How to Change Wi-Fi Name and Password

Here is a Comprehensive Guide on How to Change your Wi-Fi Name and Password to secure your wireless network and enjoy seamless communication and internet access.

A fast and reliable internet connection is essential these days to perform various online tasks. Mobile network data isn’t offering the required speed, and the best option is to install a Wi-Fi connection at home. However, your ISP doesn’t ask for any preferences other than password while setting up the router.

In most cases, the Wi-Fi network’s name is something you don’t like and want to change quickly. If you are looking to update the network credentials for optimized security, personalization or to keep the latest trends, then look no further. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed procedure that lets you know how to do it properly without altering any other router’s settings. You need to access the router’s settings to change the Wi-Fi name and password across all devices.

If you are a beginner and don’t know how to configure a router and change the Wi-Fi name or password, then keep reading these clear instructions and valuable tips for a smooth and reliable transition.

Let’s get into the details of how to take control of your Wi-Fi network by customizing its name and password as per your requirements.

How to Find the Default IP Address of your Wi-Fi Router?

The default IP address of your Wi-Fi router is essential to access and configure its settings. Regardless of a Mac or Windows user, you need to know how to locate the IP address to effectively manage your network. Here are the detailed steps that help you find the IP address of your Wi-Fi router on both operating systems.

1. For a Mac User

• Start the process by accessing Network Preferences – you will find the Apple logo in the top-left corner, Click on the logo to select “System Preferences” and then choose the Network option. 
• In Network details, select the active network connection on the left side (Ethernet or Wi-Fi). Then click on the ‘Advanced’ button in the bottom-right corner.
• Go to the TCP/IP tab to find the router’s IP Address, in which the router’s IP address is listed next to the Router. 

2. For a Windows User

• To start the process, you need to open the Command Prompt.
• Simply press the “Windows key + R” to open the Run dialog box. Then type in cmd and press enter/click ‘OK’ to open the Command prompt.
• Run the IPCONFIG Command by typing ipconfig in the command prompt and press Enter.
• It displays the information of wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi on the screen, look for the “Default Gateway” in this active network connection, and this is the default IP address of your Wi-Fi router.

How to Access the Web Interface of the Router?

After detecting the default IP address of your Wi-Fi router, it’s time to access the web interface using a web browser. Here is the detailed procedure that allows you to access the router’s web interface.

• Open a Web Browser – Open your preferred web browser (Firefox, Chrome, or Safari).
• Enter the IP Address – You need to enter the IP address of the router in the address bar and then press Enter to execute this operation.
• Log In – Enter a username and password (credentials), which are found on the router’s label (or) in its manual. After successful log-in, you will get access to the router’s settings.
• Change the Settings – It’s time to change the Wi-Fi name, password, and various configuration options as required.

Note: Ensure that you need to be cautious while modifying the router settings. The reason for this is that incorrect changes might disrupt the network. This guide will let you locate the default IP address of your router on both Mac and Windows systems. Thus, it enables you to manage the network with confidence.

What is SSID?

SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, which represents the name of the Wi-Fi network. It is also called a Service ID, Network ID, Service Name, or Network Name that is used to distinguish the particular network from other networks in the vicinity. It is a unique alphanumeric string of up to 32 characters given to identify a wireless network.

The manufacturer/brand of the particular wireless router model configures the Wi-Fi network with a default SSID before it comes into the market. This can be mostly the manufacturer name and the frequency of the network. No device will connect to the Wi-Fi network without SSID (router’s security mechanism) allowing the network to prevent unauthorized access.

The devices will detect and display the available SSIDs/Wi-Fi networks while connecting them to the internet. This allows your devices to connect to your particular SSID and establish a reliable and secure connection easily and quickly with the corresponding wireless router.

How to Find Your SSID?

Let’s take a look at how to find SSIDs on different devices.

1. On Your Device (Phone/Computer/Tablet)

• Open the settings on your device.
• Navigate to the Network or Wi-Fi settings section
• Check the list of available networks (including your preferred network) displayed with their respective SSIDs.

2. Router Settings (Web Interface)

• Open a web browser on any device that is connected to your specific router.
• Enter the IP address of your router in the search bar and then press Enter.
• Log in with the admin credentials of your router (found on the router).
• Check for the wireless settings or network configuration section to find out your SSID.

3. Router Label

• Some router manufacturers print the SSID (network name) on the label attached to the router.
• So, check the physical router or its packaging directly to find out its SSID.

4. Router’s Mobile App

• If your router has a dedicated mobile app, then install it on your smartphone.
• Open it and log in with the admin credentials of your router.
• Go to the section displaying Wireless Network Settings to find out the SSID.

5. Mac

• Go to the menu bar on the top-right corner of your Mac device.
• Click on the Wi-Fi icon where a drop-down menu of nearby networks is displayed.
• The network your devices are connected to is your SSID.

6. Windows

• Navigate to the Network icon in the system tray in the bottom-right corner.
• Click on it to display the list of available networks.
• The name of your specific Wi-Fi network connection is your SSID.

What are the Risks Associated with Using a Default Wi-Fi SSID?

Using your wireless Wi-Fi network with default SSIDs isn’t safe and secure, as it is associated with some risks. If you want to continue with the default SSIDs, it’s essential to know the risks of using a default Wi-Fi SSID that might let you change the default SSID and set your preferred new SSIDs to your network.

• Target for Attacks – Using a default SSID or settings will make your network an easy target for attackers due to its lack of security measures.
• Security Vulnerabilities – The manufacturer of some routers might reveal the essential information, and the usage of the default SSIDs will make it quite easier for attackers to exploit the known vulnerabilities.
• Limited Personalization – There is no uniqueness in default SSIDs, making it quite harder to distinguish the network from others of similar brands/manufacturers. Thus, it potentially leads to accidental connections/fusion.
• Easy Identification – The unauthorized users can easily identify the default SSIDs and attempt easy and quick access to your specified network.
• Weaker Password Protection – Default SSIDs indicate default password patterns that allow attackers to easily guess those weak passwords and access the network.

For more information on the SSIDs, we recommend you read What is SSID? How to Choose the Best SSID for Your Wi-Fi Network?

How to Change Your Wi Fi Name?

Service Set Identifier (SSID) is technically the name of the Wi-Fi network. The default SSID or the Wi-Fi name appears while searching for nearby Wi-Fi connections on your device, which needs to be changed to secure your internet connection. Yet how long it takes to change the Wi-Fi name depends specifically on your router. The latest high-end router with mobile application support will help you access all its settings in one place. If you are using that kind of router, it is quite easy & quick to change the Wi-Fi name.

In case, you have a classic router with no application support, then the process is a bit longer yet it is simple and easier. For this, you should know about the Admin Login credentials of your router. You need to note them and use them to initiate the remaining process.

If you haven’t set the Admin login details on your own, they must be on by default, so it’s better to check for it in the router manual. Once you are done and ready to proceed, follow these simple steps to change your Wi-Fi’s name.

• Find an IP address that is located at the back of your router, and then note it down.
• Open your web browser and enter the IP address in the search bar.

• Then the login page of the router will appear on the screen
• Enter your credentials and click on the login button.

•   After successful log-in, you can access all the settings related to your Wi-Fi router.

• Go to Settings and see if there are any options such as Wi-Fi name or SSID.

• If you find any of these settings there, click on it to enter a new name for your Wi-Fi network.
• However, the changes might take a few minutes to appear. Save the changes and confirm the settings. Finally, restart/reboot your Wi-Fi router afterward.

•   Voila! You have successfully changed the Wi-Fi name after rebooting the router.

How to Change the Wi-Fi Password?

Changing the Wi-Fi name is quite an easy task, but the main thing you need to be more concerned about is the security of your Wi-Fi network. So, it’s essential to know how to change the Wi-Fi password for extra security and safety issues. This is especially helpful in situations where you accidentally tell your Wi-Fi password to someone in your neighborhood, as it might result in misusing the Wi-Fi connection. 

The best solution to get rid of this issue is to change the Wi-Fi password as soon as possible.

Additionally, it is quite easy to guess your Wi-Fi password by skilled hackers and hack the network within minutes. If you feel like your current password isn’t too strong, then it is highly essential to change it soon and protect your network.

So, regardless of the reason you want to change the password, the only thing that matters most is how to do it properly. It is quite simple and easy to change the password of your Wi-Fi network, regardless of skilled or a novice person.

Here is the detailed step-by-step process you need to follow to change the Wi-Fi password.

• Open a web browser on your computer/laptop.
• Enter the IP address of your router on the web browser
• Log in as the Administrator
• Then go to the router’s settings and look for the Security section
• Now click on Security and ensure that it is set to at least WPA2 or WPA3.
• Enter your New Password, which you think is a strong and secure one.
• Save these settings and restart your router to confirm the changes.
• Also, it is a must to change the Wi-Fi password occasionally to prevent unauthorized access and protect your wireless network.

Characteristics of Good Wi-Fi Names

A well-crafted Wi-Fi name will add a touch of personalization and reflect creativity. So, choose and set them wisely. Here are some of the key characteristics that define good Wi-Fi names.

• Uniqueness and Originality – Setting a good Wi-Fi name will allow you and your guests to identify the network easily.
• Creative and Humorous – If you set a clever and humorous Wi-Fi name that brings a smile to those trying to connect. Thus, you can put thought into it and can spark conversations.
• Relevance to You – Some users might incorporate their hobbies, interests, or favorite references into the Wi-Fi name. This allows them to be more memorable and also reflective of their personality.
• Secure Without Personal Information – Don’t use or keep any of your personal information, including your name, address, birth date, or location while setting your Wi-Fi name. This easily allows the attackers to use them for social engineering.
• Easy to Remember and Spell – A simple-to-spell Wi-Fi name is always easy to remember and allows for convenient sharing with your guests or entering it on various devices.
• Non-Offensive – Though humor is great, you shouldn’t set Wi-Fi names that are offensive, controversial, or inappropriate. It’s always best to maintain a respectful tone.
• Short and Sweet – It is essential to keep the Wi-Fi name short and sweet rather than longer or difficult-to-remember ones. The reason is that they are quite cumbersome to enter, especially on mobile devices.
• Puns and Wordplay – Setting clever wordplay, cultural references, or puns will make the Wi-Fi name quite engaging and entertaining.
• Avoid Special Characters – Though some special characters are allowed to be placed in Wi-Fi names, they might cause connectivity issues on certain devices (in some cases). So, it is essential to stick to particular numbers, letters, and common punctuation.
• Privacy-Conscious – Don’t disclose too much information (including the router model or type) about your network in the Wi-Fi names. This can be easily exploited by attackers and access your network.
• Non-Technical – Ensure to set an easily accessible Wi-Fi name to a broader audience. Whereas tech-savvy can easily set fun & creative Wi-Fi names.
• Positive or Welcoming – Ensure to choose a Wi-Fi name that radiates warmth and positivity, as it can set a friendly tone for those connecting to the network.

Verdict: The Wi-Fi name might express yourself and make a small statement. So, it is essential to take a bit of time to come up with an effective and worthy name for your Wireless Wi-Fi network, which should align with your preferences and personality by taking the help of these above-mentioned factors.

Characteristics of Good Wi-Fi Passwords

A strong and secure Wi-Fi password is important to protect the network from unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

Here are the crucial characteristics that help you define good Wi-Fi passwords.

• No Personal Information or Personal Patterns – Avoid including personal information (like the names of your family members/pets, or hobbies) OR personal patterns (like anniversaries, birthdates, or repeated characters) in the Wi-Fi password, as this information might be socially engineered.
• Prevent Common Words – Don’t use easily guessable words in your passwords like ‘123456’ or personal information like birthdays, names, or addresses.
• Complexity and Length – A password that includes a mix of lowercase & uppercase letters, special characters, and numbers. This long password is strong and complex to identify & get attacked by hackers. The longer & more varied your password, the better it protects. 
• Randomness – A strong & random password will make it quite harder for attackers to use dictionaries or patterns to crack it.
• Avoid Sequential Patterns – No more numerical sequences (123456), alphabetical sequences (abcd, pqrst, or xyz), or sequential patterns on the keyboards (asdf, qwerty, or lkjhg).
• Variety of Characters – A password with a mix of numbers, letters (both cases), and special characters will enhance the complexity of the password, as they can resist different attack methods, and let your network stay secure.
• Regular Updates – It is a must to periodically change the Wi-Fi password to prevent the risk of unauthorized access, particularly in case you shared the password with the guests in the past.
• No Dictionary Words or Keyboard Walks – Avoid keeping keyboard walks like ‘qazwsx’, ‘zaq1xsw2’, ‘1qaz2wsx’, or any patterns or walks from your keyboard. Also, using words even in a different language might make the password vulnerable to dictionary attacks. Instead, consider setting a password with acronyms, unrelated words, or an unpatterned format.
• Use Passphrases – It is better to use a passphrase (a series of words or a sentence by adding special characters, numbers, or letters) that is rememberable and meaningful for you rather than others to maintain your network connection more securely.
• Unique for Each Network – Using the same password for multiple services or networks isn’t the best idea. Instead, set and use different passwords (yet essential to remember them properly) to remain secure without any authorized access from others.
• Security Over Convenience – Instead of using an easily remembered password, you should choose security over convenience. Password managers help you to store and generate complex passwords to secure your network without getting into the hands of hackers/attackers.

Verdict: We all know that a strong Wi-Fi password is essential to maintain the security of your network. By incorporating these characteristics into the password, you will surely craft the best password that increases the resilience of your Wi-Fi network against potential threats.

How to Change Wi-Fi Name and Password – FAQs

Conclusion

To conclude, changing the Wi-Fi name is not only for personalizing your network, but it is also a key step to optimize your security, manage connectivity, and reflect a unique identity. We recommend you follow these straightforward steps outlined in the article to customize the network’s name and password, which in turn lets you easily identify, configure, and protect the network.

Regardless of whether you seek to boost cybersecurity measures or create a memorable network identifier, getting complete control over your Wi-Fi name will surely impact and ensure a secure and seamless online experience for all your connected devices.

We hope this article has provided detailed insights on how & why to change the Wi-Fi name and password to make your network safe and secure from any potential threats or attacks. Feel free to share your queries regarding the Wi-Fi name or password change with us in the comments section below. We try to resolve them promptly.