Wi-Fi & connectivity

[Curmudgeon10]

I know how to change the name of my four Roku's using the website or the mobile app.  But no matter what I do, the name displayed on my network is always the hardware name, i.e, Roku 3.

The issue is that I cast my laptop display to the TV via the Roku.  When I look on the laptop at available devices, I see four Roku 3's.  It would be nice to identify these uniquely, but it doesn't appear possible. Is it?

[JWS9518]

You might be able to rename the devices in your router's setup, depending on what you have.  Go into your routers settings and see if you have that option.  You can also give them a nickname in your Roku app.  Not sure if that works for Roku 3's, but I can do that with the Ultras.  Depending on the device, it may also work as well.

[AvsGunnar]

@Curmudgeon10 

When you have renamed them, have you changed it under "Nickname" when in your online dashboard at Roku.com?

There are 2 fields - (1) Location where you can add a custom name and (2) Nickname of Device.

With the casting apps and laptops that I use, I am pretty sure they all show the correct Nickname. (will have to look closer).   I have a couple 3941 and 4660 devices and use the Nickname to keep them straight when casting and mirroring. 

[Curmudgeon10]

Yes, I've changed all the nicknames.  But nicknames do not show up in a network map or list; only the hardware assigned name of the device does.  And unfortunately, my router only allows me to edit the device's IP, not its hardware name.

[JWS9518]

Did you edit both nickname and location?

Did you hit save?

[Curmudgeon10]

Yes, in the Roku app all the devices reflect their new nicknames and locations.

[AvsGunnar]

@Curmudgeon10 

Where exactly is the name of device not reflecting the nickname?

Mentioned laptop and casting. (What OS and how are you trying to cast).  Describe procedure and maybe can give us a better idea of the issue and what you are seeing.

[Curmudgeon10]

I am using the cast function in Windows 11 on my HP Laptop.  When initiating Cast, my four Roku 3's appear as devices I can project to.  They are all listed as Roku 3's, not differentiated by their different nicknames.  The names of the devices appear as they do in the router's list of connected devices.

[AvsGunnar]

@Curmudgeon10 

From what I remember with Win11, you could change the name of the devices under the Wireless Display using an "Edit" feature. (maybe right click).

I will be receiving a Win11 laptop tomorrow that will be replaced with Linux so will see if I can find a method that works.  (unfortunately, I don't have any blank laptops today that I can put Windows on to test).  When I used Windows, admittedly not since win7 regularly, I made all my changes in the registry (the registry will usually show you and do what you tell it to show and do), but there should be a option to still do this through the regular GUI.

In the meantime maybe someone can poke around their Windows and find this ability.

---

Also, what is the model number of your router? (perhaps I can find if this is also editable).  Not all are.

[atc98092]

Every Roku device I have appears on my network with the name I have entered as it's nickname under my user account settings. This can't be done on the device itself, you have to log into your Roku user account (https://my.roku.com) and edit them there. And I have edited the name before, then done a software update on the device, and the new name appears immediately. 

I just checked on a Windows 11 laptop and all Roku devices appear with the name that I have entered in the Nickname field.