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, typing a specific address into the address bar, and entering a password.

The address is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router — it often looks like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, or sometimes a word like routerlogin.net. The default username is often admin and the default password is either admin or password, though some routers use different defaults printed on that same sticker.

If you have changed the password before and do not remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding a small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases all your changes, including the WiFi password, so use this only if you are locked out.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your router by typing its address (usually 192.168.1.1) into a web browser and entering the default username and password from the sticker on the router.
  • Look for a setting called WiFi Name, Network Name, SSID, or Wireless Name — the exact wording depends on your router brand.
  • Change the name to anything you want, but avoid special characters and keep it under 32 characters for best compatibility.
  • Save or explore your changes, then reconnect your devices to the network using the new name.
  • Your WiFi password stays the same unless you change it separately in the security or wireless settings.

Find the wireless or WiFi settings page

Once you are logged in, look for a menu or tab labeled Wireless, WiFi, Network, or Advanced. Different router brands organize this differently — some put it on the main page, others hide it in a submenu. If you see a section for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, those are two separate WiFi bands your router may broadcast, and you can change the name on one or both.

Some newer routers have a mobile app instead of a web interface. If your router came with an app, you can usually find the WiFi settings by tapping a WiFi icon or gear icon within that app. The steps are the same — find the network name field and change it.

Change the network name to what you want

Look for a field labeled SSID, Network Name, WiFi Name, or Wireless Network Name. Click or tap in that field, delete the current name, and type the new one. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation, but avoid special characters like @ or # because some older devices will not connect to networks with those characters.

Keep the name under 32 characters — longer names can cause problems with older phones and devices. The name is case-sensitive in the settings, but when you search for networks on your phone or computer, it will not matter whether you typed it in capitals or lowercase.

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

Look for a button labeled Save, explore, or OK at the bottom of the page or screen. Click it. The router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your WiFi will go offline briefly.

Once the router restarts, your old network name will disappear from the list of available networks. On each device — phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV — you will need to forget the old network and reconnect using the new name. Go to your WiFi settings, select the new network name from the list, and enter your WiFi password (which has not changed unless you edited it separately).

What to do if you cannot log into your router

If the default username and password do not work, check the sticker on your router again — some manufacturers use different defaults. If you changed the password before and have forgotten it, you will need to reset the router. Hold the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink or the router restarts. This returns everything to factory settings, including the WiFi name and password.

If you still cannot log in, write down your router model number (also on the sticker) and search online for "[your model] default password" — manufacturer support pages list the defaults for each model. Some internet providers also lock the router settings, in which case you may need to contact them for the password.

Changing the name on dual-band routers

If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, you will see two separate SSID fields in the settings. You can give them the same name or different names. Many people use the same name so their devices automatically pick the best band, but some prefer different names so they can manually choose which band to use.

The 5 GHz band is faster but has shorter range, while 2.4 GHz is slower but reaches farther. If you give them the same name, your phone or laptop will switch between them automatically as you move around your home. If you give them different names (like "MyNetwork-5G" and "MyNetwork-2.4G"), you can see which band you are on and manually switch if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi name disconnect my devices?

Yes, temporarily. When you save the new name, the router restarts and your old network disappears. You will need to reconnect each device using the new name and your existing WiFi password. This usually takes a few minutes per device.

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

No. The network name and password are separate settings. You can change the name without touching the password, or change the password without changing the name. If you want to change the password too, look for a field labeled "Security Key", "Passphrase", or "WiFi Password" on the same settings page.

What if I forget the new WiFi name I just created?

You can see it on any device currently connected to the network — go to WiFi settings and look at which network you are connected to. Or log back into the router settings the same way you did to change it, and the current name will be displayed in the SSID field.

Can I use any characters in my WiFi name?

Letters, numbers, and spaces work on all devices. Most punctuation marks work too, but avoid @, #, and other special characters because older phones and smart home devices may not connect to networks with those characters in the name.

How do I change the WiFi name on a mesh router system?

Mesh systems usually have a mobile app where you can change the network name from one place. Open the app, look for WiFi settings or network settings, and change the name there. The change applies to all nodes in the system at once, so you only have to do it once.