Changing your Wi-Fi name (called an SSID) and password takes about five minutes and helps keep your network secure. The process is the same for most home routers — you log into the router’s admin page from a web browser.
Step 1: Find Your Router’s Admin Address
The admin page is usually at one of these addresses — type it directly into your browser’s address bar (not the search box):
192.168.1.1192.168.0.1192.168.2.110.0.0.1
If none of those work, check the sticker on the bottom of your router — it usually lists the admin address, sometimes labelled “Gateway” or “Router URL.”
Step 2: Log Into the Router
You will be asked for a username and password. Common defaults are admin / admin or admin / password. The correct credentials for your specific router are printed on the sticker as well.
Step 3: Find the Wireless Settings
Once logged in, look for a menu section called Wireless, Wi-Fi, or WLAN. The exact location varies by router brand:
- TP-Link: Wireless → Basic Settings
- Netgear: Wireless Settings (or ADVANCED → Setup → Wireless Setup)
- Asus: Wireless → General
- Linksys: Wireless → Basic Wireless Settings
Step 4: Change the Network Name and Password
- Find the field labelled SSID, Network Name, or Wi-Fi Name and type your new name.
- Find the field labelled Password, Passphrase, or Network Key and type your new password.
- Use a password that is at least 12 characters and mixes letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid your address, surname, or anything obvious.
- Make sure the security mode is set to WPA2 or WPA3 — not WEP.
- Click Save or Apply.
Step 5: Reconnect Your Devices
The router will briefly restart and broadcast the new name. You will need to reconnect every device — phone, laptop, smart TV, etc. — using the new password. If you have a lot of smart-home devices, write the new details down before saving. Need help reconnecting devices? Ask us.