Change your WiFi name through your router's settings page

Your WiFi network name — called the SSID — is what you see when you look for networks on your phone or laptop. You change it by logging into your router's settings page, finding the wireless settings section, and typing in a new name. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether your router is from your internet provider or one you bought yourself.

The name you choose appears to everyone in range of your router, so pick something you'll recognize but don't need to keep private. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols. After you save the new name, your devices will see the updated network the next time they search for available WiFi.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your WiFi name by logging into your router's settings page, usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser.
  • Your router's username and password are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device — you'll need both to log in.
  • After you change the name and save, your devices will need to forget the old network and reconnect to the new one.
  • Changing the name does not affect your internet speed, security settings, or password — those are separate settings.

Find your router's IP address and log in

Start by opening a web browser on a device that's connected to your WiFi. Type 192.168.1.1 into the address bar and press Enter. If that doesn't work, try 192.168.0.1 instead. One of these two addresses will take you to your router's login page.

Look for the username and password on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of your router. The sticker usually says "Admin" or "Username" and "Password" or "Default Password." Enter both exactly as they appear — they're case-sensitive, so "Admin" is different from "admin." If you've changed the password before and don't remember it, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Locate the wireless settings section

Once you're logged in, look for a menu option that says "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "SSID." Different router brands organize this differently — some put it under "Settings," others under "Advanced," and some show it right on the main page. If you're not sure where to look, check the router's manual or search online for "[your router model] change WiFi name."

When you find the wireless settings, you'll see a field labeled "Network Name," "SSID," or "Wireless Network Name." This is where your current WiFi name appears. Click in that field and select all the text, then type your new name.

Save your changes and reconnect your devices

After you type the new name, look for a button that says "Save," "Apply," or "OK." Click it and wait for the page to confirm the change — this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. Your router will briefly disconnect from the internet while it applies the new settings, so don't unplug it.

On your phone, laptop, or tablet, go to your WiFi settings and look for the old network name. Tap or click "Forget" or "Remove" to delete it from your saved networks. Then search for available networks again — you should see your new WiFi name in the list. Select it and enter your WiFi password (this is different from your router's admin password). You're now connected to the renamed network.

What to do if you can't log into your router

If the default username and password on the sticker don't work, someone may have changed them before. Try common defaults like "admin" and "admin," or "admin" and "password." If none of these work, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings.

To reset, look for a small recessed button on the back of the router labeled "Reset." Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. Release the button and wait two minutes for the router to restart. After the reset, the username and password on the sticker will work again, but you'll lose any custom settings you made — your WiFi password will revert to the default, and you'll need to set it up again.

Reconnect after changing the name on multiple devices

If you have several devices connected to your WiFi, each one needs to forget the old network name and reconnect to the new one. Start with the device you use most often, then work through the others. On phones and tablets, go to WiFi settings, find the old network name, and tap "Forget." On Windows computers, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, find the old name, and click "Forget." On Macs, go to System Preferences > Network > WiFi > Advanced, select the old network, and click the minus button.

After you've removed the old network from each device, search for available networks and select the new name. Enter your WiFi password when prompted. If a device keeps trying to connect to the old name automatically, restart it after you've forgotten the network — this clears the connection from memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi name disconnect me from the internet?

Yes, briefly. Your router will disconnect for 10 to 30 seconds while it applies the change. After that, you'll need to reconnect your devices to the new network name. Your internet service itself is not affected — you're just changing what the network is called.

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

No. The network name and password are separate settings. You can change one without touching the other. If you want to change your password at the same time, it's usually in the same wireless settings section, but it's not required.

What if my router doesn't have a web settings page?

Some newer routers use a mobile app instead of a web page. Check the box your router came in or search online for "[your router model] app." Download the app, log in with the username and password from the sticker, and look for wireless or network settings inside the app. The steps are the same, just in a different place.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my WiFi name?

Most routers accept letters, numbers, spaces, and common symbols like hyphens and underscores. Emojis and some special characters may not work on older routers or may not display correctly on all devices. Stick to standard keyboard characters to avoid problems.

What if I forget my new WiFi name after I change it?

Log back into your router's settings page using the same IP address and login credentials. Go to the wireless settings section and you'll see the current network name listed there. Write it down or take a screenshot so you have it handy.