Have you just bought a new router or want to change your old one's SSID? Here is the ultimate guide to change your SSID.
When you buy a new router, it has a default username and password that you can use to get full access to the router settings. We will later discuss why you need to change your SSID. Below are simple steps you can follow to do it.
Step 1: Find the Router's IP Address
Consider the different devices you are using. Here we explain in detail the IP address lookup from Windows, macOS, and Phone.
In Windows
- Open the Control Panel. You will see it when you click on the windows icon.
- Double click on the Control Panel app or hit the Enter button to open a new window.
- Click on the Network and Internet icon. You will see a network status and task link.
- Click on View network status and tasks.
- Click on the Wi-Fi or the Ethernet status. It will reveal a dialog box.
- You can see the Wi-Fi/Ethernet status details.
- Click on Details in the dialog box.
- Your IP address is labeled as the IPv4 Default Gateway.
In macOS
- Click on the Apple menu at the top of your screen.
- Click on the System Preferences icon. The System Preferences window will be displayed.
- Click the Network icon. You will see a list of connections you have made.
- Select your Wi-Fi or wired connection.
- Click the Advanced button at the bottom of the dialog box.
- The Network window will be displayed. Click on the TCP/IP tab to see your IP address.
On the iPhone and iPad
- Tap the settings button.
- Tap the Wi-Fi icon.
- Tap the Wi-Fi network you are currently connected to.
- Scroll to the IPV4 ADDRESS section. Your IP address is labeled as Router.
In Android
- Go to the Settings icon.
- Tap on the Wi-Fi settings.
- Long-press on the network you are connected with.
- Select the Manage network settings option.
- Now check the Show advanced options.
- Tap the Static under IP settings.
- The router IP address is under the Gateway section
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Step 2: Log into the Router's Administrative Console
Go to the web browser on your computer or phone. You can type in the IP in the address bar. Some router manufacturers create apps you can use to change the router settings. The high-end routers come with built-in touchscreens.
You will get a prompt to enter the router's username and password. The login credentials are most likely to be the default admin or administrator for both username and password. Entering the credentials gives you access to the router settings.
If you had already set a custom username or password and you can’t remember them, you can reset the router. The reset button is mostly found at the back of the router. Hold the Reset button for about 10 seconds.
After the reset, you can use the username and password to log in.
Step 3: Change the SSID & Password
- After logging in you will access the admin console.
- Go to the Wi-Fi settings section.
- Tap Wi-Fi settings.
- Select the SSID or Network name.
- Type any name of your choice.
- Type in your Wi-Fi password. A strong password has a mix of random numbers and symbols.
- Click Apply or Save.
Step 4: Update the Connection for All Devices
After changing the SSID and password, you need to update the connection on the devices connected to the former SSID and password. There is a possibility of having multiple networks with the same network name. Your device will connect with the one that matches your credentials.
You will get access to the internet connection once you update the username and password.
The Reasons for Changing the Default SSID
More personalized
Having a personalized home network makes the network name unique to you and anyone else scanning for a network.
Avoid the same name
Changing the SSID prevents confusion that may be caused when two or more routers have the same network name.
More secure
Changing the SSID does not directly increase the network’s protection. However, routers with a changed SSID may keep hackers away. A different Network name indicates that the owner is more careful than one still using the default router username and password. So as to improve the security of the home network.
1. How can I check who's using my WIFI?
When you access the admin console, look for a button or link labeled, attached devices, the connected device, or DHCP clients.
2. Can Wi-Fi owner see what sites I visit on the phone?
The Wi-Fi provider can see your online activities like the Applications you are using, Source and destination IP addresses, and all unencrypted HTTP websites. When the webpage is encrypted, the Wi-Fi owner cannot see the content but can see your browsing history.
When the website you visit is not encrypted, the network admin can use a packet sniffer to get your profile data, login, and passwords.
3. What happens when you change the SSID?
The router immediately shuts down the old Wi-Fi network and replaces it with the new one. Therefore, it disconnects all the devices. The changes take place instantly. You will need to update all your devices for them to connect to the new SSID.
It is necessary to change your router's SSID to keep hackers away. It also helps to avoid the confusion of having to choose multiple networks with the same name. Additionally, it gives you a personalized name that is unique to you.
Changing the SSID requires you to obtain the router's IP address. You can then use the IP address to get to the admin console. You can then log in using the username and password. This will give you access to the router settings. You can change the username and password as you wish.
The change happens immediately. The devices are disconnected from the old connection. Therefore, you have to update all your devices to gain connection.
