This article shows you how to change the name of a Wi-Fi network (which in technical jargon is indicated by the abbreviation "SSID"). Normally this change must be performed using the configuration web page of the router that manages the wireless network, so the first step is to identify the IP address of the network router. If you are having trouble changing the SSID of your wireless network, resetting the router should restore normal operation of the device and allow you to make the required configuration changes.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Finding the Router's IP Address (Windows)
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. Alternatively, press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
Step 2. Launch the Settings app by clicking on the icon
It features a gear and is located at the bottom left of the "Start" menu.
Step 3. Click on the "Network and Internet" icon
It is positioned in the center of the appeared window and is in the shape of a globe.
Step 4. Go to the Status tab
It is located in the upper left of the "Settings" window.
Step 5. Select the View Network Properties link
It is located at the bottom of the page that appeared. A list of all network connections currently configured on the system will be displayed.
Step 6. Scroll down the list to locate the "Wi-Fi" section
It's at the bottom of the page.
Step 7. Review the address listed under "Default Gateway"
The number on the right of the wording "Default gateway" in the "Wi-Fi" section represents the IP address of the network router that will allow you to access its configuration page.
Normally this address looks like one of the following: "192.168.1.1", "192.168.0.1" or "10.0.0.1"
Part 2 of 4: Finding the IP Address of the Router (Mac)
Step 1. Access the "Apple" menu by clicking on the icon
It features the Apple logo and is located in the upper left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
Step 2. Choose the System Preferences… item
It is one of the options present in the drop-down menu that appeared. The "System Preferences" dialog box will appear.
Step 3. Click the Network icon
It features a globe and is visible within the "System Preferences" dialog. A new system window will appear.
Step 4. Click on Advanced…
It is located in the lower right part of the "Network" window. A new pop-up window will appear.
Step 5. Access the TCP / IP tab
It is located at the top of the last window that appeared.
Step 6. Examine the visible address in the "Router" text field
It is placed in the center of the window. The number in the "Router" field corresponds to the IP address of the network router and will allow you to access the configuration web page.
Normally this address looks like one of the following: "192.168.1.1", "192.168.0.1" or "10.0.0.1"
Part 3 of 4: Change the Wi-Fi Network Name
Step 1. Launch an internet browser
The default browsers of all Windows and Mac computers are Microsoft Edge and Safari respectively, but no one forbids you to use the browser of your choice to perform the procedure described in this method.
Step 2. Enter the IP address of the router
Type the number you found in the previous method into the address bar of your internet browser and press the Enter key. This will bring up the configuration page of the network router.
In the case of some specific routers, for example Google WiFi routers, in order to configure the device and the network, you will be asked to download a specific application directly on your smartphone
Step 3. If prompted, enter the password to log into the router configuration page
If you set a custom security password when you set up your network device, you will need to type it in now to be able to continue.
Step 4. Select the name of the network router
Since the management and configuration interface of these network devices varies by brand and model, the procedure for changing the network name varies accordingly. Normally you have to select the name of the router or the card Settings to access the section where the general settings of the device are listed.
Step 5. Look for the field labeled "SSID"
It may have different names based on the type of router. In this case, look for one of the following: "Network Name", "Wireless Network Name", "Router Name" or a similar name.
In all likelihood, there will already be a name in the "SSID" text field (for example "Belkin.be") that matches your current Wi-Fi network identifier
Step 6. Enter the new name you want to assign to the wireless network generated by the router
This is the SSID that will appear in the list of available wireless networks in the area when you scan with your computer or smartphone (or any electronic device with a Wi-Fi connection).
Step 7. Save the new settings
To have the router remember the new SSID you entered, click on Apply, Save Settings or Save or follow the procedure indicated in your specific case to save the changes made to the configuration of the network device.
- In some cases you will need to click on a floppy disk or check mark icon.
- Normally when the name of the Wi-Fi network generated by the router is changed, the router restarts automatically for the new settings to take effect.
Part 4 of 4: Reset the Router to Factory Settings
Step 1. Understand when to use this solution
If you are unable to access the router configuration page, if it does not allow you to change the network SSID, or if you are unable to save the new settings, resetting the device to factory configuration may solve the problem. After the reset, you will be able to name your Wi-Fi network as you like during the initial device setup wizard. Remember that the network router reset procedure automatically disconnects all devices currently connected to the network. For this reason, this procedure should only be used in extreme cases where you see no other solution.
- The reset procedure restores the factory settings of the network router, then the SSID shown on the bottom or in the device manual will also be reset.
- After resetting the network router, you will need to manually reconfigure all electronic devices that were connected to its Wi-Fi network.
Step 2. Make sure there is a sticker with the login password on the router
If you purchased the router several years ago, the label on the wireless network access password may be discolored or damaged. This information is usually found on the bottom or back of the device.
If you do not have the Wi-Fi network access password generated by the router, you will not be able to access it after resetting the device
Step 3. Locate the router's "Reset" button
It has very small dimensions and is embedded in the body of the device. It is normally positioned on the back of the latter.
Step 4. Press and hold the "Reset" button for 30 seconds
To press it, you may need to use a sharp object such as a paper clip or the tip of a pencil.
Step 5. After 30 seconds, release the "Reset" button
The router should reboot automatically.
Step 6. Wait for the reset and reboot procedure to finish
After the lights on the router indicate that it is working normally, you can continue.
Step 7. Connect your computer to the router
In most cases, you will need to go through the initial device setup process again, where you can customize the network SSID. Follow these instructions to connect your computer to the Wi-Fi network generated by the router:
- Windows - click on the network connection icon visible in the lower right corner of the screen, select the default name of the wireless network generated by your router, click on Connect, enter the security password and click on Come on. You can now change the network name when prompted to do so.
- Mac - click on the network connection icon in the upper right corner of the screen, select the default name of the wireless network generated by your router, enter the security password and click on Connect. You can now change the network SSID when prompted to do so.
Advice
- Reset your network router at least once a year to restore optimal operation and increase its performance.
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The default IP addresses most commonly used by routers include:
- 192.168.0.1
- 192.168.1.1
- 192.168.2.1
- 10.0.0.1
- 10.0.1.1
