This article explains how to change your network name or SSID. The instructions generally apply to all routers and operating systems.

What to Know

  • Log in to your router, select your router’s name, then look for the name (SSID) and password (Wi-Fi Key) fields.
  • Reboot your router and reconnect to the network using the new password on all of your devices.
  • For extra security, change your Wi-Fi password and hide your network name.

How Do I Change My Wi-Fi Name and Password?

You can rename your wireless network by logging into the router’s admin interface.

  • Find your router’s IP address or the default gateway IP address. Common default gateway IP addresses include 192.168.1.254 and 192.168.1.1. For Netgear routers, you can go to Netgear’s router login web page for help. You might need to check the manufacturer’s website to get help with your specific router.
  • Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the URL bar to access the network settings.
  • Enter your router’s user name and password. This information can usually be found on the back or side of your modem. You can also check the manual or the manufacturer’s website.
  • Some routers (like Google Wi-Fi or eero) also require you to download an app on your phone to access the settings. If that’s the case, follow the steps in the app.
  • Select your Wi-Fi network’s name. Every router has a different settings interface. Look under the General Settings section if you don’t see it right away.
  • Look for the Name or SSID field containing your current network name. Enter a new name for the network. The SSID can be up to 32 alphanumeric characters.
  • Remember that other people can see your network SSID, so avoid offensive language and don’t include any personal information.
  • In the Password or Network Key Section, enter a new password.
  • Save your changes by selecting Apply or Save.
  • Reboot your router if it doesn’t reboot automatically. After it restarts, you’ll need to reconnect to the network using the new password on all of your devices.

Should I Rename My Wi-Fi Network?

Changing the network name (SSID) and network key is one of the first things you should do when setting up your home Wi-Fi network.

Find your router’s IP address or the default gateway IP address. Common default gateway IP addresses include 192.168.1.254 and 192.168.1.1. For Netgear routers, you can go to Netgear’s router login web page for help. You might need to check the manufacturer’s website to get help with your specific router.

Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address in the URL bar to access the network settings.

Enter your router’s user name and password. This information can usually be found on the back or side of your modem. You can also check the manual or the manufacturer’s website.

Some routers (like Google Wi-Fi or eero) also require you to download an app on your phone to access the settings. If that’s the case, follow the steps in the app.

Select your Wi-Fi network’s name. Every router has a different settings interface. Look under the General Settings section if you don’t see it right away.

Look for the Name or SSID field containing your current network name. Enter a new name for the network. The SSID can be up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

Remember that other people can see your network SSID, so avoid offensive language and don’t include any personal information.

In the Password or Network Key Section, enter a new password.

Save your changes by selecting Apply or Save.

Reboot your router if it doesn’t reboot automatically. After it restarts, you’ll need to reconnect to the network using the new password on all of your devices.

To restore the default network name and Wi-Fi key, reset your router to factory settings.

The default network name usually includes the name of the router’s manufacturer. For example, the default SSID for most Netgear routers is NETGEAR, followed by a few numbers. That makes it easier for hackers to identify your router and guess the network key, which is why changing both is so important. Changing the default name also makes it easier to remember and helps avoid confusion with neighbors’ Wi-Fi networks.

While you’re at it, consider hiding your Wi-Fi network so that no one else can connect to it without knowing the network name and key.

  • How do I change a network name for a Comcast router?
  • “Comcast” and “Xfinity” have products that are sometimes cross-branded, so you’ll use Xfinity tools to change the network name. Open a web browser, go to the Xfinity admin tool at http://10.0.0.1, and log in to your account. Select Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi, and then go to Private Wi-Fi Network and find your current SSID. Click Edit, change the name, and select Save.
  • How do I change the network name if I have AT&T?
  • Go to the AT&T Smart Home Manager and log in. Select My Wi-Fi, and then click Edit next to the current network name. Select X to clear the existing information, enter your new network name, and click Save.
  • How do I change the network name if I have Spectrum?
  • Enter your Spectrum router’s IP address into a web browser and log in to your account. Select Advanced, and then choose either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi panel. Select Basic, and then enter a new name in the SSID field. Click Apply to save your changes.

“Comcast” and “Xfinity” have products that are sometimes cross-branded, so you’ll use Xfinity tools to change the network name. Open a web browser, go to the Xfinity admin tool at http://10.0.0.1, and log in to your account. Select Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi, and then go to Private Wi-Fi Network and find your current SSID. Click Edit, change the name, and select Save.

Go to the AT&T Smart Home Manager and log in. Select My Wi-Fi, and then click Edit next to the current network name. Select X to clear the existing information, enter your new network name, and click Save.

Enter your Spectrum router’s IP address into a web browser and log in to your account. Select Advanced, and then choose either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi panel. Select Basic, and then enter a new name in the SSID field. Click Apply to save your changes.

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