Changing your wireless router name and password is a simple process that ensures your home network remains secure. The default router name and password are easy for others to guess, so customizing them is highly recommended. Follow these steps to change your router name (SSID) and WiFi password on any home router
First, access your router's administration interface. You'll need to be connected to your router via ethernet or WiFi. Then open a web browser and enter the router's default gateway IP address, usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.254.
When prompted, enter the current admin username and password. These are often defaulted to "admin" and "password"—check your router's manual if unsure.
Once logged into your router's management page, locate the wireless or WiFi settings section. Look for options like "Wireless Network Name", "SSID", or "Network Name (SSID)". This shows the current 2.4GHz and 5GHz network names.
The WiFi password may be labeled as the "Security Key", "Pre-Shared Key", "Wireless Password" or something similar. Note the current passwords so you can connect devices again after changing them.
To change the 2.4GHz and 5GHz network names, simply enter new names in the appropriate SSID fields. Use unique names like "SmithFamilyNetwork" for your networks instead of default names like "NETGEAR".
Click Save once complete. Reconnecting devices will require you to select and enter the new network name.
In the WiFi password or security key fields, delete the current password and enter a new pre-shared key. Create a strong password using a random mix of letters, numbers and symbols.
For example, "y6Kt%Jh9#z4vB" would be a strong and hard to crack WiFi password. Click Save to update the password change.
The last step is to reconnect all your devices and computers to the newly renamed wireless network using the new password. Smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart home devices and any other WiFi gadgets will need to be updated.
On each device, browse available WiFi networks, select your newly renamed network, and enter the new password when prompted. Repeat this for all devices and they'll reconnect seamlessly. Enjoy your more secure wireless network!
Customizing your wireless network name and WiFi password is one of the easiest ways to secure your home network. Be sure to update this info periodically on all devices for maximum security.