To change your Wi-Fi name and password, sign in to your router’s mobile app or web-based admin page, open the wireless settings, enter a new network name and password, then save the changes. Your devices will disconnect and must reconnect using the new details.
Changing the Wi-Fi name and password is a smart security step if you still use the default details printed on the router or think someone outside your home knows your password.
What Is a Wi-Fi Name?
Your Wi-Fi name is technically called an SSID, which stands for Service Set Identifier. It is the name you see when you open the Wi-Fi list on your phone, laptop, TV, or other device.
Examples include:
HomeWiFiAirtel_5G_1234JioFiber_9876TP-Link_XXXX
Your Wi-Fi password is the key that devices must enter before joining the network.
Before You Change Your Wi-Fi Details
Keep these details ready:
- Router admin username and password
- Router app login details, if you use an app
- Current internet connection
- New Wi-Fi name
- New Wi-Fi password
- ISP login details, if your router requires them
Changing the Wi-Fi password disconnects all connected devices, including phones, laptops, smart TVs, cameras, printers, speakers, and smart-home products.
How to Change Wi-Fi Name and Password With a Router App
Many current routers are managed through an official app. This is often the easiest method.
- Connect your phone to the router’s current Wi-Fi network.
- Open the official router app.
- Sign in with the router administrator account.
- Open Wi-Fi, Wireless, Network, or Router Settings.
- Find the Wi-Fi name or SSID field.
- Enter your new Wi-Fi name.
- Find the Wi-Fi password, security key, or passphrase field.
- Enter a new strong password.
- Tap Save, Apply, or Done.
- Wait for the router to restart or apply the changes.
- Reconnect your devices using the new Wi-Fi name and password.
The menu names vary by brand. TP-Link uses apps such as Tether, while other brands may have their own setup apps.
How to Change Wi-Fi Name and Password in a Browser
You can also change the details through the router’s local admin page.
Step 1: Connect to Your Router
Connect a phone, computer, or tablet to the router through Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable.
Step 2: Open the Router Login Page
Open a browser and enter your router’s local setup address. The exact address is usually printed on the router label or listed in its manual.
Do not search random addresses online. Use only the address provided by your router manufacturer or internet service provider.
Step 3: Sign In as Administrator
Enter the router’s admin username and password.
This is different from your Wi-Fi password. If you have never changed it, the default admin details may be printed on the router label.
Step 4: Open Wireless Settings
Look for a menu called:
- Wi-Fi
- Wireless
- Wireless Settings
- WLAN
- Network
- Basic Settings
Step 5: Change the SSID and Password
Enter your preferred Wi-Fi name in the SSID or Network Name field.
Then enter a new password in the Wi-Fi Password, Wireless Password, Security Key, or Passphrase field.
Step 6: Save the Changes
Select Save, Apply, or Update. The router may restart its wireless network.
Reconnect each device to the new Wi-Fi network.
How to Choose a Good Wi-Fi Name
Choose a name that is easy for your household to recognise but does not reveal personal information.
Good examples:
BlueSkyHomeOrbitNetGreenLeafWiFiHomeNetwork_5G
Avoid including:
- Your full name
- Your home address
- Your flat number
- Your mobile number
- Your Wi-Fi password
- Your router model
- Sensitive business information
A distinctive name also helps you avoid confusing your network with a neighbour’s default Wi-Fi network.
How to Create a Strong Wi-Fi Password
Use a long, unique password that is difficult to guess.
A strong Wi-Fi password should:
- Be at least 12 to 16 characters long
- Include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols where practical
- Avoid names, birthdays, and phone numbers
- Not be reused for email, banking, or social-media accounts
- Be different from the router admin password
Example format:
River!Candle_84_CloudDo not use this exact example. Create your own unique passphrase.
Which Wi-Fi Security Setting Should You Use?
In the router’s security settings, choose:
- WPA3-Personal, if all your devices support it
- WPA2/WPA3-Personal or mixed mode, if you need compatibility with older devices
- WPA2-Personal (AES), if WPA3 is not available
Avoid outdated WEP security and unsecured open networks.
Should You Use the Same Name for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi?
Most modern routers support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. Some also support 6 GHz.
You can use one name for all bands and let the router automatically choose the best connection. This feature may be called Smart Connect, band steering, or automatic band selection.
Alternatively, use separate names, such as:
BlueSky_2.4GBlueSky_5GBlueSky_6G
Use separate names if you need to connect older smart-home devices that support only 2.4 GHz or want more manual control.
| Band | Best for |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | Longer range, older devices, smart-home devices |
| 5 GHz | Faster speeds, streaming, gaming and laptops near the router |
| 6 GHz | Compatible Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 devices near the router |
What to Do After Changing the Wi-Fi Password
After saving the new details:
- Reconnect your phone and computer first.
- Reconnect smart TVs, printers, cameras, speakers, and smart-home devices.
- Update Wi-Fi details in your extender or mesh Wi-Fi system if needed.
- Update saved network details on family members’ devices.
- Test internet access in different rooms.
If a device refuses to reconnect, choose Forget This Network in its Wi-Fi settings, then select the new network and enter the new password again.
Also Change the Router Admin Password
Your Wi-Fi password controls who can join the network. The router admin password controls who can change the router settings.
Change both passwords.
In your router app or admin page, look for:
- Administration
- System
- Management
- Router Login
- Admin Password
Create a strong admin password that is different from your Wi-Fi password.
Common Problems and Fixes
I Cannot Log In to the Router
Check the router label for the correct setup address and default admin credentials. If you forgot a custom admin password, you may need to factory reset the router.
A factory reset deletes all Wi-Fi and custom router settings, so use it only as a last resort.
My Devices Cannot Find the New Wi-Fi Name
Wait a few minutes after saving changes. Restart the router if needed. Also make sure Wi-Fi broadcasting is enabled in the router settings.
I Changed the Password but My Device Will Not Connect
Forget the old network on the device and reconnect using the new password. Check that you did not accidentally type extra spaces or use different capital letters.
My Internet Stopped Working After Changing Wi-Fi Settings
Changing the Wi-Fi name or password should not normally affect the internet connection. Check that you changed only wireless settings and did not edit the WAN, Internet, PPPoE, or modem settings.
If the issue continues, restart the router and contact your ISP if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Wi-Fi name and password from my phone?
Yes. Use your router’s official app or open its admin page in a mobile browser while connected to the router.
Will changing my Wi-Fi password disconnect all devices?
Yes. Every connected device must enter the new password to reconnect.
Is the router admin password the same as my Wi-Fi password?
Not usually. The router admin password gives access to settings, while the Wi-Fi password lets devices join the wireless network. Keep both passwords different.
Can I hide my Wi-Fi name for security?
You can hide the SSID on some routers, but this is not a strong security measure and can make connecting devices more difficult. Use WPA2 or WPA3 and a strong password instead.
How often should I change my Wi-Fi password?
There is no need to change it on a fixed schedule if it is long, unique, and private. Change it immediately if you share it with someone you no longer trust, suspect unauthorised access, or find unfamiliar devices on the network.
Final Thoughts
Changing your Wi-Fi name and password is simple and improves control over your home network. Use your router’s app or admin page, choose a non-personal network name, create a long unique password, and reconnect your devices.
For stronger security, also change the router administrator password, use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, keep router firmware updated, and create a guest network for visitors.
