Change your Xfinity WiFi name through the Xfinity My Account app or web portal

You can rename your Xfinity WiFi network in about five minutes using either your phone or a computer. The process is the same whether you have an Xfinity Gateway (the modem and router combined) or a separate router. You'll log into your Xfinity account, find the WiFi settings, and type in a new name — called the SSID — that your devices will see when they search for networks.

The new name takes effect within a few minutes. Any devices currently connected to your WiFi will stay connected, but devices that aren't connected yet will need to select the new network name and enter your password again.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your WiFi name by logging into your Xfinity account online or through the My Account app, not by pressing buttons on the router itself.
  • The new network name appears on all your devices within a few minutes, but you'll need to reconnect devices that weren't already connected.
  • Your WiFi password stays the same unless you change it separately — renaming the network does not reset your password.
  • If you can't log into your Xfinity account, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this also resets your WiFi name and password to the defaults printed on the router.

Change your WiFi name using the Xfinity My Account app

Open the Xfinity My Account app on your phone or tablet. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select Internet. Tap WiFi Settings, then tap the pencil icon next to your network name.

Type your new WiFi name in the text box. The name can be up to 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols. Avoid using only numbers or special characters — a mix of letters and numbers works best. Tap Save when you're done.

The app will show a confirmation message. Your new network name will appear on all your devices within two to five minutes. If you don't see it right away, restart your phone or tablet's WiFi by turning WiFi off and back on in your settings.

Change your WiFi name using the Xfinity web portal

Go to xfinity.comcast.net in your web browser and sign in with your Xfinity username and password. Click Internet in the top menu, then click WiFi Settings.

You'll see your current network name listed. Click the pencil icon or Edit button next to it. Type your new network name in the box that appears. Click Save or Apply — the exact button name depends on which version of the portal you're using.

Wait two to five minutes for the change to take effect across all your devices. If you're currently using WiFi on the computer you're using to make this change, you may be briefly disconnected when the new name goes live. Reconnect by selecting the new network name and entering your WiFi password.

What happens to your password and connected devices

Changing your WiFi name does not change your WiFi password. Your password stays exactly the same. If you want to change the password at the same time, you can do that in the same WiFi Settings menu — look for a Password or Security Key field.

Devices that are already connected to your WiFi will stay connected when you change the name. They won't drop off the network. However, any device that isn't currently connected will need to find the new network name in its WiFi list and enter the password again. This includes phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, printers, and any other device that uses your WiFi.

If you have a guest network enabled, changing your main network name does not affect the guest network. The guest network keeps its own separate name and password.

Troubleshoot if you can't access WiFi settings

If you've forgotten your Xfinity username or password, go to xfinity.comcast.net and click Forgot Username or Forgot Password. You'll need to verify your identity using your account number, phone number, or email address on file. Xfinity will send you a reset link or temporary password.

If you can't remember your WiFi password and need to change the network name, you have two options. First, try resetting your password through the Xfinity portal — this doesn't require you to be connected to WiFi, since you can use mobile data or a different network. Second, if that doesn't work, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button on the back of the gateway for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings and restore the default network name and password printed on a sticker on the router.

Why you might want to change your WiFi name

The default Xfinity network name is usually something like "XFINITY" or "XFINITY-1234" — a name that doesn't tell you anything about your home or preferences. Changing it to something you recognize makes it easier to find your own network when you're setting up a new device, especially if you live in an apartment building or area with many other WiFi networks nearby.

A custom name also makes your network feel more personal. Some people use their last name, a nickname, or something fun. Just avoid using personal information like your full address or phone number, since anyone nearby can see your WiFi network name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart my router after changing the WiFi name?

No. The change takes effect automatically within a few minutes. You don't need to unplug the router or press any buttons. If the new name doesn't show up on your devices after five minutes, restart your device's WiFi by turning it off and back on in your settings.

Will changing my WiFi name disconnect my smart TV or printer?

Devices that are already connected will stay connected. Devices that aren't connected yet will need to be reconnected manually by selecting the new network name and entering your password. If a device was connected before the name change, it should reconnect automatically when it wakes up or restarts.

Can I change my WiFi name if I'm not home?

Yes. You can log into your Xfinity account from anywhere using the My Account app or website, as long as you have your username and password. The change will take effect on your home router even if you're not there.

What if I change my WiFi name and then forget it?

Log back into your Xfinity account online or in the app and go to WiFi Settings. Your current network name will be displayed there. You can also look at the sticker on your Xfinity Gateway — it shows the default name, though if you've changed it, the sticker won't reflect your custom name.

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

Yes, if your Xfinity Gateway supports it. You can set up a guest network with a separate name and password. This is useful if you want visitors to connect to a different network than your main one. You can manage both networks in the WiFi Settings menu.