If the default name of your router’s wireless network seems a little dull, you can learn how to spice things up a bit with this handy guide which will quickly (and easily) explain how to change your WiFi Network’s name. While you are here learn about the best router for gaming.
More importantly, if you’re surrounded by a number of other wireless routers around your apartment or home, this can make things confusing for anyone who tries to connect to the network but isn’t sure which one is the right one to link up to. For another way to upgrade your internet, take a look at our Mohu Bounce WiFi Enhancer review to compare.
To remedy this issue, it’s recommended to change the name of your router’s WiFi network to something unique, but also easily recognizable to any guests who come over to visit.
Things You’ll Need
- A laptop or desktop computer connected to the router (wireless or wired)
- Your router’s IP added (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
- Your router’s admin password (check the bottom or try defaults such as “password”)
How to Change Your Router’s Default WiFi Name
1. Login to the Router’s Dashboard
To start, you’ll need to begin by opening up your router’s dashboard. To do this you’ll likely have to enter the router’s admin URL, or an IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Wireless Settings Tab
Next, navigate to the “Wireless” tab. This may be called something else depending on the model of your router, but in this example we’ll be changing the name on our Linksys WRT 1900ACS Dual-Band router.
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3. Set the Network Name
Once in the wireless tab, it’s here you’ll see the current name of your network.
4. Standard Name to Note
More often than not, by default your router might feature a standard label out of the box like “Linksys9802” (if you’re using a Linksys-brand router), or something similar.
5. The Name Change
To change this, you simply need to select the old name, hit delete, and type whatever you’d like in there.
Pro tip: your neighbors and guests will see this (even if they aren’t connecting), so feel free to imply or inspire with the name (e.g. NoFreeBeer).
6. Dual Frequency Routers
It’s important to note that depending on the model of router you have, you might also need to individually change the name of both your 2.4Ghz network as well as your 5Ghz.
7. Final Step
After this is completed, you can hit the “Apply” (or “Save) button, and your router will automatically reboot. Rejoin the new network once the router finishes its cycle, and you’re done! Just make sure you know your router’s WiFi password.
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