Access your router's settings through a web browser or app

To change your WiFi name, you need to log into your router — the device that broadcasts your wireless signal. Most routers have a web address you type into a browser, or they come with a companion app you download to your phone. The exact method depends on your router's brand and model.

Start by finding your router's IP address, which is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Open a web browser on a computer or phone connected to your WiFi, type that address into the address bar, and press Enter. You should see a login screen.

If the web address does not work, check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the correct address. Some newer routers (from brands like Google Nest, Eero, or Ubiquiti) skip the web browser entirely and require you to use their mobile app instead. Download the app, create an account if you do not have one, and sign in.

Log in with your router's default username and password

When you reach the login screen, you will need a username and password. These are not the same as your WiFi password. Most routers come with default credentials printed on the device itself — often "admin" for the username and "admin" or "password" for the password, though this varies by brand.

If you have changed the password before and do not remember it, you will need to reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including your WiFi name and password. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots up, use the default credentials again.

After you log in successfully, you should see a dashboard or settings page. This is where you control your WiFi network.

Key Takeaways

  • Your router's IP address is usually on a sticker on the device itself, and you type it into a web browser to access settings.
  • Default login credentials are printed on your router, and they are different from your WiFi password.
  • Look for a field labeled "SSID" or "Network Name" in the wireless or WiFi settings section.
  • After you change the name and save, your devices will see the new name the next time they scan for networks.
  • If you reset your router to change the password, you will also reset your WiFi name back to the factory default.

Find the wireless settings and locate the SSID field

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network," or "Settings." The exact name and location depend on your router brand. Most routers have a menu on the left side or tabs across the top. Click on the wireless or WiFi section.

Inside that section, you will see a field labeled SSID (Service Set Identifier) or "Network Name." This is your WiFi name — the one that appears when someone looks for available networks on their phone or computer. It is usually a text box where you can type or edit the current name.

Some routers broadcast two networks at once: one on 2.4 GHz and one on 5 GHz. You may see two SSID fields, one for each band. You can give them the same name or different names — it depends on your preference. If you want to change both, you will need to edit both fields.

Type your new WiFi name and save the changes

Click in the SSID field and clear the current name. Type the new name you want. WiFi names can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters. Avoid very long names or unusual symbols if you have older devices that might not recognize them.

After you type the new name, look for a "Save," "Apply," or "OK" button. Click it. The router will process the change, which usually takes a few seconds to a minute. You may see a message saying the settings have been saved or that the router is restarting.

Do not unplug the router while it is saving or restarting. Wait until the lights stop blinking and return to their normal pattern before you close the settings page.

Reconnect your devices to the new network

Once the change is complete, your devices will no longer automatically connect to the old network name. When you look for available WiFi networks on your phone, computer, or tablet, you will see the new name instead of the old one.

To reconnect, open your device's WiFi settings, find the new network name, and select it. You will be asked to enter your WiFi password — this is the same password you used before, unless you also changed it in the router settings. Enter the password and wait for the device to connect.

Repeat this step for each device that was connected to your old network: phones, computers, tablets, smart TVs, printers, and any other WiFi-enabled devices. Devices will not automatically find the new name, so you have to tell each one to connect manually.

Troubleshooting if the change does not appear

If you saved the new name but your devices still show the old network name, try these steps. First, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two to three minutes for it to fully boot up. The new name should appear in your device's network list.

If the old name still appears, log back into the router settings and confirm that the change was actually saved. Sometimes the page does not save properly if you close it too quickly or if there was a connection hiccup. Edit the SSID field again, click Save, and wait for confirmation.

If your devices still do not see the new name after restarting, try "forgetting" the old network on your device. Go to your WiFi settings, find the old network name, and select "Forget" or "Remove." Then scan for networks again and look for the new name. This forces your device to treat it as a fresh network rather than trying to reconnect to the old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my WiFi name disconnect my devices?

Yes. Once you save the new name, your devices will lose connection to the old network name. You will need to manually reconnect each device using the new name and your existing WiFi password. The password itself does not change unless you edit it in the router settings.

Can I change my WiFi name without resetting the password?

Yes. The WiFi name (SSID) and the WiFi password are separate settings in your router. You can change one without touching the other. If you only edit the SSID field and leave the password field alone, your password stays the same.

What if I cannot log into my router settings?

Check that you are using the correct IP address for your router model — it is on the sticker on the device. Make sure you are connected to that WiFi network when you try to log in. If you still cannot access it, reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, then try logging in with the default credentials printed on the device.

Can I use any name for my WiFi network?

Almost any name works, up to 32 characters. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols. Avoid very long names or unusual characters if you have older devices. Some devices may have trouble connecting to networks with names that include certain special characters or non-English text.

Do I need to change my WiFi name?

No. Changing your WiFi name is optional and purely for your convenience. Many people change it to something recognizable so they know which network is theirs, or to hide the default manufacturer name for privacy. You can leave it as the factory default if you prefer.