How to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network: instructions for all devices

Are you trying to connect to Wi-Fi, but the network you want isn't showing up in the list of available networks? It's likely hidden—your administrator has disabled broadcasting. SSID (network identifier) ​​for security purposes. Hidden networks don't broadcast their names, but you can connect to them manually if you know the exact parameters.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions to connect to hidden Wi-Fi on Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iPhone/iPad, and also on Smart TV from Samsung, LG and other brands. We'll address common errors, explain how to find the name of a hidden network, and provide tips for troubleshooting connection issues. If you're a network administrator, there's an FAQ at the end of the article on how to hide or show SSID on routers TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic And MikroTik.

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• 🔑 The exact network name (SSID) - no errors in case and symbols.
• 🔒 Security type (usually WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK).
• 🔐 Password (if the network is secure).
• 📶 Confident signal - A hidden network does not mean it is closer or stronger.

1. How to find out the name of a hidden Wi-Fi network (SSID)

If you don't know SSID If you're on a hidden network, you won't be able to connect to it. Here are a few ways to find out:

Method 1. Look at the router sticker. Most manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link) indicate the factory SSID and the password on the bottom panel of the device. Usually, the network name matches the router model (for example, TP-Link_1234 or ASUS_5G_AB12).

Method 2. Go to the router settings. If you have access to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), find the section Wi-Fi or Wireless networkThere will be a field there. Network name (SSID) - even if the broadcast is turned off, the name itself is saved.

Method 3. Use another connected device. If a laptop, smartphone, or tablet is already connected to the hidden network, look for the network name in the settings:

• 🖥️ Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
• 📱 Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Saved Networks.
• 🍎 iPhone/iPad: Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap the "i" symbol next to the network.

⚠️ Attention: If the network is hidden for security reasons (for example, in an office or hotel), the administrator may prohibit disclosure SSIDIn this case, request data from the network owner.

2. Connecting to hidden Wi-Fi on Windows 10 and 11

IN Windows Connecting to a hidden network takes no more than a minute if you know the settings. Follow the instructions:

Step 1. Open Parameters (keys Win + I) and go to Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.

Step 2. Click Managing known networks, then - Add a new network.

Step 3. Enter:

• 📛 Network name (SSID) — the exact name of hidden Wi-Fi.
• 🔐 Security type - usually WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal.
• 🔑 Security key — network password.

Check the box Connect automatically and press Save.

Step 4. If the connection does not occur, check:

• 🔄 Restart your router and computer.
• 📡 Make sure your Wi-Fi adapter is turned on (keys Fn + F2/F12 on laptops).
• 🔧 Update your network card driver via device Manager.

Make sure the Wi-Fi adapter is turned on|Check if the SSID is entered correctly|Select the correct security type (WPA2/WPA3)|Enter the password correctly|Reboot the router if necessary-->

⚠️ Attention: If the Internet doesn't work after connecting, check your settings. IPv4 in the network properties. Sometimes you need to specify a static IP-address or DNS (check with your network administrator).

3. Connecting on macOS (MacBook, iMac)

On Mac The process is slightly different, but no less simple. Here's how to connect to a hidden network:

Step 1. Click on the icon Wi-Fi in the upper right corner and select Other networks....

Step 2. At the bottom of the window, click Other....

Step 3. Fill in the fields:

• 📛 Network name — enter SSID.
• 🔒 Security — choose WPA2/WPA3 Personal.
• 🔑 Password - enter the key.

Click Connect.

If macOS gives an error "Unable to connect to the network", try:

• 🔄 Remove the network from the list of saved ones (System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced) and add it again.
• 📡 Change the Wi-Fi channel on your router (sometimes macOS doesn't work well with channels above 11 in the range 2.4 GHz).
• 🔧 Reset network settings via Terminal:

  sudo ifconfig en0 down
  sudo ifconfig en0 up

  (replace en0 to your network interface).

4. Connecting to Android (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, etc.)

On Android The algorithm for connecting to a hidden network depends on the firmware version, but the general scheme is the same. Let's look at a clean example. Android 13 and shells One UI (Samsung) And MIUI (Xiaomi).

Standard Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia):

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Add a network (or Other networks).
3. Enter:
   • 📛 Network name (SSID)
   • 🔒 Security type (WPA2-PSK)
   • 🔑 Password

Click Save.

Samsung One UI:

• 📱 Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select Add a network.
• 📝 Fill in the fields and save.

Xiaomi MIUI:

• 📱 Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Scroll down and click Add a network manually.
• ⚙️ Enter your details and enable the option Auto-connection.

On some devices Xiaomi And Realme Hidden networks may not connect due to power saving settings. Disable this mode. Battery → Wi-Fi Power Saver.

What to do if Android doesn't save hidden network?

If your smartphone "forgets" hidden Wi-Fi after rebooting, try:

1. Remove the network from saved ones and add it again.

2. Disable the "Automatic connection" function for other networks.

3. Update your phone's firmware (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).

4. Reset network settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.

5. Connecting on iPhone and iPad (iOS)

On devices Apple Connecting to a hidden network is as simple as possible, but there are some nuances DNS And IP-addresses. Follow the instructions:

Step 1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.

Step 2. Tap on the item Another... in the section Select network.

Step 3. Enter:

• 📛 Name — SSID hidden network.
• 🔒 Security — choose WPA2 or WPA3.
• 🔑 Password.

Click Connect.

If your iPhone gives an error "Unable to connect to the network", try:

• 🔄 Forget the network (Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap the "i" → Forget this network) and add it again.
• 📡 Switch the router to a different channel 6 or 11 in the range 2.4 GHz (Sometimes iOS conflicts with other channels).
• 🔧 Specify manually DNS from Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) in the network settings.

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone With iOS 16+ the function may work Private Wi-Fi Address (private MAC address), which prevents connection to some hidden networks. Disable it in your network settings.

6. Connecting Smart TV and set-top boxes (Samsung, LG, Sony, Android TV)

Connect Smart TV or prefix (Apple TV, NVIDIA Shield, Xiaomi Mi BoxHidden Wi-Fi is more difficult to access due to limited interfaces. Let's look at some popular models.

Samsung Smart TV (Tizen OS):

1. Open Settings → General → Network → Open network settings.
2. Select Wireless.
3. In the list of networks, click Add a network.
4. Enter SSID, security type and password.

LG Smart TV (webOS):

1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi connection.
2. Select Add a hidden network.
3. Please specify SSID and password.
4. Confirm the connection.

Android TV (Sony, Philips, Xiaomi):

• 📺 Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
• 🔍 Choose Add a network.
• 📝 Enter the data and save.

If the TV does not connect:

• 🔄 Restart your router and TV.
• 📡 Check if your TV supports it 5 GHz (some older models only work on 2.4 GHz).
• 🔧 Update your TV firmware via Settings → Support → Software Update.

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you entered it correctly SSID and password, the connection may not work. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them:

Error 1: "Unable to connect to the network" (Windows/macOS/Android).

• 🔹 Check it out character register V SSID and password (they are case sensitive!).
• 🔹 Make sure your router isn't blocking your device MAC address (check the whitelist in your router settings).
• 🔹 Try connecting from another device. If it doesn't work, the problem is with your router.

Error 2: The network connects, but there is no internet.

• 🔹 Check if your router is giving out IP address (V cmd complete ipconfig /all on Windows or ifconfig on macOS).
• 🔹 Specify manually DNS (For example, 8.8.8.8).
• 🔹 Turn it off VPN or proxy, if they are included.

Error 3: Network keeps disconnecting (Android/iOS).

• 🔹 Turn it off power saving mode for Wi-Fi.
• 🔹 Set static IP address in the network settings.
• 🔹 Update your device's firmware.

Error 4: Smart TV does not see the hidden network.

• 🔹 Check if your TV supports it hidden SSIDs (some budget models cannot connect to them).
• 🔹 Switch your router to the mode 802.11n (turn off 802.11ac/ax in the settings).
• 🔹 Connect your TV via cable (Ethernet) as a temporary solution.

⚠️ Attention: Some public networks (in hotels, airports) use hidden SSID With additional authorization through the portal. In this case, even after connecting to Wi-Fi, you'll need to open a browser and enter your login/password.

8. How to hide or show the SSID on a router (for administrators)

If you are a network administrator and want to hide or show SSID, do this through the router's web interface. Instructions for popular brands:

TP-Link:

1. Go to the control panel at 192.168.0.1 (or 192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Wireless → Wireless Settings.
3. Find the option Hide SSID and turn it on.
4. Save the settings.

ASUS:

• 📡 Open Wireless Network → General.
• 🔄 Install Hide SSID in position Yes.
• 💾 Apply the changes.

Keenetic:

• 📡 Go to Wi-Fi network → Access point.
• 🔄 Activate the option Do not broadcast network name (SSID).

MikroTik:

• 📡 In WinBox open Wireless → Security Profiles.
• 🔄 In the network settings, set Hide SSID = yes.

After hiding SSID All devices will be disconnected and will require manual reconnection. To restore network visibility, follow the same steps and disable the hidden option.

⚠️ Attention: Hiding SSID is not a reliable security measure. An attacker can detect the network using packet sniffers (e.g., Wireshark or Airodump-ng). For protection, use WPA3, a complex password and a guest network for temporary devices.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hidden Wi-Fi networks

❓ Is it possible to connect to a hidden network without knowing the SSID?

No, SSID is required to connect. If you don't know the network name, try:

• Check with your network administrator.
• Look at the sticker on the router (if this is a home network).
• Use specialized software to scan networks (for example, NetSpot or inSSIDer), but this requires technical skills.

❓ Why is the hidden network slower?

Speed ​​does not depend on concealment SSID, but delays may occur due to:

• 🔄 Frequent reconnections (devices lose network connection and reconnect).
• 📡 Suboptimal channel or bandwidth settings on the router.
• 🔧 Conflicts with other networks on the same channel.

Try setting the channel manually 6 or 11 in the router settings and disable 80MHz channel width (use 20MHz or 40MHz).

❓ How do I connect a printer to a hidden Wi-Fi network?

Most printers (HP, Canon, Epson) do not support manual connection to hidden networks. Solutions:

• 🖨️ Show temporarily SSID In the router settings, connect the printer, then hide the network again.
• 📡 Connect the printer via cable Ethernet (if there is a port).
• 🔄 Use USB cable for direct connection to a computer.

❓ Is it safe to connect to hidden public networks?

No, it is riskyHidden public networks often:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Used to intercept traffic (attacks) MITM).
• 🔓 They may not encrypt data (even if they require a password).
• 📡 Have weak default passwords (eg. admin or 12345678).

If you need to connect, use VPN and unmount files/folders on the device.

❓ Why doesn't my router save my SSID hiding settings?

Possible reasons:

• 🔄 Firmware failure - update your router software.
• 📡 Conflict with other settings (e.g. enabled WPS).
• 🔧 Provider restrictions (some operators block changes) SSID).

Try resetting the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel) and configure it again.