Wi-Fi Device Name

[JPL5780]

I have successfully changed the Wi-Fi Device Name on my Nexus 5 via Settings > Wi-Fi > Options menu > Wi-Fi Direct > Rename Device.

The problem is that this has not changed what I understand as the Wi-Fi device name, i.e. the network hostname of the device. The hostname remains as "android-<long alphanumeric string>".

How may I change the hostname?

JPL

 

[N4Newbie]

There was quite a discussion on this a while back, here or in the Nexus 4 forum. The upshot was, it appears that it cannot be done.

 

[JPL5780]

Thanks for the reply, but that is just absurd, although it does explain why I couldn't find out how to do it.

 

[merv69]

I have successfully changed the Wi-Fi Device Name on my Nexus 5 via Settings > Wi-Fi > Options menu > Wi-Fi Direct > Rename Device.

The problem is that this has not changed what I understand as the Wi-Fi device name, i.e. the network hostname of the device. The hostname remains as "android-<long alphanumeric string>".

How may I change the hostname?

JPL

Are you referring to the WiFi hotspot feature?

Via my LG Nexus 5...

 

[merv69]

If it is, I went to settings>wireless networks, more> tethering and portable hotspot>set up WiFi hotspot. The area with the password is editable as well as the SSID (i enabled 'show password' so as to not make mistakes) and then press save. It worked for me on my N5.

Via my LG Nexus 5...

 

[patruns]

I have successfully changed the Wi-Fi Device Name on my Nexus 5 via Settings > Wi-Fi > Options menu > Wi-Fi Direct > Rename Device.

The problem is that this has not changed what I understand as the Wi-Fi device name, i.e. the network hostname of the device. The hostname remains as "android-<long alphanumeric string>".

How may I change the hostname?

JPL

If you are trying to tether your Nexus 5 to take advantage of your cell service, follow merv69's suggestion. I think you are looking in the wrong area. There is no reason to change the name of the device. You just want your other device to see it as a wifi connection.

 

[N4Newbie]

Thanks for the reply, but that is just absurd, although it does explain why I couldn't find out how to do it.

Some people simply want to change the name so that it shows up in their WiFi router's list of connected devices as something more meaningful than "android-<long alphanumeric string>" - perhaps "Bill's Nexus 5".

Here's another thread on this subject: http://forums.androidcentral.com/google-nexus-4/293909-change-device-name.html

 

[JPL5780]

Quite.

Thanks for the link. I note that one poster says "this really should be a stock feature". But it seems that the phone must be rooted in order to change the hostname, and being so new to Android I am reluctant to contemplate that.

Why would you think this has anything to do with tethering? Hostname - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[patruns]

Why would you think this has anything to do with tethering?

You would be surprised the number of people who are really referring to naming their tethered hotspot so that they recognize it when they try to connect with another device. I'm sure you knew exactly what you meant when you posted, but it is not necessarily clear to others reading the post without a more thorough explanation of why you are asking.

No worries mate.

 

[JPL5780]

OK. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[orthonovum]

Can't be done? Works fine for me...

 

[N4Newbie]

Can't be done? Works fine for me...

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/15/adu3e2yr.jpg

What device is that? What custom kernel/ROM are you running? The page shown is not part of stock 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4 on Nexus 4 or 5.

 

[JPL5780]

But it seems to be exactly what is required. I think of the Nexus more as a networked computer than a telephone, and this facility is just expected in a computer.

 

[patruns]

How on earth do you change the device name? : Nexus5

 

[orthonovum]

What device is that? What custom kernel/ROM are you running? The page shown is not part of stock 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4 on Nexus 4 or 5.

This is the change hostname app running on a stock rooted Nexus 5

 

[N4Newbie]

This is the change hostname app running on a stock rooted Nexus 5

And therein lies the problem. Many people just don't want to root.

 

[JPL5780]

And it should not be necessary to root when the only change required is to the hostname.

 

[recDNA]

In my router I can change the name of any device. Of course on another router it would still show original name.

Beamed from my Galaxy Note 3

 

[orthonovum]

oh? you cant just change the hostname of a linux install on your computer unless you do it as the root user

yes yes phones are not computers.. but linux is linux

 

[Chuck Claunch]

Right, and you typically don't have to jump through hoops or void warranties in order to log in as root on your own computer.