This wikiHow teaches you how to change the name of a wireless network. You can usually change the network name through the router's page in a web browser, but you'll need to find the router's address before you can access the page. If that doesn't work, you can usually reset your router and reconnect to the internet to change the network name.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Finding the Router Address on a Windows Computer
Step 1. Open the “Start” menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Open the settings menu (“Settings”)
Click the gear icon in the lower-left corner of the Start menu. The “Settings” window will be displayed after that.
Step 3. Click
"Networks & Internet".
This globe icon is in the “Settings” window.
Step 4. Click the Status tab
This tab is usually in the upper-left corner of the window.
Step 5. Click View your network properties
This link is at the bottom of the page. Once clicked, a list of the various types of internet connections available on your computer will be displayed.
Step 6. Scroll to the “Wi-Fi” segment
This segment is at the bottom of the list.
Step 7. Review the "Default gateway" address
The number to the right of the " Default gateway " heading in the " Wi-Fi " list is the address you need to enter into your web browser to access the router's page.
Address numbers usually resemble "192.168.1.1" or "10.0.0.1"
Part 2 of 4: Finding Router Address on Mac Computer
Step 1. Open Apple menu
Click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of the screen. Once clicked, a drop-down menu will appear.
Step 2. Click System Preferences…
This option is in the drop-down menu. The “System Preferences” window will appear after that.
Step 3. Click Network
This globe icon is in the “System Preferences” window. Once clicked, a new window will be displayed.
Step 4. Click Advanced…
It's in the lower-right corner of the “Network” window. A new pop-up window will appear after that.
Step 5. Click the TCP/IP tab
It's a tab at the top of the pop-up window.
Step 6. Review the address in the "Router" segment
You'll find the router's address number to the right of the " Router " heading in the middle of the page. You will need to enter this number in your web browser in order to access the router's page.
Address numbers usually resemble "192.168.1.1" or "10.0.0.1"
Part 3 of 4: Changing Network Name
Step 1. Open a web browser
The default web browser for Windows computers is Microsoft Edge, and Safari for Mac computers. However, you can use any web browser at this step.
Step 2. Enter the router address
Type the address number obtained from the previous method into your browser's address bar, then press Enter. After that, you will be taken to the router settings page.
For special routers, such as Google WiFi routers, you will be prompted to download the app to your smartphone and continue the process of using the app before you can configure the network
Step 3. Enter the router password if prompted
If you already set a setup page password when setting up your router, you will need to enter it before continuing.
Step 4. Select the name of the router that is currently active
Since the settings page for each router is different, this step will depend on the router in use. Usually, you can click on the router name or select the option “ Settings ” to access the general segment of router settings.
Step 5. Look for the SSID column
This field might be labeled "Network Name", "Wireless Network Name", "Router Name", or something similar.
The SSID field may already contain a name (eg " Belkin.be ") that corresponds to the current network name
Step 6. Enter the new network name
This name is the name you want to display when selecting a network from your computer's WiFi menu.
Step 7. Save the new network name
Click the button Apply ”, “ Save Settings ”, “ Save ”, or the similar option displayed in the configuration window to end the process. After that, the new network name will be saved.
- Sometimes, you need to click on the diskette icon or check mark.
- Changes to the settings will usually restart the router.
Part 4 of 4: Reset the Router to Default Settings
Step 1. Understand the right time to use this method
If the router's page doesn't allow you to change the network name, or the name change isn't saved, you can restore the router to its default settings and assign a new name to the network the first time you log in. Since resetting your router will disconnect any connected devices, it's a good idea to use this method as a last resort.
- Resetting the router will change the network name back to the name (or “SSID”) that is printed on the back or bottom of the device.
- If you reset your router, you will need to manually reconnect every internet-connected device to your router.
Step 2. Make sure the router has a password sticker
If you've been using your router for several years, the default password sticker may appear worn or broken. You can usually find a password sticker on the back or bottom of the router.
If you do not have a default password, you will not be able to enter the network without the required password after resetting the router
Step 3. Look for the “Reset” button on the router
This button is usually small and hidden on the back of the router.
Step 4. Press and hold the "Reset" button for 30 seconds
You may need to use a bent paper clip or needle to press the button.
Step 5. Release the button after 30 seconds
The router will shut down and restart automatically.
Step 6. Wait for the router settings to finish restoring
Once the router is back on, you can move on to the next step.
Step 7. Connect the computer to the router
Often you have the option to change the router name once the computer is connected to the router via the WiFi menu:
- Windows - Click the WiFi icon in the lower right corner of the screen, select the default router name, click the “ Connect ”, enter the router default password, and click “ Next " After that, you can enter the name of the new network you want to use when prompted.
- Mac - Click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of the screen, select the router's default name, enter the router's default password, and click the “ Join " You can enter the network name you want to use when prompted afterwards.
Tips
- Resetting the router once a year (or several times) can improve device performance.
-
Some fairly 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
- By holding down the send button on some phones, you can effect the quality and background.
