How to find the Wi-Fi network ID: SSID, BSSID, and MAC address of the access point

Have you ever tried to connect to Wi-Fi, but instead of the familiar network name, you saw only a mysterious string of letters and numbers? Or maybe you needed to adjust the connection priority on your device, but the system required you to enter network identifier? In both cases we are talking about Wi-Fi network ID — the key parameter that distinguishes your access point from hundreds of others.

In fact, "Network ID" usually refers to two different concepts: SSID (the network name you see when searching for Wi-Fi) and BSSID (the router's unique MAC address). The former is needed for manual connection, while the latter is for precise identification in densely populated areas where network names are often repeated. In this article, we'll cover all the ways to find both of these identifiers on any device—from a smartphone to a laptop—and explain why this might be useful in practice.

What is a Wi-Fi network ID and why is it needed?

Before we get started with the instructions, it's important to understand the terminology. In the context of Wi-Fi, "Network ID" most often refers to:

• 📛 SSID (Service Set Identifier) — the human-readable name of the network (for example, TP-Link_1234 or HomeWiFi_5G). This is what you see in the list of available networks on your phone or laptop.
• 🔢 BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) is the MAC address of the access point, unique for each router (for example, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). Used for precise connection when there are several networks with the same SSID within range.

Why might this be necessary?

• 🔄 At manual connection devices (such as smart bulbs or cameras) that don't support selecting a network from a list—they require you to enter the SSID manually.
• 📡 For network priority settings on Android or Windows, when the device connects to the wrong Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ At diagnosing problems with connection - BSSID helps determine which router you are connected to (relevant for mesh systems or public networks).
• 🔍 For search for hidden networks, which do not broadcast SSID, but are accessible by MAC address.

Interesting fact: some manufacturers (eg. Xiaomi or TP-Link) By default, routers are assigned an SSID containing part of the MAC address. This simplifies identification, but reduces anonymity—the network name can be used to determine the device model.

How to find SSID and BSSID on Windows 10 and 11

On computers running Windows There are several ways to obtain information about the current network, from the graphical interface to the command line. Let's look at them in turn.

Method 1: Via "Options" (graphical interface)

This is the simplest method that does not require any special knowledge:

1. Open the menu Start and go to Settings → Network & Internet.
2. Select a tab Wi-Fi and click on the name of the current network (to the right of the switch).
3. Scroll down to the block Properties — the following will be indicated here:
   • SSID — in the line Network name.
   • BSSID — in the line Address (MAC).

If you are not connected to a network but want to see a list of available access points with their BSSIDs, use command line (method 2).

Method 2: Via Command Prompt (CMD)

For experienced users or task automation, console commands are more convenient. Here are two key ones:

1. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
2. For viewing all available networks (including hidden ones) with their BSSID enter:

   netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid

   Look for blocks in the results SSID {name} And BSSID {MAC address}.

3. For viewing current connection use:

   netsh wlan show interfaces

   The required data will be in the lines SSID And BSSID.

💡 Advice: If you frequently work with Wi-Fi in the command line, save these commands to a text file—they'll come in handy for diagnostics.

☑️ Check Wi-Fi in Windows

Open Network SettingsFind your current connectionRun CMD as administratorUse netsh for diagnostics

Completed: 0 / 4

Method 3: Via PowerShell

PowerShell offers more flexible tools for working with networks. For example, to get a list of all networks with their BSSID and signal strength, run:

(netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid) -match "SSID|BSSID|Signal" | Select-String -Pattern "SSID \d+|BSSID \d+|Signal"

This command will filter out unnecessary information and show only:

• Network names (SSID)
• Their MAC addresses (BSSID)
• Signal level (Signal)

⚠️ Attention: In public places (airports, cafes) do not connect to networks with suspicious BSSIDs (for example, 00:00:00:00:00:00 or FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF). This could be a phishing attempt to intercept traffic.

Finding the Network ID on macOS (MacBook, iMac)

Users Apple You can find out the SSID and BSSID of your current network using standard system tools. Here are two reliable methods.

Method 1: Via System Preferences

The algorithm is simple:

1. Open System Preferences (gear icon in the Dock or via Apple Menu).
2. Go to the section Net.
3. Select an active connection Wi-Fi in the left menu.
4. Click the button Additionally in the lower right corner.
5. In the tab Wi-Fi you will see:
   • Network name (SSID) — at the top of the window.
   • BSSID address — on the list Preferred networks (hover over the network name).

If you need to see all available networks (not just the current one), use Option-click Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. The BSSID for each access point will appear in the drop-down list.

Method 2: Via System Monitor

For more detailed information (e.g. signal or channel level):

1. Open Programs → Utilities → System Monitoring.
2. Go to the tab Net.
3. In the section Wi-Fi Select the current connection.
4. The following will be displayed at the bottom of the window:
   • SSID — network name.
   • BSSID — MAC address.
   • Channel — Wi-Fi channel.
   • RSSI — signal level in dBm.

🔹 Note: On macOS Ventura and newer interface may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same.

Finding SSID and BSSID on an Android smartphone

On Android the process depends on the version of the operating system and the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.). We will look at universal methods that work on most devices.

Method 1: Via Wi-Fi settings

Basic method for all Android versions:

1. Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi (or Connections → Wi-Fi).
2. Click on the name of the current network (not the switch!).
3. In the window that opens, find:
   • SSID - usually at the top of the screen.
   • BSSID - can be hidden under the button Additionally or Network information.

On some devices (eg. Samsung Galaxy) The BSSID is only displayed after connecting to the network. If it's not visible, try method 2.

Method 2: Using the Wi-Fi Analyzer app

If the default settings do not show the BSSID, install a free application Wi-Fi Analyzer (available in Google Play):

1. Open the app and wait for the network scan.
2. Go to the tab AP List (Access Points).
3. Here for each network the following will be indicated:
   • 📶 SSID - Name.
   • 🔢 BSSID — MAC address.
   • 📊 Channel - channel.
   • 📏 Signal — signal level.

📌 Important: On Android 10+ Some manufacturers restrict access to the BSSID due to privacy policies. In this case, only root access or ADB commands will help.

Method 3: Via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have Android debug bridge (ADB), you can get the BSSID using the command:

adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "mWifiInfo"

In the output, look for the following lines:

• SSID: "network_name"
• BSSID: 00:11:22:33:44:55

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB requires USB debugging to be enabled (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer Options). Inaccurate commands may disrupt the system.

How to find your network ID on iPhone and iPad

iOS Traditionally, access to low-level network information is limited, but there are workarounds. Let's consider them.

Method 1: Via Wi-Fi settings (limited)

Unfortunately, Apple The BSSID isn't shown in the standard interface. You can only see the SSID:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the blue icon ⓘ next to the name of the current network.
3. At the top of the screen you will see network name (SSID).

The BSSID is not shown here, but can be obtained in other ways (see below).

Method 2: Via the "AirPort Utility" app

Apple Hid the BSSID viewer tool in the default application AirPort Utility (previously it was included with iOS, now you need to download it separately):

1. Install AirPort Utility from App Store.
2. Open the app and tap Wi-Fi Scan in the upper right corner.
3. Click Scan and wait for the scanning to complete.
4. The list of networks will include:
   • Network Name — SSID.
   • BSSID — MAC address.
   • RSSI — signal level.

🔧 Note: On iOS 16+ The scanning function may be hidden. To activate it, go to Settings → AirPort Utility and turn on the option Wi-Fi Scanner.

Method 3: Via Shortcuts (automation)

For users familiar with the application Shortcuts, there is a way to get the BSSID via a script:

1. Open Shortcuts and create a new abbreviation.
2. Add an action Run Script Over SSH (you will need access to the router via SSH).
3. Enter the command:

   iwconfig

   or (for OpenWRT):

   iwinfo wlan0 assoclist

4. Run the shortcut - the output will contain the BSSID of the connected devices.

This method is only suitable for advanced users with access to the router settings.

Viewing the network ID on a router

If you need to find the SSID and BSSID directly on the signal source—the router itself—you can do this through its web interface. The instructions are universal for most models (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, MikroTik and others).

Step 1: Login to the control panel

First, connect to the router:

1. Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. This is usually:
   • 192.168.0.1 (For TP-Link, D-Link)
   • 192.168.1.1 (For ASUS, Netgear)
   • 192.168.8.1 (For Keenetic)

Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin or indicated on the router sticker).

Step 2: Find SSID and BSSID

Further actions depend on the firmware:

🔹 Advice: If you don't find the BSSID in the interface, please pay attention to MAC address of the wireless module — this is the BSSID of the main network. It may be different for the guest network.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, MikroTik) BSSID may change upon reboot if the mode is enabled Random MACDisable this option in the radio module settings for stable operation.

How to find the ID of a hidden Wi-Fi network

Hidden Networks (hidden SSID) don't broadcast their name, but they can still be discovered and connected to. Here's how.

Method 1: Scanning on Android

Use the app Wi-Fi Analyzer or NetSpot:

1. Run a network scan.
2. Turn on display all channels (including hidden ones).
3. A network with no name (or an empty SSID) in the list is a hidden access point. Its BSSID will be displayed.

Method 2: Via the command line on Windows

Perform:

netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid

In the results, look for networks with an empty field. SSID, but with the specified BSSID. For example:

SSID: (hidden)
BSSID 1 : 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E
Signal : 85%

Method 3: Connect to a hidden network

If you know the SSID of a hidden network but don't see it in the list:

1. On Windows:
   • Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
   • Click Add a new network.
   • Enter the SSID, security type and password.
2. On Android:
   • In the Wi-Fi settings, tap Add a network.
   • Enter the SSID, select the security type and enter the password.
4. On iOS:
   • Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Other.
   • Enter the network name (SSID) and password.

🔐 Important: Hidden networks don't provide any additional security—they're easily detected by traffic analyzers. For protection, it's best to use WPA3 and turn off WPS.

Problems and solutions when determining network ID

Sometimes users encounter difficulties when trying to find the SSID or BSSID. Let's look at common situations and how to resolve them.

🔧 Helpful tip: If you often work with Wi-Fi networks, create a text file with commands for your OS (for example, netsh for Windows or iwconfig (for Linux) and keep it handy. This will save time during diagnostics.

Why might the BSSID be different from the router's MAC address?

On some routers (especially those with multiple bands, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), the BSSID may be different for each radio module. For example, the primary network will have a MAC address 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E, and the guest one is 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5F (last character changed) This is normal and does not indicate a problem.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi network IDs

Is it possible to change the BSSID of a router?

Technically yes, but this requires access to low-level firmware settings. On most consumer routers, the BSSID is tied to the MAC address of the wireless module and can only be changed when the hardware is replaced or through special commands (for example, in OpenWRT or DD-WRT).

🔹 Important: Changing the BSSID may disrupt the operation of some devices that are bound to a MAC address (such as smart speakers or IP cameras).

Why do I have two different BSSIDs for the same network?

This is normal if your router supports it. double range (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Each radio module has its own unique BSSID, even if the SSID is the same. For example:

• MyWiFi_2G — BSSID 00:11:22:33:44:55 (2.4 GHz)
• MyWiFi_5G — BSSID 00:11:22:33:44:56 (5 GHz)

The guest network can also have a separate BSSID.

How do I find the BSSID of a network I'm not connected to?

The following are suitable for this:

• 📱 On Android: applications Wi-Fi Analyzer or NetSpot.
• 💻 On Windows: team netsh wlan show networks mode=bssid.
• 🍎 On macOS: utility AirPort Utility (scan mode).
• 📡 On Linux: team sudo iwlist wlan0 scan | grep "Address\|ESSID".

Please note: scanning other people's networks without permission may violate local laws (for example, in the EU this is regulated GDPR).

What should I do if my SSID contains Cyrillic characters or emojis?

Some devices (especially smart gadgets or older printers) do not support SSIDs with non-Latin characters or emoji. In this case:

1. Change the SSID to Latin characters in the router settings.
2. Use BSSID to connect (if the device supports this mode).
3. Update the firmware of the device that cannot connect.

💡 Advice: Avoid spaces and special characters in the SSID, as this may cause connection issues on some devices.

Is it possible to determine the router model by BSSID?

Partially yes. The first 3 bytes of the MAC address (for example, 00:1A:2B in the address 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) are called OUI (Organizationally Unique Identifier) and are assigned to manufacturers. They can be used to identify the brand:

• 00:0C:43 — TP-Link
• 00:1E:8C — ASUS
• 00:1F:33 — Netgear
• 00:04:ED — D-Link

A full list of OUIs can be found on the website IEEE or through services like MAC Vendors.