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 an address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. Some newer routers have their own app instead — check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router to see which one yours uses.

When you type that address, a login screen will appear. You'll need the router's username and password. These are printed on a sticker attached to your router — usually the username is "admin" and the password is a string of letters and numbers. If you changed this password before and don't remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding a small reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this will erase all your settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's login address is usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, printed on a sticker on the device itself.
  • The default username is almost always "admin" and the default password is on that same sticker.
  • Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," or "Network Settings" — the exact name depends on your router brand.
  • Change only the network name (SSID), not the password, if you want to keep your current security settings.
  • After you save changes, your WiFi will briefly disconnect, and you'll need to reconnect using the new name.

Find the wireless or WiFi settings page

After you log in, you'll see a dashboard or menu. Look for a section labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or WLAN. Different router brands organize this differently — some put it in a main menu on the left side, others in tabs across the top. If you can't find it when ready, look for a settings or advanced settings option.

Once you're in the wireless section, you should see a field labeled SSID, Network Name, or WiFi Name. This is the name that appears when you look for available networks on your phone or computer. That's the field you're going to change.

Clear the current name and type a new one

Click in the network name field and select all the text (usually Ctrl+A on Windows or Command+A on Mac). Delete it and type your new WiFi name. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks, though some routers don't accept special characters like @ or &. Keep it something you'll recognize and remember.

Avoid using personal information like your full name or address in the network name, since anyone nearby can see it. A good WiFi name is something straightforward like "HomeNet" or "Guest WiFi" — it tells you what the network is without broadcasting private details.

Save your changes and wait for the router to restart

Look for a Save, explore, or OK button, usually at the bottom of the page. Click it. Your router will process the change and may restart automatically — this usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi will disconnect briefly.

Don't unplug the router or close the browser during this restart. If the page shows an error or times out, that's normal — the router is rebooting. Wait a full two minutes before trying to reconnect.

Reconnect your devices using the new network name

Once the router has restarted, your new WiFi name will appear in the list of available networks on your phone, laptop, or tablet. Click on it and enter your WiFi password (this is different from the router login password — it's the password you use to connect to the internet). The password usually stays the same unless you changed it in the router settings.

If you have many devices, you'll need to reconnect each one individually. Smart home devices like thermostats or security cameras may need to be reconnected through their own apps. Some devices may try to reconnect automatically if they remember the old network name — if that happens, forget the old network and reconnect to the new one.

Troubleshooting if the new name doesn't appear

If you don't see your new WiFi name after waiting two minutes, try restarting your device (phone, laptop, or tablet) rather than the router. Sometimes a device's WiFi list doesn't update when ready. Turn WiFi off and back on, or restart the device completely.

If the new name still doesn't appear after restarting your device, log back into the router and check that your changes were actually saved. Sometimes a browser closes or loses connection before the save completes. If the old name is still there, repeat the steps above and make sure you click Save before closing the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi name disconnect me from the internet?

Yes, briefly. Your WiFi will drop for 30 seconds to two minutes while the router restarts. Your internet connection will come back once the router finishes, and you reconnect to the new network name. Wired devices plugged directly into the router won't be affected.

Do I need to change my WiFi password when I change the name?

No. The network name and password are separate. You can change one without touching the other. If you want to change your password too, it's usually in the same Wireless settings page, in a field labeled "Password," "Passphrase," or "Pre-Shared Key."

What if I can't remember the router login password?

Hold the reset button on the back of your router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. This erases all settings and returns the router to factory defaults. You'll then log in with the default username and password on the sticker, but you'll need to set up your WiFi name and password again from scratch.

Can I use any characters in my WiFi name?

Most routers accept letters, numbers, and spaces. Some special characters like hyphens and underscores work too, but @ and & often don't. If you type a character and the router won't let you save, try removing it and using only letters and numbers instead.

Why does my device keep trying to connect to the old WiFi name?

Your device remembers networks it has connected to before. Go to your WiFi settings, find the old network name in your saved networks list, and select "Forget" or "Remove." Then reconnect to the new name. This is especially common with phones and tablets.