Many users want to customize their home network experience, and one common question is whether it’s possible to change the device name on a Netgear router. The device name usually appears in the network list or router management interface and can help identify your router or connected devices more easily.
This article explains how you can change the device name on your Netgear router, what options are available, and tips to manage your network more effectively.
Understanding Device Names on Netgear Routers
Before diving into the process of changing the device name, it’s important to clarify what “device name” means in the context of a Netgear router. There are several possible interpretations:
- Router Hostname: The name assigned to the router itself, often used internally or in the router’s admin interface.
- SSID (Network Name): The Wi-Fi network name broadcasted by your router, which devices see when connecting.
- Connected Device Name: Names assigned to devices connected to the router, shown in the router’s device list.
Each of these can be modified or customized, but the methods differ depending on what exactly you want to change.
Can You Change the Router’s Hostname?
On many routers, including some Netgear models, the router’s hostname can be changed. The hostname is a label used in network management and can be useful for identifying the router on your local network or when remotely accessing it.
However, not all Netgear routers allow for easy hostname changes via their web interface. Some models have the hostname fixed or automatically assigned based on the firmware or device model.
How to check if your Netgear router allows hostname change:
- Log into the router’s web interface by entering
http://192.168.1.1orhttp://routerlogin.netin your browser. - Enter your admin username and password.
- Navigate to the Advanced or Setup section.
- Look for settings labeled LAN Setup, Device Name, or Hostname.
If you find the option, you can change the hostname and save the settings. The router may reboot or restart network services to apply the change.
Changing the SSID (Wi-Fi Network Name)
The most common way users “change the device name” is by changing the Wi-Fi network name, or SSID. This is the name broadcasted by your Netgear router that appears in the list of available wireless networks on your devices.
Changing the SSID is straightforward and can personalize your network while also helping distinguish it from neighbors’ networks.
Steps to Change the SSID on a Netgear Router
- Open a web browser and enter
http://192.168.1.1orhttp://routerlogin.net. - Log in with your admin credentials.
- Go to the Wireless settings section. This may be under Basic or Setup.
- In the wireless settings, locate the SSID field for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks (if applicable).
- Enter your desired network name(s).
- Save or apply the changes.
After changing the SSID, your devices will need to reconnect to the new network name using the password.
Renaming Connected Devices on the Router
Netgear routers often display the names of connected devices in the admin interface. However, these names are usually pulled from the device itself (e.g., the hostname or device name configured on a laptop or phone).
The router itself does not typically allow you to rename connected devices.
If the device name appears as generic or unknown, you can try renaming the device on the device itself. For example, you can change the computer’s hostname in its operating system settings, and after reconnecting, the router will display the updated name.
Note: Some advanced users may use router firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt, which allow more granular control over device naming and network management.
Why Change Device Names on Your Network?
Assigning meaningful names to devices and your router helps in:
- Easier identification of devices when monitoring network traffic.
- Better parental controls or access restrictions based on device.
- Simplified troubleshooting when devices go offline or have connectivity issues.
- Enhancing network security by spotting unknown or unauthorized devices.
Common Issues When Changing Device Names on Netgear Routers
Changing device names is generally straightforward, but you may encounter some issues:
| Issue | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot find hostname setting | Your router model or firmware may not support hostname changes. | Check for firmware updates or consult the manual. Consider using alternative firmware if advanced control is needed. |
| SSID change not applying | The router may not have saved changes, or the browser cache may show old info. | Clear browser cache, reboot router, and try again. |
| Connected device name shows as “Unknown” | The device itself does not broadcast its name properly. | Rename the device on its OS settings and reconnect. |
| Router becomes unreachable after changes | Incorrect settings can disrupt network access. | Perform a router reset or access via Ethernet to fix settings. |
Step-by-Step Guide: Changing the Router Name and SSID on a Netgear Router
This section provides a detailed step-by-step walkthrough to change both your router’s hostname (if supported) and the SSID for your wireless network.
Step 1: Access the Router Admin Interface
Use a web browser connected to your Netgear router’s network and enter one of the following addresses:
http://192.168.1.1http://192.168.0.1(for some models)http://routerlogin.net
Enter your admin username (default is usually admin) and password (default is password if not changed).
Step 2: Locate the Hostname Option
Once logged in, navigate to the Advanced tab, then find Setup > LAN Setup. Look for the Router Name or Host Name field.
If available, enter your desired router name here. This name helps identify your router within your network.
Step 3: Change the SSID (Wi-Fi Network Name)
Go to the Basic tab or Wireless Settings section. You will typically see two SSID fields:
- SSID for 2.4 GHz network
- SSID for 5 GHz network
Update these names to whatever you want your Wi-Fi networks to be called.
Step 4: Save and Apply Changes
Click Apply or Save to commit your changes. Your router may restart wireless broadcasting with the new SSID immediately.
Step 5: Reconnect Your Devices
Because the Wi-Fi network name has changed, you will need to reconnect all your wireless devices to the new SSID using the existing or updated password.
Additional Tips for Managing Device Names on Netgear Routers
- Update Firmware: Keep your router’s firmware updated for the latest features and security patches. Sometimes new firmware versions add or improve device naming options.
- Use Netgear Genie App: The Netgear Genie app can help you manage your router and connected devices easily from a smartphone or tablet.
- Reserve IP Addresses: Assign static IP addresses and device names via DHCP reservation to better track devices on your network.
- Enable Device Naming in DHCP: Some routers support customizing device hostnames via DHCP leases.
- Consider Advanced Firmware: If you want more control, third-party firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato might be an option for compatible Netgear models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change the name of my Netgear router? | Yes, depending on your model, you can change the router hostname in the settings. Most commonly, users change the Wi-Fi network name (SSID). |
| Will changing the SSID affect my internet speed? | No, changing the SSID does not impact network speed. It only changes the network name devices see. |
| How do I rename devices connected to my Netgear router? | You need to rename the device itself (e.g., change the computer or phone name). The router will then display the updated name when the device reconnects. |
| Can I assign custom names to devices from the router interface? | Most Netgear routers do not support renaming connected devices directly. Some advanced routers or firmware may allow this. |
| What if I forgot my router login password? | You can reset the router to factory defaults by holding the reset button for about 10 seconds, but this will erase all custom settings. |
Conclusion
Changing the device name on a Netgear router depends largely on what you mean by “device name.” If you want to change the router’s hostname, some models allow this through the LAN setup menu. Most users will want to change the SSID, which is easy and highly recommended for personalizing your wireless network.
Renaming connected devices is done on the devices themselves, not the router. Managing device names and network settings efficiently improves security, usability, and network management.
Remember to always back up your router’s configuration before making significant changes and update the firmware regularly for the best experience.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Netgear Support website.
