How to Change the Name of Your Wireless Network (SSID)

Often, when you set up a wireless network, you might not choose the network name that you wish you had selected. Changing the network name can be a simple process, but the steps vary depending on your router's brand and model. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of changing your network's SSID and provide some useful tips to ensure the security of your network.

General Steps to Change the SSID

Follow these general steps to change the name of your wireless network SSID:

Connect to Your Router: Make sure your device is connected to your Wi-Fi network. Access the Routers Admin Interface: Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. Common addresses include: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or 192.168.1.254. Log In: You will be prompted to enter your username and password. If you haven't changed them, common defaults include admin for both fields. Locate Wireless Settings: Once logged in, look for a section labeled “Wireless,” “Wi-Fi,” or “Wireless Settings.” This is typically found in the main menu or under a section called “Network.” Change the SSID: Find the field labeled “SSID” or “Network Name.” Enter your desired network name. Save Changes: Look for a “Save” or “Apply” button to save your changes. The router may reboot to apply the new settings. Reconnect to the Network: After changing the SSID, you will need to reconnect to your network using the new name.

Tips:

Security: Consider updating your Wi-Fi password if you change the SSID for added security. Documentation: If you’re unsure about any step, refer to your router's manual for specific instructions related to your model. More Detailed Instructions: If you're having trouble, provide the router brand and model, and I can provide more specific instructions.

Detailed Method 1: Changing the Network Name

Get the IP Address of Your Router: If you're not sure of your router's IP address, you can easily look it up using Windows or macOS. Open a Web Browser: Default web browsers for Windows and Mac computers are Microsoft Edge and Safari, respectively, but you can use any web browser for this step. Enter Your Router's Address: Type into the address bar the address number you found in the first method and press Enter. Doing so will take you to your router's Settings page. Enter the Password for Your Router: If you set a specific password for the settings page when you installed the router, you'll need to enter it to continue. Select Your Router's Current Name: Typically, you can click the router's name or click an option to go to the general section of your router's settings. Look for the SSID Field: It may also be labeled as Network Name. Enter a New Name for Your Wireless Network: This should be the name you want to see while selecting your network from your computer's Wi-Fi menu. Save Your New Network Name: Click Save or Apply to finalize the process.

Changing your router's settings will often cause the router to reboot.

Method 2: Resetting Your Router

If your router's page doesn't allow you to change your network's name or your network name changes aren't saving, you can reset the router to its factory settings and then assign a new name to the network when first signing into it. Since resetting the router also disconnects any currently connected items, this should be a last resort.

Make Sure the Router Has a Password Sticker: Check if the router has a password sticker. Find the Router's Reset Button: Locate the reset button, which is usually found behind the router or on the bottom of the device. Press and Hold the Reset Button: You may need to use a bent paperclip or a needle to do this. Release the Button After 30 Seconds: Your router should turn itself off and begin rebooting. Allow the Router to Finish Resetting: Once the router is on again, you can proceed. Connect to the Router: Windows — Click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower-right corner of the screen, select your router's factory name, enter the factory password, and click Connect. Mac — Click the Wi-Fi icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, select your router's factory name, enter the factory password, and click Connect.

Method 3: Finding Your Router's Address on Windows

Open Settings: Click the gear-shaped icon in the lower-left side of the Start menu. Click Network Internet: It’s a globe-shaped icon in the Settings window. Click the Status Tab: You'll find this in the upper-left side of the window. Click View Your Network Properties: This link is near the bottom of the page. Doing so opens a list of the different Internet connection types currently available on your computer. Scroll Down to “Reconnect at startup if connection drops.” Review the IP Address: The number to the right of “IPv4 Address” is your router's address. It usually resembles something like 192.168.1.1.

Method 4: Finding Your Router's Address on Mac

Open System Preferences… on your Mac. Click the Apple menu at the top-left and select it. Click Network: This globe-shaped icon is in the System Preferences window. Clicking it opens a new window. Click Advanced…: It’s in the lower-right side of the Network window. Click the TCP/IP Tab: This is at the top of the pop-up window. Find the IPv4 Address Field: You'll find this number to the right of “IPv4 Address.” The Address Will Usually Resemble Something Like 192.168.1.1: Review the IP address carefully to ensure you're using the correct one.

If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to provide your router's brand and model, and I can offer more detailed instructions to ensure a smooth process.