
How to Change Wifi Name on Starlink? Starlink Router Settings Walkthrough
Introduction Starlink has changed the way people access high-speed internet, especially in rural and underserved areas where traditional cable or fiber options are unavailable. When you first set up your Starlink kit, the router broadcasts a default WiFi netwo
Introduction
Starlink has changed the way people access high-speed internet, especially in rural and underserved areas where traditional cable or fiber options are unavailable. When you first set up your Starlink kit, the router broadcasts a default WiFi network name, also known as an SSID. It usually looks something like STARLINK-XXXX, where the Xs represent a unique string of characters tied to your hardware. While that default name works fine for getting online, many users want to personalize their network, improve security, or simply make it easier to identify among neighboring signals.
If you have been searching for How to Change Wifi Name on Starlink? you are in the right place. This guide walks you through every available method, from using the official Starlink mobile app to accessing router settings through a web browser. Whether you have a standard residential dish, a High Performance unit, or a mesh system, the steps below will help you rename your WiFi network quickly and safely.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to locate your Starlink router settings, update your WiFi name, reconnect your devices, and troubleshoot common issues that can pop up during the process. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is Your Starlink WiFi Name and Why Change It?
- Before You Start: What You’ll Need
- Starlink Router Types and Default Settings
- Method 1: Change WiFi Name Using the Starlink App
- Method 2: Change WiFi Name Using a Web Browser
- Complete Step-by-Step Walkthrough
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Tips and Best Practices for Starlink WiFi Names
- Security Considerations After Renaming
- Managing Multiple Networks: 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What Is Your Starlink WiFi Name and Why Change It?
Your WiFi name is the public identifier that shows up when your phone, laptop, tablet, or smart TV scans for available wireless networks. On Starlink hardware, the factory-set name typically begins with STARLINK- followed by a series of letters and numbers. This default naming convention helps Starlink support teams identify devices, but it is not ideal for everyday home use.
There are several good reasons to learn How to Change Wifi Name on Starlink?:
- Personalization: A custom name like
Home_NetworkorFamily_WiFiis easier to remember than a random string of characters. - Security through obscurity: While renaming your network does not replace encryption, it stops your router from advertising the exact hardware you are using.
- Avoiding confusion: If you live in an apartment building or a neighborhood with several Starlink users, default names can look identical. A unique name prevents you or your guests from connecting to the wrong network.
- Branding for home offices: If you run a small business from home, a professional WiFi name creates a better impression for clients who visit your workspace.
Changing the name does not affect your internet speed, your Starlink subscription, or your satellite dish alignment. It is purely a local wireless setting on your router.
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
Before you attempt to change your Starlink WiFi name, gather the following items so the process goes smoothly:
- A smartphone, tablet, or laptop that can connect to your current Starlink WiFi network.
- The Starlink mobile app installed on your device (available for iOS and Android), or a modern web browser if you prefer the browser method.
- Your Starlink account credentials, including the email address and password you used during setup.
- Physical access to your Starlink router, at least initially, to confirm that the device is powered on and broadcasting a signal.
- About 10 to 15 minutes of uninterrupted time.
It is also helpful to know which Starlink router generation you own, because the user interface can differ slightly between older and newer hardware. The next section covers the most common router types.
Starlink Router Types and Default Settings
Starlink has released several hardware revisions over the years. While the core process for changing a WiFi name remains similar, the router model can affect how you access settings and whether advanced options are available.
| Router / Hardware Type | WiFi Standard | Default SSID Format | Settings Access Method | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink Standard (Gen 2) | WiFi 5 | STARLINK-XXXX |
Starlink App or 192.168.100.1 | Most residential users |
| Starlink High Performance | WiFi 5 | STARLINK-XXXX |
Starlink App or 192.168.100.1 | Business and high-demand users |
| Starlink Mesh Node | WiFi 5 | Extends main network | Starlink App only | Large homes with dead zones |
| Starlink Gen 3 Router | WiFi 6 | STARLINK-XXXX |
Starlink App | Newer residential installs |
If you are unsure which model you have, open the Starlink app and look under the Settings or Hardware section. The app usually lists your router type and firmware version. Knowing this helps you follow the correct steps in the sections below.
Method 1: Change WiFi Name Using the Starlink App
The Starlink mobile app is the easiest and most reliable way to change your WiFi name. It is designed specifically for Starlink hardware and walks you through the process without requiring you to type IP addresses or manage browser compatibility issues.
Step 1: Install and Open the Starlink App
Download the Starlink app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you have not already. Open the app and log in using the email address and password associated with your Starlink account. Make sure your phone is connected to your Starlink WiFi network before proceeding.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings
Once logged in, you will see the main dashboard showing your current connection status, download and upload speeds, and network information. Tap the Settings icon, usually represented by a gear symbol. On some versions of the app, this may appear under a menu labeled Network or WiFi.
Step 3: Select Your WiFi Name
Look for an option labeled WiFi Name, Network Name, or SSID. Tap on it. You should see your current default name, such as STARLINK-XXXX, displayed in an editable field.
Step 4: Enter Your New WiFi Name
Delete the existing text and type your preferred network name. Keep it short, easy to spell, and free of special characters if you want maximum compatibility with older devices. Examples include Home_WiFi, Starlink_Home, or Family_Network.
Step 5: Save and Confirm
Tap Save, Apply, or Done to confirm the change. The router may take a few seconds to broadcast the new name. Once complete, your device will likely disconnect from the old network. Reconnect by selecting your new WiFi name from the list of available networks and entering your password.
Method 2: Change WiFi Name Using a Web Browser
Some users prefer to manage router settings through a desktop or laptop browser. Starlink routers typically provide a local web interface accessible at 192.168.100.1. This method is useful if you do not have the mobile app installed or if you want to review additional network details on a larger screen.
Step 1: Connect to Your Starlink Network
Ensure your computer is connected to the Starlink WiFi network you want to rename. You can use either the wireless connection or an Ethernet cable plugged directly into the router if your hardware supports it.
Step 2: Open a Web Browser
Launch Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, or any other modern browser. In the address bar, type http://192.168.100.1 and press Enter. Do not include www or https unless the page specifically directs you to do so.
Step 3: Log In If Prompted
Many Starlink routers do not require a traditional username and password for local access. If a login screen appears, check the label on your router for default credentials. If no label is present, try leaving the password field blank or consult Starlink support documentation for your specific hardware generation.
Step 4: Locate WiFi Settings
Once inside the web interface, look for a menu labeled Wireless, WiFi, LAN, or Network. The exact layout depends on your router firmware version. Find the field showing your current SSID.
Step 5: Edit and Save
Enter your new WiFi name in the SSID field. Avoid using emoji or non-standard symbols, as some devices may have trouble connecting. Click Save, Apply, or Submit. The router may reboot briefly, causing a momentary disconnection.
Complete Step-by-Step Walkthrough
If you want a single, linear checklist for How to Change Wifi Name on Starlink?, follow this consolidated walkthrough. It combines the best practices from both the app and browser methods.
- Prepare your device: Charge your phone or laptop and confirm you are within range of your Starlink router.
- Connect to Starlink: Join the current
STARLINK-XXXXnetwork using the password found on your router or in the app. - Open the Starlink app: Log in with your account credentials. If you prefer the browser method, open
192.168.100.1instead. - Find network settings: In the app, tap Settings > WiFi. In the browser, navigate to the Wireless or Network tab.
- Choose a new name: Type your desired SSID. Keep it under 32 characters and avoid spaces at the beginning or end.
- Save changes: Confirm the update. Wait for the router to apply the new settings.
- Reconnect devices: On each phone, laptop, tablet, smart speaker, and smart TV, forget the old network and connect to the new one using your existing WiFi password.
- Test the connection: Open a website or run a speed test to confirm everything is working normally.
After completing these steps, your Starlink WiFi network will broadcast under its new name. All previously connected devices will need to be reconnected once because they still remember the old SSID.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even though changing a WiFi name is straightforward, a few issues can arise. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Issue: Cannot Access 192.168.100.1
If the browser page does not load, first confirm that your computer is connected to the Starlink network and not to a different WiFi source, such as a mobile hotspot or a neighbor’s router. Try disabling your computer’s WiFi and reconnecting. You can also try opening the page in an incognito or private browsing window to rule out cached data.
Issue: Changes Do Not Save
If you enter a new name but the router reverts to the default after you click Save, check your internet connection. The Starlink app sometimes requires an active satellite link to push configuration changes to the router. Wait until the app shows a healthy connection, then try again.
Issue: Devices Will Not Reconnect
Devices often fail to reconnect because they still try to join the old network name. Go to your device’s WiFi settings, choose Forget This Network for the old Starlink SSID, then select the new name and enter your password.
Issue: App Crashes or Freezes
Close the Starlink app completely and restart it. Ensure you are running the latest version from the app store. If the problem continues, reboot your Starlink router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
Issue: Mesh Node Not Updating
If you use Starlink Mesh nodes, changing the name on the main router should propagate to the nodes automatically. If a node continues broadcasting the old name, power-cycle the node or remove and re-add it through the app.
Tips and Best Practices for Starlink WiFi Names
Choosing a good WiFi name is about more than just personal preference. Follow these tips to keep your network easy to manage and secure.
- Keep it simple: Use letters, numbers, and hyphens or underscores. Avoid emoji, non-English characters, and excessive punctuation.
- Avoid personal information: Do not include your full name, address, phone number, or account details in the SSID. Anyone within range can see the network name.
- Make it recognizable: If you have multiple networks in your home or office, choose a name that clearly identifies yours.
- Reboot after changes: If the new name does not appear immediately, restart your Starlink router and wait two minutes before scanning for networks again.
- Document the change: Write down your new SSID and password in a secure place, especially if you manage network access for family members or employees.
- Test with one device first: Connect a single phone or laptop to the new network before reconnecting every smart home device. This makes it easier to isolate problems.
Security Considerations After Renaming
Renaming your WiFi network is a good first step, but it is not a substitute for real security. Your WiFi password remains the primary defense against unauthorized access. After you change your Starlink WiFi name, consider the following actions:
- Update your WiFi password: If you are still using the default password printed on your router, change it to something strong and unique.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption: Make sure your router is not set to an open network or an outdated encryption standard like WEP.
- Disable guest networks you do not use: If your Starlink router supports a guest network and you do not need it, turn it off to reduce your attack surface.
- Keep firmware updated: The Starlink app usually handles updates automatically, but it is worth checking that your router is running the latest firmware.
Remember that a custom WiFi name hides your router model from casual observers, but determined attackers can still identify your hardware through other means. Always pair a good network name with a strong password.
Managing Multiple Networks: 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz
Many Starlink routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz signals under a single network name. This is called band steering, and it allows devices to automatically connect to the best available frequency. When you change your WiFi name using the app or browser, the update usually applies to both bands at once.
If you need separate names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz—for example, to connect older smart home devices that only support 2.4 GHz—check whether your Starlink router firmware supports band splitting. Not all Starlink hardware offers this option. If it is unavailable, all devices will share the same SSID, and the router will decide which band to use based on signal strength and compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my WiFi name affect my Starlink internet speed?
No. The WiFi name is just a label for your wireless network. It has no impact on satellite connection quality, download speeds, or latency.
Do I need to reconnect all my devices after changing the name?
Yes. Because your devices remember the old network name, they will not automatically join the new one. You must select the new SSID and enter your password on each device.
Can I use special characters in my Starlink WiFi name?
It is best to avoid special characters, emoji, and non-standard symbols. Stick to letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores for the best compatibility across phones, laptops, smart TVs, and IoT devices.
Is the Starlink app required to change the WiFi name?
No. You can also use a web browser by visiting 192.168.100.1 while connected to your Starlink network. However, the app is generally more user-friendly and is the recommended method for most customers.
What if I forget my new WiFi name?
Open the Starlink app and go to Settings > WiFi to view your current SSID. You can also check the list of saved networks on any device already connected to your router.
Will renaming my network disconnect my Starlink dish?
No. The dish continues to communicate with satellites independently of your local WiFi name. Only your wireless devices are affected.
Can I change the WiFi name on a Starlink Mesh node separately?
Mesh nodes typically extend the main router’s network and share the same SSID. You manage the name through the main router in the Starlink app. Individual node names are not usually configurable.
How often should I change my WiFi name?
There is no set schedule. Change it whenever you want a more personalized name, suspect unauthorized users know your current SSID, or are reorganizing your home network.
Conclusion
Learning How to Change Wifi Name on Starlink? is a quick and worthwhile task for any Starlink customer. Whether you use the mobile app or the browser-based interface at 192.168.100.1, the process takes only a few minutes and gives you greater control over your home network.
Start by gathering your account credentials and confirming your router model. Then follow the step-by-step instructions to enter a new SSID, save your changes, and reconnect your devices. Afterward, take a moment to review your security settings, update your password if needed, and choose a name that is easy to recognize but does not reveal personal information.
With a custom WiFi name in place, your Starlink network will be easier to manage, more secure, and better suited to your household or business needs. Enjoy your newly named connection.