Change your WiFi name from your router, not your iPhone

Your iPhone cannot change the WiFi network name on its own. The name you see when you open WiFi settings — called the SSID — is broadcast by your router, not your phone. To change it, you log into your router's settings through a web browser or the router's app, then edit the network name there. Your iPhone will see the new name the next time it scans for networks.

This is different from renaming the iPhone itself (which shows up in AirDrop and Bluetooth settings). Changing the WiFi name affects everyone on your network and requires access to your router's admin panel.

Key Takeaways

  • The WiFi network name is set on your router, not your iPhone, so you must log into your router's settings to change it.
  • You need your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and the admin password to access the settings.
  • Most modern routers have a mobile app that lets you change the network name without opening a web browser.
  • After you change the name, your iPhone will forget the old network and you will need to reconnect using the new name and password.

Find your router's IP address and login information

Before you can change the WiFi name, you need to know how to reach your router's settings. The router's IP address 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. If you do not see it, check the router's manual or the manufacturer's website.

You will also need the admin password. This is different from your WiFi password. If you have never changed it, the default password is often "admin" or "password," or it may be printed on the router itself. If you have changed it and forgotten it, you may need to reset the router to factory settings, which erases all your custom settings.

Log in through a web browser on your iPhone

Open Safari or another web browser on your iPhone and type your router's IP address into the address bar — for example, 192.168.1.1. Press Go. You should see a login screen asking for a username and password.

Enter your admin username (often "admin") and password, then log in. You are now in your router's control panel. Look for a section labeled "Wireless," "WiFi," "Network Name," or "SSID." The exact wording depends on your router brand.

Find the field that shows your current network name, clear it, and type the new name you want. Make sure you are editing the 2.4 GHz network name if your router has separate names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands — or change both if you want them to have the same name. Save your changes and wait for the router to restart, which usually takes one to two minutes.

Use your router's mobile app instead

Many router manufacturers offer mobile apps that let you manage your network from your iPhone without opening a web browser. Common apps include Eero, Linksys, TP-Link Tether, ASUS, and Netgear Nighthawk. Search your router brand name plus "app" in the App Store to find the official one.

read and open the app, then log in with the same admin credentials you use for the web panel. Navigate to the WiFi or Network settings section. You should see your current network name listed. Tap it to edit, change the name, save, and the app will push the change to your router. This method is often faster and easier than using a web browser on your phone.

Reconnect your iPhone to the new network

After the router restarts and broadcasts the new network name, open Settings on your iPhone and go to WiFi. You will no longer see the old network name in the list. Tap the new network name, enter your WiFi password (which does not change unless you also edited it in the router settings), and connect.

If your iPhone keeps trying to connect to the old network name, go to Settings > WiFi, find the old network in the list, tap the info icon next to it, and select "Forget This Network." Then connect to the new one.

What to do if you cannot access the router settings

If you do not know the admin password and cannot reset the router, contact the person who set up your network. If you are renting and the router belongs to your landlord or internet provider, they may need to make the change for you.

If you are the account holder with your internet provider, you can also call their support line. They can either reset your router remotely or walk you through the login process. Have your account number and a photo ID ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the WiFi name disconnect everyone on my network?

Yes. All devices will lose connection when the router restarts after the change. They will need to reconnect using the new network name. This usually takes a few minutes. Tell other people in your home before you make the change so they are not surprised.

Can I change the WiFi name without changing the password?

Yes. The network name and password are separate settings in your router. You can change one without touching the other. If you only edit the name field and save, the password stays the same.

What if I see two network names with the same name after I change it?

Your router may broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz band. If you changed only one, you will see the old name on one band and the new name on the other. Go back into the router settings and change the second band to match, or leave them different if you prefer.

Do I need to change anything on my iPhone after changing the WiFi name?

No, except to reconnect. Your iPhone does not store the network name in a way that breaks when you change it. Just forget the old network and connect to the new one using the same password.