Mobile & Apps How-To
How to Change the Hotspot Name on Your Phone: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your hotspot name (also known as the SSID) is a simple yet important step to personalize your connection and make it easier to find. Whether you’re using an Android or iPhone, renaming your hotspot can help you quickly identify your network and improve security.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to change the hotspot name on your Android and iPhone, along with some additional tips for better hotspot management.
Why Change Your Hotspot Name?
Here are a few reasons why you might want to change your hotspot name:
- Personalization – Makes your network easy to identify.
- Better Security – Default names may expose your device type.
- Avoid Confusion – Prevents connecting to the wrong network in crowded areas.
- Easier Sharing – A custom name is easier to share with friends and family.
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process.
How to Change Hotspot Name on Android
Most Android devices allow you to customize your Wi-Fi hotspot settings through the phone’s settings menu.
Step 1: Open Mobile Hotspot Settings
- Unlock your Android phone.
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Connections or Network & Internet, depending on your device.
- Tap on Mobile Hotspot & Tethering.
- Select Mobile Hotspot.
Step 2: Change the Hotspot Name
- Tap on Network name or SSID.
- Erase the existing name and enter a new hotspot name.
- Tap Save or Apply to confirm changes.
Step 3: Restart Your Hotspot
- Turn off your hotspot.
- Wait a few seconds and turn it back on.
- The new hotspot name should now be visible to other devices.
💡 Tip: While you’re in the settings, you can also change your hotspot password for extra security.
How to Change Hotspot Name on iPhone (iOS)
Unlike Android, Apple does not have a separate hotspot name setting. Instead, your hotspot name is the same as your iPhone’s device name.
Step 1: Open Device Settings
- Unlock your iPhone.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to General.
- Tap About.
Step 2: Rename Your iPhone
- Tap Name.
- Delete the current name and type a new name for your iPhone.
- Tap Done to save.
Step 3: Restart Hotspot
- Go back to Settings.
- Open Personal Hotspot.
- Toggle Allow Others to Join off and then back on.
- Your new hotspot name will now be visible to other devices.
💡 Note: The new name will also appear when using AirDrop, Bluetooth, or iCloud.
How to Check If Your Hotspot Name Has Changed
After updating your hotspot name, follow these steps to confirm the change:
- Use another device (phone, tablet, or laptop).
- Go to Wi-Fi settings on that device.
- Look for your new hotspot name in the available networks list.
- If the old name still appears, turn the hotspot off and on again.
Troubleshooting: Hotspot Name Not Changing?
If you followed the steps but don’t see your new hotspot name, try these fixes:
- Restart Your Phone – A quick reboot can apply the changes.
- Turn Airplane Mode On/Off – This refreshes network settings.
- Forget and Reconnect – On the other device, forget the hotspot and reconnect.
- Check Software Updates – Ensure your phone has the latest OS version.
- Reset Network Settings (Last resort): Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings (iPhone) or Settings > System > Reset Options > Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth (Android). This will erase all Wi-Fi settings, so use with caution.
Tips for Choosing a Good Hotspot Name
Choosing a unique and secure hotspot name can make your experience better. Here are some tips:
✅ Be Unique – Avoid common names like “AndroidAP” or “iPhone”.
✅ Keep It Short – Long names can be hard to type.
✅ Avoid Personal Info – Don’t use names like “John’s Hotspot” for privacy.
✅ Be Creative – Funny names like “It Hurts When IP” or “LAN Solo” can be fun.
✅ Avoid Special Characters – Some devices may not recognize symbols like @, #, $
.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change my hotspot name anytime?
Yes! You can change your hotspot name as often as you like by following the steps above.
2. Will changing my hotspot name disconnect connected devices?
Yes, when you change the hotspot name, all connected devices will disconnect and need to reconnect manually.
3. Why can’t I find my hotspot name after changing it?
Try turning the hotspot off and on, restart your device, or check if the change was saved in the settings.
4. Can I hide my hotspot name from others?
Most phones don’t have a hidden SSID feature, but you can set a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.
5. Does changing my hotspot name affect mobile data usage?
No, changing the name does not affect your data usage—it only renames your network.
Conclusion
Changing your hotspot name is a quick and easy way to personalize your network and improve security. Whether you’re on Android or iPhone, you now have the steps to rename your hotspot in just a few minutes.
Give your hotspot a unique name today, and enjoy a seamless connection! 🚀