Why and how to rename your router

Your router broadcasts a network name—called an SSID (Service Set Identifier)—that appears when you search for Wi-Fi on your phone or computer. By default, this name is usually the router's brand and model number, like "NETGEAR-5G" or "TP-Link-2024". You can change it to anything you want: your last name, a joke, a business name, or just something easier to remember.

Renaming your network takes about five minutes and requires no special tools. You log into your router's settings through a web browser or app, find the wireless settings, and type in a new name. The change takes effect when ready, though all your devices will lose connection briefly and you'll need to reconnect them using the new name.

The main reason to rename your router is clarity—especially if you live in an apartment building or dense neighborhood where dozens of networks appear in your list. A recognizable name makes it obvious which one is yours. Some people also rename their network for privacy (so neighbors don't know the brand of router you own) or branding (if you run a small business from home).

Key Takeaways

  • You change your router's network name by logging into its settings page through a web browser, usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
  • The default login username and password are printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or in the manual that came with it.
  • Once you rename the network, all your devices will disconnect and you'll need to reconnect them by selecting the new name and entering your Wi-Fi password.
  • The new name takes effect when ready and is broadcast to all devices in range within seconds.
  • You can change the name back to the default at any time by logging in again and typing the original name.

Finding your router's login page

To change your router's name, you first need to reach its settings page. Open a web browser on any device connected to your Wi-Fi—a computer, tablet, or phone—and type one of these addresses into the address bar:

  • 192.168.1.1
  • 192.168.0.1
  • 192.168.100.1

Most routers use one of the first two. If none of those work, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router—it will show the correct address, usually labeled "Default Gateway" or "Router Address". You can also check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website.

When you type the address, a login page should appear asking for a username and password. Do not close the page if it looks plain or old-fashioned—that's normal for router settings pages.

Logging in with your default credentials

The username and password you need are printed on a sticker attached to your router. Look on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment. The sticker usually shows something like "Admin" or "admin" for the username and a string of numbers or letters for the password.

Type these credentials exactly as they appear—usernames and passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you've changed the password since you set up the router, use the new password you created, not the default one.

If you've forgotten the password and can't find the sticker, you can reset the router to factory settings. This erases all your custom settings, including the Wi-Fi password. Most routers have a small reset button on the back that you hold down for 10 to 15 seconds with a paperclip or pen. After a reset, use the default credentials from the sticker again.

Locating the wireless settings and SSID field

Once you're logged in, look for a menu item labeled "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", "Network", or "Settings". Different manufacturers use different names, but it's usually in the main menu or a sidebar on the left.

Inside that section, you'll see a field labeled SSID, "Network Name", "Wireless Name", or "Broadcast Name". This is where your current network name appears. Click or tap in that field to select it.

Some routers have separate settings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks—these are two different frequency bands your router can broadcast on. If you see both, you can give them the same name or different names. Most people give them the same name so their devices automatically pick the best one.

Typing in your new network name

Clear the current name and type your new one. Network names can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most symbols. Avoid special characters like @ or / if possible—some older devices have trouble connecting to networks with those characters.

Keep the name straightforward and memorable. "Smith Family Wi-Fi" is better than "xXxWiFi420xXx" if you ever need to tell guests the name or type it on a new device. You can always change it again later.

After you type the new name, look for a button labeled "Save", "explore", "OK", or "Submit". Click it to save your changes.

Reconnecting your devices to the new network

Within a few seconds of saving, your router will broadcast the new network name. All your devices will lose their Wi-Fi connection because they're still looking for the old name. You'll need to reconnect them one by one.

On your phone or computer, open the Wi-Fi settings and look for your new network name in the list. Select it and enter your Wi-Fi password—this is the password you use to connect to Wi-Fi, not the router login password. If you haven't changed your Wi-Fi password, it's usually printed on the same sticker as the router login credentials.

Repeat this for every device: phones, tablets, laptops, smart speakers, printers, security cameras, and anything else that connects to Wi-Fi. Devices will remember the new name and password, so you won't need to re-enter them unless you change the network name or password again.

Troubleshooting if the change doesn't work

If you don't see the new network name appear after a few seconds, try restarting your router. Unplug it from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. It will take a minute or two to fully restart, then the new name should appear.

If you still can't see the new name, log back into the router settings and check that your changes were actually saved. Sometimes the page doesn't save if there's a connection hiccup. Clear the SSID field again, type the new name, and click Save once more.

If you're locked out of the settings page, you've forgotten the login password, or the router isn't responding at all, a factory reset is your next step. Hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, wait for the router to restart, then log in with the default credentials from the sticker and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing the network name affect my internet speed?

No. The network name is just a label—it has no effect on how fast your internet runs. Speed depends on your internet plan, the router's hardware, and how far away your devices are from the router.

Will changing the network name disconnect my internet?

Your internet connection itself won't be interrupted, but your Wi-Fi devices will lose connection briefly because they're looking for the old network name. Once you reconnect them to the new name, they'll have internet again.

Can I change the network name back to the default?

Yes, anytime. Log back into the router settings, find the SSID field, type the original name (from the sticker on your router), and save. Your devices will need to reconnect using the old name again.

What if I have two network names showing up from my router?

Your router is broadcasting both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network. You can rename them separately or give them the same name so your devices automatically choose the faster one. Both options are in the wireless settings menu.

Do I need to change my Wi-Fi password when I change the network name?

No. The network name and password are separate. You can change one without changing the other. However, if you want to update your password at the same time, it's usually in the same wireless settings menu.