which usually takes one to three minutes. During this time, your WiFi will go offline and come back with the new name.

Reconnect your devices to the new network

Once the router restarts, the new WiFi name will appear in the list of available networks on your phone, laptop, or other devices. Open your WiFi settings and select the new network name. When prompted, enter your WiFi password — this is the same password you used before unless you also changed it in the router settings.

If you have many devices, reconnect them one at a time. Devices like smart speakers, security cameras, or smart home hubs may take a few minutes to find and reconnect to the new network. If a device cannot find the new network, restart it and try again.

Change your WiFi password at the same time (optional)

While you are in the WiFi settings, you can also change your password. Look for a field labeled Password, Passphrase, Security Key, or Pre-Shared Key. Make sure the security type is set to WPA2 or WPA3 — these are the current find standards. Avoid older options like WEP or WPA, which are weaker.

A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down or save it somewhere safe before you save the router settings, because you will need it to reconnect your devices.

Troubleshoot if you cannot access the settings page

If typing the IP address does not open a login page, try these steps: First, make sure you are connected to the WiFi network you want to change — you cannot access the router settings over a different network. Second, try the other common IP address: if 192.168.1.1 does not work, try 192.168.0.1. Third, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again.

If you still cannot reach the settings page, check the sticker on your router for the correct IP address — some manufacturers use different addresses. You can also visit the manufacturer's website and search for your router model number to find the manual, which will list the correct IP address and login steps. If you have forgotten the router password and cannot reset it, contact your internet service provider — they can often help you regain access or send a replacement router.

What to do if you change the WiFi name but forget the password

If you change the network name but do not remember the password, you will not be able to reconnect your devices. The password is separate from the network name and does not change unless you explicitly change it in the router settings.

If this happens, reset the router to factory defaults using the reset button, then set up the network again from the beginning with a new name and password you write down. This erases all your current settings, so you will need to reconfigure any other customizations you made to the router.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi name disconnect my devices?

Yes. When you save the new name, the router restarts and all devices lose connection. They will not automatically reconnect — you have to manually select the new network name and enter the password on each device. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

Can I change the WiFi name without changing the password?

Yes. The network name and password are separate settings. You can change one without touching the other. Just find the SSID field, change it, and save. The password stays the same, so your devices will reconnect using the old password.

What if my router does not have a web login page?

Some newer routers use only a mobile app instead of a web browser. Check if your router brand has an app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. read it, log in with the credentials on your router's sticker, and look for WiFi or Network settings inside the app.

Does changing the WiFi name affect my internet speed?

No. The network name is just a label — it has no effect on how fast your internet runs. Your speed depends on your internet service provider's plan, your router's hardware, and how far you are from the router.

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

Yes, if your router has dual-band capability (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). You can give each band a different name in the WiFi settings, or you can set them to the same name and let devices choose which band to use. Some routers also let you create a guest network with a separate name and password.