Change your WiFi network name through the Xfinity app or gateway settings

You can change your Xfinity WiFi network name (the name that appears when you search for available networks) in two ways: through the Xfinity app on your phone, or by logging into your gateway's settings page directly. Both methods take about five minutes. The app is faster if you have it installed; the settings page works if you prefer a computer or have forgotten your Xfinity account password.

Your WiFi network name is separate from your Xfinity username — changing one does not change the other. The network name is what your devices see when they search for WiFi. Your Xfinity username is what you use to log into your account online or on the Xfinity app.

Key Takeaways

  • The Xfinity app lets you change your WiFi network name in about two minutes without needing to know your gateway password.
  • If you do not have the app, you can log into your gateway settings directly at 10.0.0.1 using your gateway's admin password (usually on a sticker on the device).
  • Your new network name takes effect when ready, but all devices will lose connection and need to reconnect with the new name.
  • You can change the network name back to the default at any time using the same method.

Change your WiFi name using the Xfinity app

Open the Xfinity app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select Internet, then tap your gateway device. Scroll down and select WiFi Network Name. Enter your new network name in the text field — you can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols. Tap Save when you are done.

The app will confirm the change and your new network name will appear in your WiFi list within a few seconds. All devices currently connected will disconnect automatically. You will need to reconnect each device by selecting the new network name and entering your WiFi password (which stays the same unless you change it separately).

Change your WiFi name through your gateway settings page

Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your Xfinity WiFi and go to 10.0.0.1. You will see a login page. Enter admin as the username. For the password, look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your gateway device — it will say something like "WiFi Password" or "Network Key" and show a string of characters. Enter that password and click Log In.

Once logged in, look for a section labeled WiFi, Wireless, or Network Settings. Find the field labeled Network Name or SSID. Clear the current name and type your new one. Scroll down and click Save or explore. Your gateway will restart and the new name will be live in about 30 seconds.

If you cannot find the settings page or the login does not work, your gateway may have a different default password. Check the Xfinity app instead — it does not require the gateway password.

What happens after you change your network name

Your old network name disappears from the WiFi list when ready. Any device that was connected will show a "no internet" message or disconnect on its own. You will need to manually reconnect each device by selecting your new network name from the available networks list and entering your WiFi password.

Devices that were set to connect automatically to your old network name will not reconnect automatically — you have to tell them to connect to the new name. On most phones and computers, you can do this by going to WiFi settings, selecting your new network name, and entering the password. The password does not change unless you change it separately in the same settings area.

Choosing a strong and memorable network name

Your network name can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and symbols like hyphens and underscores. Avoid using your address, phone number, or other personal information in the name — anyone in range can see it. A name like "HomeWiFi" or "Network2024" is straightforward and does not reveal anything about you.

If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network (some gateways broadcast both), you can give them different names so you can choose which one to connect to, or give them the same name so your devices switch between them automatically. Check your gateway settings to see if you have both bands available.

Troubleshooting: your change did not work

If you changed the name but it did not take effect, restart your gateway. Unplug the power cable from the back, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The gateway will take about two minutes to fully restart. Once the lights stabilize, your new network name should appear in the WiFi list.

If the Xfinity app shows an error when you try to save, make sure you are logged into your Xfinity account in the app. Log out and log back in, then try again. If the gateway settings page will not load at 10.0.0.1, make sure you are connected to your Xfinity WiFi (not a different network) and that you entered the password from the sticker correctly.

Changing your WiFi password separately

Your WiFi network name and WiFi password are two different things. Changing the name does not change the password. If you want to change your password as well, you can do that in the same settings area. In the Xfinity app, go to Internet > your gateway > WiFi Password. On the gateway settings page, look for WiFi Password, Passphrase, or Security Key. Enter a new password (at least 8 characters) and save.

Your WiFi password is what people need to enter to connect to your network. It is different from your Xfinity account password and your gateway admin password. You can change your WiFi password without changing your network name, or change both at the same time if you want a fresh start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi network name affect my internet speed?

No. Your network name is only what your devices see when they search for WiFi. It has no effect on your internet speed or connection quality. Speed depends on your Xfinity plan, your gateway hardware, and how far your devices are from the gateway.

Can I change my WiFi name back to the default?

Yes. Use the same method (app or settings page) and enter the default name, which is usually printed on the sticker on your gateway. It typically looks like "XFINITY-1234" or "Comcast-5678" followed by numbers. You can change it back and forth as many times as you want.

What if I forgot the password on the gateway sticker?

You can reset your gateway to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your custom settings and restore the default network name and password from the sticker. You will need to set up your WiFi again from scratch, so use this only if you cannot access the settings any other way.

Do I need to change my Xfinity account username to change my WiFi name?

No. Your Xfinity account username and your WiFi network name are completely separate. Changing one does not affect the other. Your account username is what you use to log into xfinity.com or the Xfinity app. Your WiFi network name is what appears in your device's WiFi list.