Users often encounter a situation where they need to connect a new device to their home network, but the access point name (SSID) has been forgotten or lost. This can happen after resetting the router, moving, or simply because the default name set by the manufacturer has gotten lost among dozens of neighboring networks. Search SSID — is a basic home network administration skill that allows you to not only connect to the Internet but also set up guest access or a guest network.
There are several ways to find out the current name of your wireless network, and the method you choose depends on the devices you currently have available. You can look at the label on the equipment itself, access the router's control panel, or use an already connected computer or smartphone. It's important to understand that the network name is not just a label, but an identifier that must be unique within the network's range to avoid connection conflicts.
In this article, we'll explore all possible options for finding a network name, from physical labels on the device's case to software methods across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems. We'll also cover security issues and explain why it's best to replace default names with unique ones. Get ready for a deep dive into your network equipment's settings.
Finding information on the router case and in the documentation
The fastest and most reliable way to find out the factory network name is to physically inspect your router. Equipment manufacturers such as TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic or Mikrotik, they always put basic information on a special sticker. It's usually located on the bottom or back of the device. There you'll find a field SSID or Wireless Name, which contains the default network name.
However, it's worth keeping in mind that if you or a technician previously configured the router, the network name may have been changed. In this case, the information on the sticker will be out of date. The sticker may also fade or wear off over time, especially if the router is stored in a dusty area or has been subject to mechanical impact. If the sticker is illegible, try finding the original box or manual—sometimes duplicate specifications are available there.
⚠️ Note: If the WPS indicator on your router is lit or the WPS button is labeled "Wi-Fi", a short press (1-3 seconds) on it may display the SSID and password on the screen if the device has a display, or simply turn on network broadcasting if it was turned off.
For older equipment models where the sticker is no longer visible, you can try a trial-and-error approach with an already connected device, but we'll discuss this in the following sections. For now, if the sticker is intact, simply rewrite the SSID value, ignoring any characters at the end if they represent a frequency range (e.g., 2.4G or 5G).
How to find the network name through Windows settings
If you have a Windows computer that is already connected to Wi-Fi or has connected before, the operating system stores profiles of all known networks. Even if you are currently using a cable connection, Windows can remember the name of the wireless network. To get started, open the Start menu and go to Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
In the window that opens, you'll see a list of available networks, but to find out the name of the one you're currently connected to, you need to click on the properties of the active connection. A more in-depth method is to use the command line. Open cmd Run as administrator and enter the command to display saved profiles. This will show all networks ever added to the system.
netsh wlan show profilesAfter entering the command, you'll get a list of all saved profiles. To find the details of a specific profile, including the network name (which may differ from the profile name, but is usually the same), use the following command, replacing "ProfileName" with the desired value from the list:
netsh wlan show profile name="Profile_Name" key=clearIn the command output, look for the line SSIDThis value is the name of your network. This method is especially useful if the Windows graphical interface is not working correctly or if you need to find the name of a network your computer hasn't connected to in a while.
Finding SSIDs on Android and iPhone Smartphones
Mobile devices are the most common way to access the internet, and they also make it easy to find the name of the active network. On smartphones Android And iPhone (iOS) The procedure is slightly different, but the principle is the same - you need to go to the wireless module settings.
On Android, open Settings → Connections → Wi-FiAt the top of the screen, next to the power slider, it usually says "Connected to [Network Name]." Clicking the gear next to the network name or the name itself will open a detailed menu, where in the field SSID the full name will be shown. On some shells, for example MIUI or OneUI, the network name can be hidden in the QR code for quick connection of guests.
On iPhone the process is similar: go to Settings → Wi-FiAn active network will have a blue checkmark next to it, and its name will be highlighted in bold at the top of the list. If you want to find out the name of a network your phone has previously connected to but is not currently connected to, this is more difficult to do on iOS without jailbreaking, as the system stores this data in encrypted form.
- 📱 On Android: Tap "Share" or the QR code to see the network name in text below the graph.
- 🍏 On iOS: The name of the current network is always at the top of the list of available networks.
- 🔒 On both platforms: Hidden networks will appear as "Hidden Network" until you enter your password.
⚠️ Note: Mobile operating system interfaces (Android, iOS) are frequently updated. The layout of menu items may vary slightly depending on the software version and smartphone model. If you can't find the item you need, use the search function within your phone's settings.
What to do if the network is hidden?
If you see "Hidden Network" or "Other" in the network list, it means the router administrator has disabled SSID broadcasting. You can only connect to this network manually by entering the exact name and encryption type. In this case, you can only find the name in the router settings or on an already connected device in the saved networks section.
Viewing the network name in the router's web interface
The most accurate and professional way to find and change the network name is to log into your router's control panel. This method always works, regardless of whether you're connected via cable or Wi-Fi (if you have access). First, you need to find the gateway IP address. This is usually 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1 (For Xiaomi).
Enter the address in the browser's address bar. The system will ask for your username and password. If you haven't changed them, try the default combinations (admin/admin), which are listed on the same sticker as the SSID. After successful authorization, look for a section that may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi, Wireless mode or WLAN.
There will be a field inside this section SSID or Network nameThis is where you set the name that all devices see. Often, the names for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands can be different (for example, MyWiFi And MyWiFi_5G). Make sure you are looking at the settings for the correct range if they are not combined into a single network by the function Smart Connect.
☑️ Checking Wi-Fi settings on your router
Table of standard network names by manufacturer
If you haven't changed your router's settings, it uses a default name, which often includes the brand abbreviation or device model. Knowing the manufacturer makes it highly likely you'll guess the network name if the sticker is missing or access to the settings is blocked.
| Manufacturer | SSID Prefix Example | Common options |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | TP-Link_XXXX | TP-Link_2.4G, TP-Link_5G |
| Asus | ASUS | ASUS_XX, ASUS_Guest |
| D-Link | DIR-XXXX | Wi-Fi, D-Link_XXXX |
| Keenetic | Keenetic-XXXX | Keenetic, Keenetic-XX |
| Xiaomi | MI-Router-XXXX | Redmi, Xiaomi_XXXX |
In the table XXXX denotes the last four characters of the device's MAC address, making the name unique. If you see a network with a similar name but without your details, it's most likely a neighbor's router of the same model. Don't attempt to connect to it.
What to do if the network is not displayed in the list
There are times when you know the network name, but it's not in the list of available connections. This could be due to several reasons: the router is turned off, there's a hardware failure, or SSID Broadcast is disabled in the security settings.
If the broadcast is hidden, the network won't be visible during a regular scan. To connect, select "Connect to a hidden network" (on Windows) or "Add network" (on smartphones) and manually enter the exact name and encryption type. Even a single character or capitalization error will result in connection failure.
It's also worth checking whether the router is in Access Point mode with DHCP disabled or in Repeater mode, where the name may have changed. Restarting the router often resolves network "dropout" issues.
- 🔄 Reboot your router by disconnecting the power for 10 seconds.
- 📡 Check if Airplane Mode is enabled on the device you are connecting to.
- 🔍 Make sure you are scanning for networks in the correct band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) if your device is older.
⚠️ Warning: If you're hiding your SSID for security reasons, remember that this isn't a foolproof method. Experienced users can easily detect hidden networks using specialized software. For true security, use a complex WPA2/WPA3 password.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to change the name of a Wi-Fi network to anything?
Yes, you can name the network almost anything you like, using Latin letters, numbers, and some special characters. However, it's best to avoid Cyrillic (Russian letters), as older devices may display such names incorrectly or not recognize the network at all.
Does the length of a network name affect internet speed?
No, the SSID length doesn't affect data transfer speed. However, an excessively long name can take up more space in service frames, which is theoretically insignificant but imperceptible to the user in practice. The key is the uniqueness of the name.
Why do I have two networks with the same name?
Most likely, your router broadcasts a network on two bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with the same name for seamless roaming. Or, you have a guest network configured with the same name but a different password.
How can I find out the network password if I can see the name?
If the device is already connected, you can find the password in the router settings or in saved Windows/Android passwords (requires account access or administrator rights). It's impossible to find the password simply by knowing the network name.
Can a neighbor steal my internet if he knows the network name?
The network name (SSID) is public and visible to everyone. A password is required to connect. If you have WPA2/WPA3 security enabled and a strong password, knowing the network name will prevent your neighbor from accessing your internet.