How to find a Wi-Fi network ID: SSID, BSSID, and MAC address of a router

Have you ever encountered a situation where you had to specify the password to connect a new device or configure a router? Wi-Fi network ID, but didn't know where to find it? This problem is familiar to many—especially when it comes to technical support, diagnosing connection issues, or setting up complex network devices. In fact, "Wi-Fi ID" can refer to three different parameters: SSID (network name), BSSID (MAC address of the access point) or MAC address of the routerEach of them is needed for different purposes, and the methods for obtaining them differ depending on the operating system.

In this article, we will figure out what exactly is hidden under the term "Wi-Fi ID", where and how to find it on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS And Linux, and we will also consider the nuances for different router models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic etc.). You will learn how to determine these identifiers without special programs, using standard system tools, and when each of them may be needed. If you are setting up Wi-Fi DirectWhether you're troubleshooting connection issues or just want to understand the basics of networking, this guide is for you.

What is Wi-Fi ID: SSID, BSSID, and MAC Address

Before searching for a "Wi-Fi ID," it's important to understand what kind of identifier we're talking about. In networking, this term typically refers to one of three parameters:

• 📡 SSID (Service Set Identifier) - This the name of your Wi-Fi network, which is displayed in the list of available connections. For example, MyHomeWiFi_5G or KEENETIC-1234The SSID can be changed in the router settings, and it can be hidden (then the network will not be visible in the general list).
• 🔗 BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) - This MAC address of a specific access point (usually the same as the MAC address of the router, but may differ if you have multiple access points on the same network, such as in systems Mesh). Looks like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.
• 🖧 MAC address of the router — a unique identifier for a network device assigned at the factory. It is used to bind devices by MAC address (for example, in the router settings, you can restrict connections to specific MAC addresses).

Why is this important? For example, if you are setting up Wi-Fi Calling on a smartphone, the system may request BSSID to verify network authenticity. And when connecting to a corporate network with WPA2-Enterprise may need to be specified SSID Manually. The router's MAC address is useful if your provider locks your internet connection to a specific device.

How to find the SSID (Wi-Fi network name)

The SSID is the easiest identifier to determine, as it appears in the list of available networks. However, there are some nuances:

• 🖥️ On Windows: Click the Wi-Fi icon in the tray → list of networks. The current network will be marked as "Connected"If the network is hidden, the name can be viewed in Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Current network properties.
• 📱 On Android: go to Settings → Wi-FiThe current network will be at the top of the list with a note "Connected". On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) the network name is duplicated in the connection status.
• 🍎 On iPhone/iPad: open Settings → Wi-FiThe current network is marked with a check mark. There's no way to copy the SSID on iOS—you'll have to enter it manually or take a screenshot.

If you are connected to a network but its name is not displayed (for example, the network is hidden), use the commands:

• 🪟 Windows (CMD):

  netsh wlan show interfaces | findstr "SSID"

  Displays the name of the current network even if it is hidden.

• 🐧 Linux/macOS (Terminal):

  iwgetid -r

  or for macOS:

  /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -I | grep " SSID"

How to find the BSSID (MAC address of an access point)

BSSID is the MAC address of your Wi-Fi access point. It is used to accurately identify the network, for example, when setting up Wi-Fi Direct or diagnosing connection issues. Methods of obtaining:

netsh wlan show interfaces | findstr "BSSID"

/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -I | grep " BSSID"

iwconfig wlan0 | grep "Access Point"

On Android with(root rights) BSSID can be obtained through Terminal Emulator command:

cat /proc/net/wireless | grep wlan0

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, Keenetic with it turned on MAC Randomization) The BSSID may change with each connection. In this case, use the router's MAC address from its settings.

Where can I find my router's MAC address?

A router's MAC address is its "serial number" on the network. It's used for tying it to a provider, setting up device filtering, or troubleshooting network conflicts. There are three ways to find it:

1. On the router body: usually found on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device. Look for lines like MAC Address, Ethernet MAC or Wi-Fi MACOn models TP-Link Archer C6 or ASUS RT-AX88U This field may be called LAN MAC.
2. In the router's web interface:
   • 🌐 Open your browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the address is indicated on the router sticker).
   • 🔑 Enter your login/password (usually admin/admin or admin/blank password).
   • 📄 Go to the section Status, System or Net - there will be a field there MAC address.

arp -a | findstr "192.168.1.1"

⚠️ Note: Some dual-band routers (e.g. Netgear Nighthawk or Xiaomi AX6000) separate MAC addresses for ranges 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzPlease specify in the settings which specific address is required.

Look at the sticker on the body

Log into the router's web interface (192.168.1.1)

Use the arp -a command in CMD

Check the address in the router's mobile app (if available)

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Wi-Fi ID on different devices: features

Methods for determining Wi-Fi ID may vary depending on the device and its firmware. Let's look at the nuances for popular platforms:

🪟 Windows 10 and 11

On Windows the easiest to use Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell:

• 🔍 For SSID:

  netsh wlan show interfaces

  Look for the line "SSID".

• 🔗 For BSSID:

  netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid

  Shows all available networks with their BSSID.

🍎 macOS (Ventura, Sonoma, and later)

On Mac use Terminal:

• 📡 For SSID And BSSID:

  /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -I

• 🔍 To scan all networks:

  sudo /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/Apple80211.framework/Versions/Current/Resources/airport -s

📱 Android (versions 9 to 14)

On Android Without root rights, the BSSID can only be seen in the network settings or through applications:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the current network → Additionally (on some firmware you need to press Network Management).
• 🔍 Use apps Wi-Fi Analyzer or Fing to scan networks with BSSID display.

🍏 iPhone and iPad (iOS 15–17)

On iOS standard means can only find out SSID. For BSSID third-party applications will be required:

• 📲 Install Network Analyzer or WiFi SweetSpots from the App Store.
• 🔍 Run a network scan - the app will show the BSSID for each access point.

Wi-Fi ID in router settings: where to find it

If you need to find SSID, BSSID or MAC address directly on the router (for example, to set up a guest network or filter devices), follow these steps:

1. Login to the web interface:
   • 🌐 Enter the router's IP address in your browser (usually 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.8.1 - look at the sticker).
   • 🔑 Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin).

On some routers (for example, MikroTik) The MAC address and BSSID may differ. In this case:

• 🖧 MAC address of the router look in System → RouterBOARD.
• 📡 BSSID For each Wi-Fi network, look in Wireless → Interfaces.

⚠️ Attention: On routers with firmware OpenWRT or DD-WRT The paths to the settings may vary. Look for the section Network → Wireless or Status → Overview.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When searching for a Wi-Fi ID, users often encounter common problems. Here's how to solve them:

• 🔄 "I don't see my network in the list":

  If the SSID is hidden, please manually enter the network name when connecting. Windows use the command netsh wlan add profile filename="C:\path\to\xml", where the XML file contains the network data (can be generated via netsh wlan export profile).

• 🔍 "BSSID changes after rebooting the router":

  This is normal for routers with this feature. MAC Randomization (For example, Google Nest Wi-Fi). Disable it in the settings or use the router's MAC address instead of the BSSID.

• 🛑 "The command doesn't work in CMD/PowerShell.":

  Make sure you are running the command prompt. as administratorOn . Windows 11 some commands (for example, netsh) may require additional permissions.

• 📵 "The iPhone doesn't show the BSSID.":

  This is an iOS limitation. Use apps. Network Analyzer or WiFi SweetSpots, but keep in mind that they may require geolocation permission.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions