How to Rename Your Wi-Fi Network

Your Wi-Fi network name, called the SSID, is what appears when devices scan for available networks. Changing it from the default helps identify your network and can improve security by making your router model less obvious to potential intruders.

1. Find your router's IP address. Open Command Prompt on Windows or Terminal on Mac. Type 'ipconfig' on Windows or 'route -n get default' on Mac and press Enter. Look for the Default Gateway or Gateway address — this is your router's IP, typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
2. Access your router's admin panel. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address in the address bar. Press Enter to load the login page. Enter your admin username and password when prompted.
3. Navigate to wireless settings. Look for sections labeled Wireless, Wi-Fi, or WLAN in the main menu. The exact location varies by router brand — Netgear places it under Basic > Wireless, while Linksys uses Smart Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Settings. Click to enter the wireless configuration area.
4. Locate the network name field. Find the field labeled SSID, Network Name, or Wi-Fi Name. This displays your current network name. Some routers show separate fields for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands if you run dual-band networks.
5. Enter your new network name. Clear the existing name and type your new Wi-Fi network name. Use 1-32 characters with letters, numbers, spaces, and basic symbols. Avoid special characters like quotes or brackets that some devices handle poorly.
6. Apply the changes. Click Apply, Save, or Save Settings to confirm your new network name. Your router will restart its wireless radios, which takes 1-2 minutes. The admin panel may show a progress indicator or confirmation message.
7. Reconnect your devices. Your devices will lose connection during the router restart. Open your device's Wi-Fi settings and look for your new network name in the available networks list. Select it and enter your Wi-Fi password to reconnect.