How to determine the name of your Wi-Fi adapter: all methods for PCs, laptops, and smartphones

Are you trying to update your drivers but don't know the exact model of your Wi-Fi adapter? Or do you want to check compatibility with a new router, but the device specifications only list a general module type? Determining the name of your wireless adapter is the first step when diagnosing connection issues, replacing hardware, or setting up advanced features like Wi-Fi 6 or MU-MIMOWithout this information, you risk downloading the wrong driver, buying an incompatible antenna, or spending hours searching for a solution to a non-existent problem.

In this article we will look at 6 working methodsHow to find out the Wi-Fi adapter model on any device—from a laptop to a smartphone. You'll find step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11, Linux, macOS And Android, and you'll also learn how to identify the adapter if it's not detected by the system. All methods have been tested on current OS versions and don't require any special skills. If you've ever encountered the message "The network adapter is not described." in the Device Manager - this guide is for you.

1. Method for Windows: Device Manager

The fastest and most reliable method for users Windows - checking via built-in device ManagerIt displays all connected components, including network adapters, even if they're not working properly. This method doesn't require any additional software and takes less than a minute.

To open Device Manager:

• 🖱️ Right-click on the button Start (or keys Win + X) and select "device Manager».
• 📡 Expand the "Network adapters».
• 🔍 Find the device with the words in the list Wireless, Wi-Fi, 802.11 or Network Adapter.

If the adapter name contains abbreviations like AC, AX or N (For example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200), they indicate the supported standard Wi-Fi:

• 802.11n — Wi-Fi 4 (up to 600 Mbps)
• 802.11ac — Wi-Fi 5 (up to 3.5 Gbps)
• 802.11ax — Wi-Fi 6/6E (up to 9.6 Gbps)

Note: If the adapter is listed as "Unknown Device" with a yellow triangle, its ID can be found in its properties (right-click → "Details" → "Hardware IDs"). This code is useful for manually searching for drivers.

2. Windows Command Prompt: A Quick, GUI-Free Way

For those who prefer to work through the console or encounter problems with the graphical interface, the method using command lineIt is especially useful on servers or devices with limited display capabilities.

Open Command Prompt (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter) and run the command:

wmic nic where "NetConnectionStatus=2" get Name, Manufacturer, Description

As a result, you will see a table with active network devices. Look for the row with the column Description mentioned Wireless or Wi-Fi. For example:

Alternative command for detailed information (including Equipment ID):

wmic nic get Name, DeviceID, Manufacturer, Description | find "Wi-Fi"

3. How to find out the model of the Wi-Fi adapter on a laptop (physical inspection)

If software methods do not work (for example, the adapter is not detected by the system), the solution remains physical inspectionThis method is suitable for laptops and desktop PCs with discrete Wi-Fi modules. You'll need a screwdriver and a little patience.

Instructions for laptops:

1. 🔧 Turn off the device and disconnect the battery (if it is removable).
2. 🔍 Turn the laptop over and find the cover with the inscription Wireless or an antenna symbol (📶). It is often secured with 1-2 screws.
3. 📱 Under the cover you will see a small board with connectors for antennas (usually MHF4 or IPEX). It should have a sticker with the model, for example: Broadcom BCM4352 or Qualcomm Atheros QCA6174.

For desktop PCs:

• 🖥️ The Wi-Fi adapter may be built into the motherboard (look for connectors M.2 Key E) or connected as PCIe card.
• 🔌 External USB adapters (eg. TP-Link TL-WN823N) have a model on the body.

What should I do if the sticker has worn off?

If the label on the module is illegible, pay attention to the chip markings (the large microcircuit on the board). For example, the chip Intel 8265NGW matches the adapter Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265You can use this code to find the model using a search engine.

⚠️ Note: On some laptops (e.g. Dell XPS or MacBookThe Wi-Fi module may be soldered to the motherboard. In this case, physical replacement is impossible without specialized equipment.

4. Identifying the adapter in Linux (terminal)

Users Linux (including Ubuntu, Debian, Arch) can find out the Wi-Fi adapter model via the terminal. Unlike in Windows, there's no need to search for graphical utilities—all the information is available through standard commands.

Run in terminal:

lspci -v | grep -i network -A 12

For USB adapters use:

lsusb

Example output for PCIe adapter:

03:00.0 Network controller: Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200 (rev 1a)
Subsystem: Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200NGW
Flags: bus master, fast devsel, latency 0, IRQ 16
Memory at b4000000 (64-bit, non-prefetchable) [size=16K]
Capabilities: [c8] Power Management version 3
Kernel driver in use: iwlwifi

Key data:

• 🔹 Network controller — device type.
• 🔹 Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX200 — adapter model.
• 🔹 Kernel driver in use: iwlwifi — the driver used (useful for configuration).

If the team lspci Wi-Fi adapter doesn't show, try:

ip a

Look for the interface with the name wlan0, wlp3s0 or similar. Then run:

iwconfig

This command will display the details of the wireless interface, including the chip name.

5. macOS: System Report and Terminal

On MacBook or iMac The model of the Wi-Fi adapter can be found through System report or TerminalApple uses built-in modules Broadcom, so their names often contain abbreviations like BCM or AirPort.

Method 1: Via GUI

1. 🍎 Click on the Apple logo in the upper left corner → «About this Mac».
2. 📄 Go to the "System report» → «Net» → «Wi-Fi».
3. 🔍 In the field "Map" the model will be indicated, for example: Broadcom BCM4360 802.11ac.

Method 2: Via Terminal

networksetup -listallhardwareports

Look for the block with the name Wi-Fi or AirPort. Example output:

Hardware Port: Wi-Fi
Device: en0
Ethernet Address: 8c:85:90:xx:xx:xx
...
Chipset Model:    Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0

⚠️ Note: On new Macs with chips Apple Silicon (M1/M2) adapter name may be displayed as Apple Wi-Fi without specifying a model. In this case, use the command system_profiler SPNetworkDataType for detailed information.

6. Android: How to find out the Wi-Fi module model

On smartphones and tablets Android Determining the exact model of a Wi-Fi adapter is more difficult, as manufacturers often don't disclose this information in the interface. However, there are workarounds:

Method 1: Via the app DevCheck or AIDA64

• 📱 Install one of the applications from Google Play.
• 🔍 Go to the "Net" or "Wi-Fi».
• 📋 Look for the line "Wi-Fi chipset" or "Adapter model". For example: Qualcomm WCN3990 or Mediatek MT6625.

Method 2: Via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have Android Debug Bridge (ADB), connect the device to the PC and run:

adb shell dumpsys wifi

Look for the line in the output WifiChip or Firmware.

Method 3: By smartphone model

If software methods don't work, look up your device's specifications on sites like GSMArena or 4PDAFor example, for Samsung Galaxy S22 a chip is used Broadcom BCM4375, and for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 — Qualcomm FastConnect 6700.

Use a Linux LiveCD for diagnostics|Check the physical antenna connections|Update the motherboard BIOS/UEFI|Try the adapter in a different slot (for PCIe)|Contact a service center (if the adapter is soldered)

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Common problems and solutions

Sometimes technical issues can make it difficult to determine the Wi-Fi adapter model. Let's look at some common scenarios and how to resolve them:

Problem 1: The adapter does not appear in Device Manager

• 🔌 Check if the Wi-Fi module on your laptop is turned on (often there is a separate button or combination Fn + F2/F12).
• ⚡ Make sure the adapter is receiving power (for PCIe cards, check the additional power connection if required).
• 🔄 Try restarting your PC or resetting your BIOS (sometimes the adapter is disabled in the UEFI settings).

Problem 2: Unknown device with error code

If the adapter is marked with a yellow triangle in Device Manager, follow these steps:

1. Copy Equipment ID (right click → Properties → Details → Hardware IDs).
2. Look for this code (for example, PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723) on the website PCI Database or through a search engine.
3. Download the driver from the manufacturer's official website (do not use third-party sources!).

Problem 3: External USB adapter is not recognized

• 🔌 Connect the adapter to another USB port (preferably USB 3.0 for models Wi-Fi 6).
• 🔄 Try disabling USB power saving in your power settings.
• 🛠️ Check the adapter on another device - it may be faulty.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out the model of a Wi-Fi adapter without disassembling the laptop?

Yes, in 90% of cases the model is determined programmatically - through the Device Manager (Windows), terminal (Linux/macOS) or special utilities like AIDA64A physical inspection is only necessary if the adapter is not recognized by the system or requires replacement.

Why does Device Manager show "Network Adapter" instead of the specific model?

This means there is no driver installed for the device. Windows recognizes it as a generic device. Solution: Download the driver from Equipment ID (see the "Frequently Asked Questions" section) or use a utility to automatically update drivers.

How do I determine which Wi-Fi adapter is best for my PC?

The choice depends on your goals:

• 🎮 For gaming and streaming: Wi-Fi 6/6E (For example, Intel AX210 or TP-Link Archer TXE75E).
• 🏠 For home (watching videos, social media): Wi-Fi 5 (For example, TP-Link TL-WN881ND).
• 💼 For the office: adapters with support MU-MIMO And 160 MHz (For example, Asus PCE-AX58BT).

Please check compatibility with your motherboard (socket) before purchasing. M.2 Key A/E or PCIe).

Is it possible to replace the Wi-Fi adapter in a laptop with a more powerful one?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• ✅ Most laptops support module replacement (exception: models with a soldered adapter, for example, some MacBook or Ultrabook).
• ⚠️ The new adapter must be compatible with:
  • 🔌 Connector (M.2 2230, M.2 1216 etc.).
  • 📡 Supported standards (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6).
  • 🔧 List of supported OS (some adapters do not work with Linux).
• 🛠️ After replacement, manual installation of drivers may be required.

How to check if the Wi-Fi adapter is working at full power?

To test the adapter's speed and stability:

1. Connect to the router at a distance of 1-2 meters.
2. Run a speed test on Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
3. Compare the result with the maximum speed of your adapter (see model specifications).
4. For detailed diagnostics, use the following utilities:
   • 🖥️ Windows: Wi-Fi Analyzer or netsh wlan show interfaces.
   • 🐧 Linux: iwconfig or Wavemon.

If the speed is significantly lower than stated, check the router settings (channel, bandwidth, standard) 802.11) or update drivers.