Have you ever looked at your Wi-Fi network name and thought, "That's so last year"? Or perhaps it's still the generic "Verizon-ABCD" that came right out of the box? Well, you're in luck! Changing your Verizon Wi-Fi name, also known as the SSID (Service Set Identifier), is a simple yet effective way to personalize your network, make it easier to identify, and even add a touch of security. Let's dive in and transform your digital space!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering both the My Verizon app and the router's web interface, so you can choose the method that suits you best.
Step 1: Prepare for the Wi-Fi Makeover – What You Need to Know First!
Before we begin the actual name change, there are a few important things to keep in mind. This initial preparation will ensure a smooth transition and prevent any unexpected hiccups.
Understanding the Impact of a Name Change
Temporary Disconnection: When you change your Wi-Fi network name, all devices currently connected to your old network will lose their connection. This is entirely normal! You'll need to reconnect them using the new Wi-Fi name and password (if you change that too, which we highly recommend doing at the same time for enhanced security).
Gather Your Credentials: You'll need your Verizon account login details (for the My Verizon app) or your router's administrator username and password (for the web interface). This information is typically found on a sticker on the back or bottom of your Verizon router. Don't panic if you can't find it! We'll cover troubleshooting later.
Choosing Your Method: App or Web?
Verizon offers two primary ways to change your Wi-Fi name:
The My Verizon App: This is often the easiest and most convenient method for most users, as it's designed for mobile-first management.
The Router's Web Interface (Admin Page): This method involves accessing your router's settings directly through a web browser on a computer or mobile device. It offers more detailed control but can be slightly more technical.
We'll cover both so you can pick the one you're most comfortable with.
Step 2: Method 1 - Changing Your Wi-Fi Name Using the My Verizon App (Recommended!)
This is generally the quickest and most user-friendly approach. Make sure you have the My Verizon app installed on your smartphone or tablet and are logged in.
Sub-heading: Getting Started with the My Verizon App
Open the My Verizon App: Locate the My Verizon app icon on your smartphone or tablet and tap it to open.
Log In: If you're not already logged in, enter your Verizon account username and password.
Navigate to Your Devices: Once logged in, look for a section related to "Account," "Devices," or "Home Internet." The exact phrasing might vary slightly depending on the app version, but you're looking for where your Verizon router is listed. Often, you'll find it under a "Services" or "Account" tab.
Pro Tip: Look for options like "My devices" or "Home Internet."
Sub-heading: Accessing Wi-Fi Network Settings in the App
Select Your Router: Within the "Devices" or "Home Internet" section, you should see your Verizon router listed. Tap on it to manage its settings.
Find Wi-Fi Networks: Look for an option like "Wi-Fi Networks" or "Network Settings." This is where your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password are configured.
Edit Wi-Fi Details: You should see an option to "Edit Wi-Fi details" or "Manage Wi-Fi." Tap on this.
Sub-heading: Changing the Name (SSID)
Locate the Wi-Fi Name Field: On the "Edit Wi-Fi details" screen, you'll find a field labeled "Wi-Fi Network Name," "SSID," or simply "Network Name." This is where your current Wi-Fi name is displayed.
Enter Your New Name: Carefully type in your desired new Wi-Fi name. Choose something memorable, unique, and perhaps a little fun!
Considerations for your new Wi-Fi name:
Personalization: Make it your own! "The [Your Last Name] Empire" or "Our Cozy Corner Wi-Fi."
Security (Subtle): Avoid using your address or full name. Something like "Pineapple Express" is more anonymous than "123 Main Street Wi-Fi."
Humor: "FBI Surveillance Van #7" or "TellMyWiFiLoveHer."
(Optional but Recommended) Change Your Password: While you're here, it's an excellent opportunity to update your Wi-Fi password if you haven't done so recently. Look for the "Wi-Fi Password" field and enter a strong, unique password (a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, at least 12 characters long).
Save Your Changes: After entering your new Wi-Fi name (and password, if applicable), tap the "Save" or "Apply Changes" button.
Confirmation and Reboot: The app will likely confirm your changes and inform you that your router might reboot. This is normal. Your Wi-Fi network will temporarily disappear as the router updates its settings.
Step 3: Method 2 - Changing Your Wi-Fi Name Using the Router's Web Interface
If you prefer a more direct approach or encounter issues with the My Verizon app, accessing your router's web interface is a reliable alternative.
Sub-heading: Connecting to Your Router (Crucial First Step!)
Connect to Your Verizon Network (Temporarily): Even if you're changing the name, you'll need to be connected to your current Verizon Wi-Fi network (or directly via an Ethernet cable) to access the router's settings.
Wired Connection (Recommended for Stability): If possible, connect your computer directly to one of the LAN ports on your Verizon router using an Ethernet cable. This ensures a stable connection even if Wi-Fi temporarily drops.
Wireless Connection: If a wired connection isn't feasible, ensure your device is connected to your current Verizon Wi-Fi network.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Router's IP Address
To access the router's web interface, you'll need its IP address. This is often called the "Gateway IP" or "Default Gateway."
Check the Router Label: The most common place to find your router's IP address (and default admin credentials) is on a sticker on the back or bottom of the router itself. Look for something like "Router IP," "Access URL," or "Default Gateway." Common Verizon router IP addresses include:
192.168.1.1
192.168.0.1
mynetworksettings.com (This is a Verizon-specific domain that redirects to your router's IP)
Find IP on Your Device (if connected to the network):
Windows:
Right-click on the network icon (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
Select "Open Network & Internet settings."
Click on "Wi-Fi" or "Ethernet" (whichever you're using).
Click on your network connection (the name of your Wi-Fi network).
Scroll down to "Properties" and look for "IPv4 Default Gateway" or "Router." The number next to it is your router's IP.
macOS:
Go to System Settings (or System Preferences).
Click on "Network."
Select your active Wi-Fi connection from the left sidebar.
Click "Details..." (or "Advanced...") and then select the "TCP/IP" tab.
Your router's IP address will be listed next to "Router."
Android:
Go to Settings.
Tap "Network & internet" (or "Connections").
Tap "Internet" or "Wi-Fi."
Tap on the gear icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
Scroll down to find "Router" or "Gateway."
iOS (iPhone/iPad):
Go to Settings.
Tap "Wi-Fi."
Tap the blue "i" icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
Look for "Router."
Sub-heading: Logging into Your Router's Admin Page
Open a Web Browser: Open any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.) on the device connected to your router.
Enter the Router's IP Address: In the address bar of your browser, type the IP address you found (e.g.,
192.168.1.1ormynetworksettings.com) and press Enter.Security Warning: You might encounter a "Your connection is not private" or "Security warning" message. This is common for router interfaces as they often use self-signed certificates. It's usually safe to proceed. Look for options like "Advanced" and then "Proceed to [IP Address] (unsafe)" or similar.
Enter Admin Credentials: You'll be prompted to enter a username and password.
Default Credentials: Again, check the sticker on your router for the default username and password. Common defaults are often "admin" for both, or "admin" for the username and a unique password on the sticker.
Changed Credentials: If you've previously changed these, use your custom credentials.
Forgot Password? If you've forgotten them and the default isn't working, you may need to perform a factory reset on your router (see troubleshooting section below).
Sub-heading: Navigating to Wi-Fi Settings and Changing the Name
Find Wireless Settings: Once logged in, the interface will vary slightly depending on your specific Verizon router model. Look for sections like:
"Wireless"
"Wi-Fi"
"Network Settings"
"Primary Network"
"Basic Settings"
Locate the SSID Field: Within the wireless settings, you'll typically find a field labeled:
"SSID"
"Network Name"
"Wi-Fi Name"
Enter Your New Wi-Fi Name: Delete the existing name and type in your desired new Wi-Fi name.
(Optional but Recommended) Update Your Password: Just like with the app, this is a great time to change your Wi-Fi password for better security. Look for "Wi-Fi Password," "WPA Key," or "Security Key" and enter a strong, new password.
Apply/Save Changes: Click the "Apply," "Save Settings," or "Apply Changes" button.
Router Reboot: Your router will likely reboot to apply the new settings. This will cause a temporary disconnection from your Wi-Fi network.
Step 4: Reconnect Your Devices to the New Wi-Fi Network
This is the final, crucial step after changing your Wi-Fi name. Since your old network name no longer exists, all your devices will be disconnected.
Sub-heading: The Reconnection Process
Scan for Networks: On each of your Wi-Fi-enabled devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop, smart TV, smart home devices, gaming consoles, etc.), go to your Wi-Fi settings and scan for available networks.
Select Your New Network: You should now see your newly named Wi-Fi network in the list. Select it.
Enter Your Password: If you changed your Wi-Fi password (which you should have!), enter the new password you just set.
Connect: Confirm the connection. Your device should now successfully connect to your updated Verizon Wi-Fi network.
Repeat for All Devices: Go through this process for every device that was previously connected to your old Wi-Fi network. This includes everything from your smart thermostat to your printer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Sub-heading: "I Can't Log In to My Router!"
Double-check Credentials: Ensure you're typing the username and password exactly as they appear on the router sticker or as you previously set them (case-sensitive!).
Default Credentials: If you've never changed the login, try the default "admin" and the password on the router sticker.
Factory Reset (Last Resort): If all else fails, you can perform a factory reset on your Verizon router. This will revert all settings to their original factory defaults, including the Wi-Fi name and password.
How to Factory Reset: Look for a small, recessed reset button on the back or bottom of your router. You'll usually need a paperclip or a pen tip to press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the router's lights flash.
Warning: A factory reset means you'll lose any custom settings you've made (port forwarding, parental controls, etc.) and you'll have to reconnect all your devices using the original default Wi-Fi name and password from the sticker.
Sub-heading: "My Wi-Fi Name Changed, But My Devices Aren't Connecting!"
Ensure Correct Password: The most common reason is entering the wrong password. Double-check that you're using the new password you set.
Forget Network: On your device, try "forgetting" the old Wi-Fi network and then scanning and reconnecting to the new one from scratch. This clears any cached credentials.
Router Rebooted: Confirm your router has finished rebooting and its indicator lights are stable.
Signal Strength: Ensure your device is within range of your router.
Sub-heading: "The My Verizon App Isn't Showing My Router Settings!"
App Update: Make sure your My Verizon app is updated to the latest version.
Network Connection: Ensure your phone has an active internet connection (either via mobile data or the existing Wi-Fi) to communicate with Verizon's servers.
Account Owner/Manager: Sometimes, only the primary account holder has full access to router management features.
Try Web Interface: If the app is giving you trouble, switch to the web interface method.
Related FAQ Questions
How to check my current Verizon Wi-Fi name and password?
You can usually find your current Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password on a sticker located on the back or bottom of your Verizon router. Alternatively, if you're connected to the network, you can find it in your device's Wi-Fi settings (as described in Step 3 for finding your router's IP).
How to make my Verizon Wi-Fi name invisible?
To hide your Wi-Fi name (SSID broadcast), you'll typically need to log into your router's web interface (Step 3). Look for "Wireless Settings," "SSID Broadcast," or "Enable SSID" and uncheck or disable the option. Be aware that hiding your SSID can sometimes cause connection issues for certain devices.
How to reset my Verizon router to factory settings?
Locate the small, recessed reset button on the back or bottom of your Verizon router. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the router's lights flash. This will revert all settings to their original factory defaults.
How to find my Verizon router's IP address?
Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router. It's often "192.168.1.1" or "mynetworksettings.com". You can also find it in your device's network settings while connected to the router (see Step 3, Sub-heading: Finding Your Router's IP Address).
How to improve my Verizon Wi-Fi signal strength?
Try repositioning your router to a central, open location, away from obstructions and other electronics. You can also consider a Wi-Fi extender, mesh Wi-Fi system, or upgrading to a newer router if yours is old.
How to change my Verizon Wi-Fi password (WPA2 Key)?
The process is almost identical to changing the Wi-Fi name. Whether using the My Verizon app (Step 2) or the router's web interface (Step 3), you'll find the "Wi-Fi Password" or "WPA2 Key" field right next to the Wi-Fi name (SSID) field.
How to log in to my Verizon router's admin page?
Open a web browser, type your router's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or mynetworksettings.com) into the address bar, and press Enter. Then, enter the administrator username and password found on the router's sticker.
How to connect a new device to my Verizon Wi-Fi after changing the name?
On your new device, go to its Wi-Fi settings, scan for networks, select your newly named Verizon Wi-Fi network, and enter the new Wi-Fi password you set.
How to contact Verizon customer support for Wi-Fi issues?
You can visit the Verizon Support website (
How to know if my Verizon router is working correctly?
Check the indicator lights on your router. Typically, there will be lights for Power, Internet/WAN, and Wi-Fi. If these are solid green (or as indicated in your router's manual), it usually means the router is functioning correctly. If you're still experiencing issues, try a speed test or rebooting the router.