How to Change Your Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID)

Your Wi-Fi network name, technically called the SSID (Service Set Identifier), is what appears when devices scan for available networks. Changing it from the default ISP or manufacturer name helps you identify your network quickly, especially in apartments or dense neighborhoods where dozens of networks appear in the list. A custom SSID also removes brand-specific identifiers like “NETGEAR-5G” or “TP-Link_A4F2” that tell outsiders what hardware you are running.

Find Your Router’s Admin Panel

Your router admin panel is where all network configuration happens, including the SSID setting. Open any browser on a device connected to your network and type your router’s IP address in the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.0.1.

If neither works, find your exact gateway IP:

• Windows: Open Command Prompt, type ipconfig, look for Default Gateway.
• macOS: Open Terminal, type route get default | grep gateway.
• Phone: Check Wi-Fi settings and tap the connected network for gateway info.

Log in with your admin credentials. If you have not changed them, the defaults are on the sticker on your router. Common defaults are admin/admin for TP-Link and ASUS, admin/password for Netgear. For a full list, see the default router passwords reference.

Change the Wi-Fi Name on TP-Link Routers

TP-Link routers label the Wi-Fi name as “Wireless Network Name” or “SSID” depending on the interface version. After logging in to the admin panel:

Newer Archer interface (teal):

1. Click the Basic tab at the top.
2. Select Wireless from the left menu.
3. Find the Network Name (SSID) field for the 2.4 GHz band.
4. Delete the current name and type your new SSID.
5. Scroll down to the 5 GHz section and change that SSID too.
6. Click Save.

Older TP-Link interface (green):

1. Click Wireless > Wireless Settings in the left menu.
2. Change the Wireless Network Name field.
3. Click Save, then reboot when prompted.

If Smart Connect is enabled on dual-band or tri-band TP-Link routers, you only need to set one SSID. The router uses band steering to assign devices to the optimal frequency automatically.

Change the Wi-Fi Name on ASUS Routers

ASUS routers display the SSID field prominently on the Wireless settings page. After logging in at router.asus.com or 192.168.1.1:

1. Click Wireless in the left sidebar.
2. On the General tab, find the SSID field.
3. Type your new network name.
4. Use the band tabs (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz / 5 GHz-2 on tri-band models) to set each SSID.
5. Click Apply.

ASUS AiMesh systems propagate the SSID change to all mesh nodes automatically. You do not need to update each node individually. If Smart Connect is on, one SSID covers all bands.

Change the Wi-Fi Name on Netgear Routers

Netgear routers call the Wi-Fi name “Name (SSID)” in the wireless setup section. After logging in at routerlogin.net or 192.168.1.1:

1. Go to Wireless in the main menu (or Setup > Wireless Setup on some models).
2. Find the Name (SSID) field.
3. Type your new network name.
4. If your router is dual-band, scroll to the 5 GHz section and change that name too.
5. Click Apply.

Netgear Orbi mesh systems manage SSIDs through the Orbi app or web interface at orbilogin.com. The satellite units inherit the SSID from the main router unit.

Change the Wi-Fi Name on Linksys Routers

Linksys routers list the SSID under Wi-Fi Settings in the modern dashboard. After logging in at 192.168.1.1 or myrouter.local:

1. Go to Wi-Fi Settings (smart interface) or Wireless > Basic Wireless Settings (classic interface).
2. Change the Wi-Fi Name or Network Name (SSID) field.
3. Update both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz names if they appear separately.
4. Click Apply or OK.

Linksys Velop mesh systems use the Linksys app for SSID management. Open the app, go to Wi-Fi Settings, and update the name there. The change syncs to all nodes.

Best Practices for Choosing a Wi-Fi Name

A good SSID is easy for you to find and hard for outsiders to exploit. Follow these guidelines when picking a new network name.

Keep it identifiable. In an apartment building with 30 visible networks, you need to spot yours instantly. Use something memorable and unique to you, but not personally identifying.

Stay under 32 characters. The SSID standard allows a maximum of 32 characters. Shorter names are easier to type on devices with small screens like smart TVs and IoT gadgets.

Avoid personal information. Do not include your name, apartment number, street address, or phone number. This information helps social engineers and tells passersby exactly whose network it is.

Do not reveal your hardware. Default SSIDs like “NETGEAR-5G-A2B4” or “ASUS_RT-AX88U” tell potential attackers your exact router model, which tells them which exploits to try. A generic name gives away nothing.

Skip the clever threat names. SSIDs like “FBI Surveillance Van” or “Get Your Own WiFi” are common jokes, but they attract attention rather than deflect it. A boring, nondescript name is better for security.

Good SSID examples: CoralReef, PineValley5, BlueOak-Home, Wavelength42

Avoid: ApartmentB4-JohnSmith, Netgear-R8000, TP-Link_5GHz, HackMeIfYouCan

Reconnect Your Devices After the Change

After saving the new SSID, every wirelessly connected device drops off the network because the old network name no longer exists. You need to reconnect each device to the new name.

Phones and tablets. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, find your new network name in the list, tap it, and enter the Wi-Fi password. If the old SSID still appears, select “Forget” to remove the stale entry.

Laptops. Click the Wi-Fi icon, select the new SSID, and enter the password. On Windows, if the old network persists, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks and forget the old name.

Smart home devices. Most IoT devices require reconfiguration through their companion apps. Smart plugs, cameras, and sensors typically need to be put back into pairing mode and set up with the new SSID through the manufacturer’s app. Plan for this to take the most time.

Tip: If you have many smart home devices, consider keeping the same SSID and only changing the Wi-Fi password instead. Alternatively, put IoT devices on a dedicated guest network so you can change your main SSID without affecting them.