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This article provides a detailed guide on renaming your wireless network. Typically, you can update the network name by accessing the router's configuration page via a web browser. First, you'll need to locate the router's IP address to gain access. If this method doesn't work, resetting the router and reconnecting will allow you to change the network name.
Steps
Locate the Router's IP Address on Windows
Click on the Status tab located at the top-left corner of the window.
Click on the link View your network properties (View your network properties) near the bottom of the page. This action opens a list of different types of Internet connections available on your computer.
Scroll down to the "Wi-Fi" heading near the end of the list.
Check the "Default gateway" address. The number to the right of the "Default gateway" heading under the "Wi-Fi" list is the address you will enter into your web browser to access the router's information page.
- The address typically looks like this: "192.168.1.1" or "10.0.0.1".
Find the router's address on Mac
Click on System Preferences… (System Preferences…) in the dropdown menu to open the System Preferences window.
Click on Network (Network) with the globe icon in the System Preferences window to open a new screen.
Select Advanced… (Advanced) located at the bottom-right corner of the Network window to display another dialog box.
Click on the TCP/IP tab at the top of the newly displayed window.
Locate the "Router" address. This is the number listed to the right of the "Router" heading, which you will enter into your web browser to access the router's configuration page.
- The address is usually formatted as "192.168.1.1" or "10.0.0.1".
Change the network name
Launch your web browser. The default browser for Windows is Microsoft Edge, while Mac uses Safari, but you can use any web browser for this step.
Enter the router's address. Type the number you found in the previous step into the address bar, then press ↵ Enter to access the router's Settings page.
- For certain routers, such as Google WiFi, you may need to download a smartphone app and configure the network settings through the app.
Enter the router's password when prompted. If you set a password for the router's configuration page during setup, you'll need to enter it to proceed.
Select the router's current name. Depending on the router's configuration page, this step may vary. Typically, you can click on the router's name or select Settings to access the general information section of the router's setup page.
Locate the SSID field. This field might also be labeled as "Network Name", "Wireless Network Name", "Router Name", or something similar.
- You may see a name related to your current network displayed in the SSID field (e.g., "Belkin.be").
Enter a new name for your wireless network. This is the name you want to appear when selecting the network from your computer's Wi-Fi menu.
Save the new network name. Click on Apply, Save Settings, Save, or any similar button displayed on the screen to finalize the process. This will save your new network name.
- In some cases, you may need to click on a floppy disk icon or a checkmark.
- Changing router settings often requires a router restart.
Reset the router to factory settings
Know when to use this method. If the router's interface doesn't allow you to change the network name or the changes aren't saved, you can reset the router to its default settings and then set a new network name during the initial login. Since resetting the router will disconnect all devices, use this method only as a last resort.
- Resetting the router will revert the network name to the default (or "SSID") printed on the back or bottom of the router.
- If you reset the router, you'll need to reconnect each device in your home to the router individually.
Ensure the router has its default password sticker. If you've used the router for many years, the default password sticker may have faded or peeled off. You can usually find the password on the back or bottom of the router.
- If the default password is missing, you won't be able to log into the network after resetting the router.
Locate the "Reset" button on the router. This is a small, recessed button typically found on the back of the router.
Press and hold the "Reset" button for about 30 seconds. You may need to use a paperclip or pin to perform this step.
Release the button after 30 seconds. Your router will power off and begin restarting automatically.
Wait for the router to complete the reset process. Once the router powers back on, you can proceed with further actions.
Connect to the router from your computer. In most cases, you can change the router's name when connecting to it from your computer's Wi-Fi menu:
- On Windows — Click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen, select the router's default name, click Connect, enter the default password, and then click Next. You can enter your desired network name when prompted.
- On Mac — Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top-right corner of the screen, select the router's default name, enter the default password, and choose Join. You can enter your preferred network name when prompted.
Tips
- Resetting your router annually can enhance its performance and stability.
- Common router IP addresses include:
- 192.168.0.1
- 192.168.1.1
- 192.168.2.1
- 10.0.0.1
- 10.0.1.1
Warnings
- Always ensure your wireless network is secured with a strong password.
