How to find out the name of your Wi-Fi router: all methods for any device

Are you connecting a new gadget to the internet but don't remember the name of your Wi-Fi network? Or are you trying to set up guest access but don't know the name of your router? The wireless network name (or SSID) is the first parameter required to connect any device. Without it, you won't be able to log in to the network, change the password, or configure additional router features.

In this article we will look at all possible waysHow to find out the name of your Wi-Fi router—from viewing it on the device itself to checking it via a computer, smartphone, or even the command line. These instructions are suitable for routers. TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Xiaomi, MikroTik and other popular brands. And if you've forgotten your Wi-Fi password, there's a bonus section at the end of the article on how to recover it.

1. How to view the Wi-Fi name on the router itself

The most reliable way is to look at the network name (SSID) directly on the router body. Manufacturers usually place this information on a sticker located:

• 📦 On the bottom of the device (most models) TP-Link Archer, ASUS RT, Zyxel Keenetic)
• 📋 On the back panel (typical for Xiaomi Mi Router, some D-Link)
• 🔖 Under the battery compartment cover (if the router has a backup power supply, for example, Huawei B525)

On the sticker, look for lines like: SSID, Network Name, Network name or Wi-Fi Name.

Usually the factory password is also indicated nearby (Password/Key), but it could have been changed during setup.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, MikroTik or Ubiquiti) The default network name may not be on the case. In this case, use the other methods in this article.

2. View the Wi-Fi name on a connected device (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS)

If at least one device (laptop, smartphone, tablet) is already connected to your network, you can find the router's name through its settings. Instructions for different operating systems:

🖥️ On Windows 10/11

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar (next to the clock).
2. In the list of available networks, find the one you are connected to - its name is SSID your router.
3. To see more information, right-click on the network and select Properties.

🍎 On macOS

Open the Wi-Fi menu in the top bar (the "waves" icon). The current network will be marked with a checkmark. For details, hold down the key. Option (⌥) and click on the Wi-Fi icon - a pop-up window will appear with data, including SSID.

📱 On Android

Go to Settings → Wi-FiThe current network will be marked with the word ConnectedOn some smartphones (for example, Samsung) you need to click on the network name to see full details.

🍏 On iPhone/iPad

Go to Settings → Wi-FiYour network name will be marked with a blue checkmark. There is no option to copy it on iOS. SSID, but it can be photographed or recorded.

3. How to find the SSID via the router's web interface

If you can't find the network name on the router's case or connected devices, check the router's control panel. To do this:

1. Connect to the router via cable (via port LAN) or via Wi-Fi (if you know the password).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (standard IP for most routers). For Keenetic use my.keenetic.net, For ASUS — router.asus.com.
3. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin, but may differ - look at the router sticker).
4. Go to the Wi-Fi settings section. The path varies depending on the model:
   • 🔧 TP-Link: Wireless → Wireless Settings
   • 🔧 ASUS: Wireless Network → General
   • 🔧 Keenetic: Wi-Fi → Hotspot
   • 🔧 Xiaomi: Settings → Wi-Fi

In this section you will see a field Network name (SSID) or Network NameYou can also change the name here if you don't like it.

What should I do if I can't log into the control panel?

If the page does not open, check:

- The IP address entered is correct (try 192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.8.1).

- Connection to the router (the cable must be inserted into the LAN port, not WAN!).

- Disable VPN or proxy in your browser.

- Try a different browser (for example, Chrome or Firefox).

- If the router is new, it may require initial setup via a mobile app (for example, TP-Link Tether or Mi Wi-Fi).

⚠️ Attention: If you have previously changed the router's IP address manually (for example, to 192.168.10.1), standard addresses will not work. To find out the current IP, use the command ipconfig in Windows or ifconfig on Mac/Linux (more details in the next section).

4. Finding the SSID via the command line (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if you prefer to work with the console or the router's web interface is unavailable. Instructions for different systems:

🪟 In Windows (via CMD)

1. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter.
2. Enter the command:

   netsh wlan show interfaces

3. Find the line SSID - this is the name of your network.

🐧 In Linux (Terminal)

Use the command:

iwgetid

or for more information:

iwconfig

The network name will be given after ESSID.

🍎 On macOS (Terminal)

Enter:

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

Look for the line SSID.

Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi|Make sure you're running the command prompt as an administrator (for Windows)|Use the correct case in your commands (it's important for Linux/macOS)|If the command doesn't work, update your network adapter drivers-->

⚠️ Attention: On some corporate laptops or PCs with custom Windows builds, commands may not work due to missing drivers or a modified system. In this case, use the router's web interface or mobile app.

5. Viewing SSID via mobile apps

Many router manufacturers offer official apps for managing the device from a smartphone. This is convenient if you don't want to remember IP addresses or navigate a web interface. Here are the most popular apps:

To use the application:

1. Download and install the program from the official store.
2. Connect your smartphone to your Wi-Fi router (or via cable, if supported).
3. Sign up or sign in to your account (for some brands, such as ASUS, requires connection to a cloud service).
4. On the home screen or in the Wi-Fi section, find the field with the network name.

If your router does not support the mobile app (for example, older models Zyxel or Tenda), use the web interface or the command line.

6. How to find out the name of a hidden Wi-Fi network (if the SSID is not broadcast)

Some users turn off the broadcast SSID For security reasons. In this case, the network won't appear in the list of available networks, but you can still connect to it if you know its name. Here's how to find it:

🔍 On Windows

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on the current connection (next to Connections: [Network Name]).
3. In the status window, click Wireless network properties.
4. Tab Security → check the box Show entered characters, to see SSID.

📱 On Android (root required)

Install the application WiFi Analyzer or NetScanIn scanning mode, some programs show hidden networks (marked in gray or with a Hidden).

💻 Via the router's web interface

If you can access the control panel, go to Wi-Fi settings. Even if the broadcast SSID disabled, the network name itself will be displayed in the field Name (SSID).

7. What to do if you forgot your Wi-Fi password

Users often forget the password along with the network name. Here's how to recover it without resetting the router:

🔑 On Windows

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on the current connection → Wireless network properties.
3. Go to the tab Security and check the box Show entered characters.

📱 On Android (without root)

Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click on your network and select Share (or QR code). The system will ask for a PIN code or fingerprint, after which it will show the password.

🖥️ Via the router's web interface

Log in to your control panel (as described in Section 3) and find the section Wireless Network → Security (or Security). Field Password (Password/Key) contains the current security key.

⚠️ Attention: If you reset the router to factory settings (using the button Reset), the network name and password will revert to the default values ​​(indicated on the sticker). All user settings, including guest access and parental controls, will be lost.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi router names

Is it possible to change the Wi-Fi name to Cyrillic or emoji?

Yes, most modern routers support Cyrillic and even emojis. SSID. However:

• 🔤 Some older devices (such as set-top boxes or printers) may not display such networks correctly.
• 🔍 A name that is too long (more than 32 characters) may be truncated.
• 🚫 Emojis cannot be used in Wi-Fi passwords—only in the network name.

Example of a worker SSID with emoji: Home Wi-Fi 🏠.

Why is my network called "TP-Link_1234" or "ASUS_5G"? Is that the factory name?

Yes, this is a standard name (SSID (default), which is assigned to the router at the factory. It usually consists of:

• 🏭 Brand names (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic).
• 🔢 A unique suffix (for example, the last digits of the MAC address).
• 📶 Postfix for range (5G, 2.4G).

It is recommended to change it to something unique to avoid confusion with neighboring networks.

Can a Wi-Fi name affect internet speed?
No, SSID does not affect the speed or stability of the connection. However:
• 🔄 A name that is too long (more than 32 characters) may cause compatibility issues with older devices.
• 🔍 If you have many networks with the same name in your home (for example, TP-Link_123 And TP-Link_124), devices may connect to the wrong router.
• 🛡️ Using special characters (eg. #, $) in the name may cause errors on some gadgets.
How do I find out the Wi-Fi name if I rented the router from my provider?

Routers from providers (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS) the network name and password are often specified:

• 📄 On the contract or additional insert.
• 📦 On the router box (if it’s new).
• 🔍 In your provider's personal account (section "My devices" or "Wi-Fi").
• 📞 By phone support (the operator will provide the details after verifying your personal data).

⚠️ Usually such routers have limited settings, and it is impossible to change SSID This can only be done through the web interface or the provider's application.

What is a "guest SSID" and how do I find it?
Guest SSID — This is a separate network on your router, intended for temporary users (guests, neighbors). It usually has:
• 🔐 Separate password.
• 🚫 Limited access to the local network (for example, to printers or network drives).
• ⏱️ Possibility of time limitation.

To find or set up a guest account SSID:

1. Log in to the router's web interface.
2. Find the section Guest network (Guest Network).
3. Enable it and give it a unique name (eg. Ivanovs_Guests).