Cannot Rename Devices on Nighthawk APP or Using Mywifiext EAX20

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Renaming the Nighthawk devices means the changing the SSID username, which you can do through interface as well as from the app.

In this type of case, user can’t able to do that. So, we will explain the problem properly first “mywifiext device name not updating”. Then find out the reasons behind it and solutions to fix it.

So, let’s dive into the troubleshooting guide for the issue “Cannot rename devices on Nighthawk APP or using mywifiext EAX20”.

The Problem

You open up the Nighthawk app, go to the connected devices list, tap on a device, try to change its name… and either it doesn’t save, or it reverts back to something like “Unknown” or just keeps the old name. Same deal when you log in to mywifiext.net — device list shows up, but there’s no actual rename option that sticks.

It’s like Netgear wants to make this harder than it needs to be.

Why It Happens

Here’s the blunt truth:

The EAX20, even though it’s a decent extender, doesn’t handle device naming locally. The names you’re seeing are either pulled from DHCP leases or generated randomly. And the Nighthawk app? Mostly just a skin over the actual firmware, so it’s not doing anything magical.

Also — the app doesn’t always talk directly to the extender. Sometimes it talks to your main router, which means you’re not even renaming the device on the extender itself.

And yes, if the device itself isn’t broadcasting a recognizable name (like random MAC address crap), there’s nothing for the extender to “rename.”

Solutions and Tips (what actually will work):

1. Skip the App

Open a browser, go to: http://mywifiext.net (or http://192.168.1.x if you know the extender’s IP).

Log in using your admin creds. If you forgot those? Reset the extender. And rename connected devices.

2. Check the Connected Devices List

Under Attached Devices or Connected Devices, you’ll see a list. Some may be named, most won’t be. There’s usually no edit button here — just a list. So yeah, no rename field.

3. Name Devices from Your Main Router

This is key:

If your devices are connecting through the EAX20 but getting IPs from your main router, then THAT’S where you rename them. Log in to your main router’s UI (Nighthawk, Orbi, whatever). Find the device, rename it there.

Some routers let you reserve an IP and assign a nickname. That’s the only way to “force” a name that sticks.

4. Optional Trick: Rename on the Device Itself

If you’re dealing with stuff like phones, laptops, tablets — go into the settings of the device and rename it there. That name sometimes shows up on the extender/router. Not always, but worth trying.

5. Set DHCP Reservations

Not a full fix, but it helps:

Assign static IPs for each device and add a label or note. Won’t change what the app shows (not always), but at least you’ll know what’s what. Less guesswork.

6. Reset the Nighthawk Extender

Look for a tiny hole on the extender (usually says RESET). Grab a paperclip or pin. Hold it down for about 10–15 seconds. Wait a minute and let the device reboot.

After that, it is time to reconfigure it. Have a quick look at the Netgear Nighthawk WiFi extender login procedure.

Reconfiguration

There is a simple and easy way to reach to the WiFi extender setup page within your computer and configure all the settings from the start. Let’s dive in to them.

• Connect a computer or laptop with the WiFi extender network via cable or SSID.
• Choose web browser and search the mywifiext.net or mywifiext.local or the IP address 192.168.1.250.
• You’ll see a Nighthawk login page on the screen just enter the admin username and password to access the interface.
• Inside the interface, choose the host router network and enter the password which connects your extender with the router.
• On the next page, you need to enter the extended network SSID username and password, you can also choose the same as your router.
• After that, just finish the setup and let the extender reboot. Then you can re-connect with the extender network easily.

Final Words

Hope, one of the solutions has worked and you are able to change the Nighthawk device name from the app as well as from the mywifiext.net on your computer.

FAQs