With the rise of 5G technology, many users are curious about personalizing their network settings, especially the network name. The question “Can I change the name of our 5G network?” is commonly asked by individuals and businesses who want to customize their wireless environment.
This article explores everything related to changing your 5G network’s name, including what it entails, the benefits, potential limitations, and step-by-step instructions to help you do it effectively.
Understanding 5G Network Names
Before diving into changing the network name, it’s important to understand what a 5G network name actually is. Typically, the “name” refers to the SSID (Service Set Identifier) — the label your wireless devices see when scanning for available networks.
Modern routers and access points often broadcast two SSIDs for dual-band or tri-band networks: one for the 2.4 GHz band and another for the 5 GHz band. When it comes to 5G, people often confuse the mobile 5G cellular network with the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band.
Note: The 5G network name you can change is generally the SSID of your home or office Wi-Fi router, not the cellular 5G network provided by your mobile carrier.
Difference Between 5G Cellular and 5 GHz Wi-Fi Network
| Aspect | 5G Cellular Network | 5 GHz Wi-Fi Network |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Fifth generation mobile network technology for cellular devices | Wi-Fi frequency band used in routers for faster wireless speeds |
| Network Name | Cannot be changed by end user; managed by carrier | SSID can be customized by router owner |
| Ownership | Carrier-owned | Router/Network owner |
| Typical Usage | Mobile phones, tablets, IoT devices on cellular network | Devices connecting to home/office wireless internet |
Can You Change the Name of a 5G Network?
Yes, you can change the name of your 5G Wi-Fi network. This is done by accessing your router’s settings and modifying the SSID broadcast for the 5 GHz band.
Changing the name allows you to personalize your network, improve security, and make it easier to identify.
However, if you are referring to the 5G cellular network provided by your mobile carrier, you cannot change its name because it is managed by the carrier and standardized across their infrastructure.
Why Change Your 5G Wi-Fi Network Name?
- Personalization: Make your network easier to recognize among neighbors’ networks.
- Security: Avoid using default names that can attract unauthorized access attempts.
- Organization: Differentiate between multiple networks, especially in environments with many devices.
- Device Compatibility: Some devices may perform better when connecting to a specific named SSID.
How to Change Your 5G Wi-Fi Network Name
Changing the SSID of your 5 GHz Wi-Fi band is straightforward. The process may vary slightly depending on your router’s brand and model, but the general steps are similar.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Connect to your router: Use a device connected to your network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Access the router’s admin panel: Open a web browser and enter the router’s IP address. Common addresses include
192.168.0.1,192.168.1.1, or10.0.0.1. Refer to your router manual if unsure. - Log in: Enter your admin username and password. If you haven’t changed these, default credentials are often printed on the router or available online.
- Navigate to wireless settings: Look for sections labeled “Wireless,” “Wi-Fi Settings,” “SSID,” or “Network Settings.”
- Select the 5 GHz band: Some routers show separate settings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
- Edit the SSID name: Enter a new name that you want your 5G Wi-Fi network to broadcast.
- Save and apply changes: Confirm the update and wait for the router to restart or apply the new settings.
- Reconnect devices: After the name change, you will need to reconnect your devices to the new network name using your Wi-Fi password.
Common Router Interfaces and Their Default IPs
| Router Brand | Default IP Address | Default Username | Default Password |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netgear | 192.168.1.1 | admin | password |
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| Linksys | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| Google Nest WiFi | Use Google Home app | — | — |
Best Practices When Naming Your 5G Network
Choosing a good network name enhances your wireless experience. Here are some tips and best practices to consider:
- Avoid Personal Information: Do not include your full name, address, or phone number in the SSID to protect your privacy.
- Keep It Simple: Use a short, easy-to-remember name that is still unique enough to avoid confusion.
- Use Letters and Numbers: Avoid special characters as some devices may have trouble connecting to SSIDs with unusual symbols.
- Separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Names: Naming them differently can help you choose which band to connect to for better performance.
- Update Regularly if Needed: Changing your network name occasionally can improve security by discouraging unauthorized access.
Tip: If you name your 5 GHz SSID distinctly from 2.4 GHz, you can manually connect devices to the preferred frequency band for optimal speed or range.
Potential Issues When Changing Your 5G Network Name
While changing your 5G Wi-Fi SSID is generally safe and simple, some issues can arise if not done carefully.
- Device Reconnection: After renaming your network, all previously connected devices will disconnect and must be reconnected manually with the new network name and password.
- Compatibility Problems: Some older devices may have trouble connecting to new SSIDs or may remember the old one, causing confusion.
- Incorrect Settings: Accidentally changing other settings in the router during the process can disrupt your internet connection.
- SSID Broadcast Disabled: If you disable SSID broadcast by mistake, your devices won’t see the network unless you manually add the network details.
Changing 5G Network Name on Mobile Carrier Plans
For consumers wondering if they can rename the 5G cellular network on their phone or device, the answer is no. The 5G network name is controlled by the wireless carrier and is not customizable by end users.
What you can do is rename the network profile on your phone for identification purposes, but this does not affect the actual network. Your phone displays the carrier’s network name (e.g., Verizon 5G, AT&T 5G) based on carrier settings.
How to Rename Network Profile on Your Phone (Android Example)
- Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks.
- Select the active network or SIM card.
- Look for an option like Network Name or Carrier Name.
- Enter a custom name for your reference.
- Save your changes.
This renaming is purely cosmetic and helps you differentiate between multiple SIM cards or carriers on a dual SIM phone.
Security Considerations When Changing Your 5G Wi-Fi Network Name
Changing your network name is one step toward improving wireless security. However, it should be combined with other measures for best results:
- Use Strong Passwords: Always set a strong Wi-Fi password using WPA3 or WPA2 encryption protocols.
- Disable WPS: Wi-Fi Protected Setup can be vulnerable to attacks; consider disabling it.
- Update Router Firmware: Keep your router’s software up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Enable Guest Networks: Isolate guest access from your main network to protect sensitive devices.
- Monitor Connected Devices: Regularly check which devices are connected to your network and remove unknown ones.
Security Tip: Avoid using default SSID names like “linksys” or “netgear” as they indicate you have not secured your network properly and can invite attacks.
Troubleshooting Network Name Changes
If you encounter problems after renaming your 5G Wi-Fi network, consider these troubleshooting tips:
- Forgotten Password: Ensure you use the correct password when reconnecting devices.
- Device Caching Issues: Restart your devices to clear cached network profiles.
- Router Not Applying Changes: Try rebooting your router after saving new settings.
- SSID Not Visible: Check if SSID broadcast is enabled in router settings.
- Interference or Signal Issues: Place your router in an open area to maximize coverage.
Summary: Changing Your 5G Network Name
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my 5G Wi-Fi network name? | Yes, via your router’s admin panel by changing the SSID for the 5 GHz band. |
| Can I change the 5G cellular network name? | No, it is controlled by your mobile carrier. |
| What are the benefits of changing the network name? | Improved personalization, security, and device management. |
| What should I avoid when naming my network? | Avoid personal data and complicated characters. |
| What else should I do for network security? | Use strong encryption, update firmware, and monitor devices. |
Additional Resources
- Default Router Passwords and IP Addresses
- Wi-Fi Security Tips – CISA
- How to Change Your Wi-Fi Network Name
- How to Change Carrier Name on Android
Changing your 5G Wi-Fi network name is a simple but effective way to customize and secure your wireless environment. With the right approach, you can make your network uniquely yours while keeping it safe from unwanted access.
