How to find the name of a Wi-Fi network on your phone: 5 methods for Android and iOS

On iPhone Viewing the name of a hidden network is more difficult due to iOS limitations. The only working method is:

1. Connect to this network (if you are not already connected).
2. Open Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the blue icon i next to the active connection.
3. In the field DNS or Router The router's IP address will be listed. Write it down.
4. Connect to this IP via a browser (eg. 192.168.1.1). In the router's web interface, the network name (SSID) is displayed on the main page.

3. View SSID via router information

If the phone does not show the network name, you can find it out through router web interfaceThis method is universal and works regardless of the phone model.

Instructions:

1. Find out Router IP address:
   • 📱 On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → [Your network] → Advanced. Look for the line Gateway or Router.
   • 🍎 On iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → [i] next to the network → Router.

⚠️ Attention: If you have previously changed the router settings and forgot the password for logging into the web interface, you will have to do factory reset (button Reset on the back panel). After this, the network name will return to the factory default (indicated on the sticker).

Important: On some routers (such as those from ISPs), the web interface may be locked for changes. In this case, the network name can only be accessed via a sticker or by calling support.

4. Using the command line (for Android)

If you have Android with unlocked access to ADB (or root rights), you can find out SSID via the terminal. This method is suitable for experienced users.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn on Developer mode:
   • Go to Settings → About phone.
   • Click 7 times on Build number (a notification will appear saying "You have become a developer").
   • Return to Settings → System → Developer Options and turn it on USB debugging.

adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "SSID"

⚠️ Attention: This method requires ADB (Android Debug Bridge). If you've never used it before, it's easier to use the other methods in this article.

5. View saved networks on iPhone (without jailbreaking)

On iPhone Apple severely restricts access to network information, but there is a workaround through configuration fileIt works without jailbreaking, but requires a backup.

Instructions:

1. Connect iPhone To Mac or PC with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
2. Create backup copy (must be encrypted!).
3. Use the program iBackup Viewer (Windows/macOS) or iMazing to view backup files.
4. Find the file com.apple.wifi.known-networks.plist — it stores all saved networks, including hidden ones.

🔹 Alternative: If you have Mac, you can use the built-in utility Console:

1. Open Programs → Utilities → Console.
2. In the search bar, enter WiFi.
3. Find records with SSID — the names of all connected networks will be here.

6. What to do if your phone doesn't show the network name

Sometimes SSID It's not even showing up in the settings. Let's look at the main causes and solutions:

Problem 1: The network is hidden and the phone does not save its name

• 🔄 Solution: Reconnect to the network. When connecting to a hidden network Android And iOS ask for input SSID manually - write it down.

Problem 2: Error in the phone firmware

• 📱 Solution: Restart your phone. If the error persists, check for OS updates in Settings → System → Software Update.

Problem 3: The router is blocking the SSID broadcast

• 📡 Solution: Go to your router settings (as in Section 3) and turn on network name broadcast (Enable SSID Broadcast).

Problem 4: The phone is connected to the network, but its name is not displayed

• 🔍 Solution: Use Wi-Fi analysis apps (eg. Fing or NetSpot). They show SSID even if the system does not display it.
Why might my iPhone not show the network name?

On iPhones with iOS 16+, Apple hides some technical information (including the SSID) for security reasons. This is not a bug, but a system feature. To see the name, you may have to reconnect or use workarounds (see Section 5).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about viewing SSIDs

Is it possible to find out the name of the Wi-Fi network to which the phone was previously connected?

On Android - yes, through Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Saved NetworksOn . iPhone - only via backup copy (see Section 5).

Why does the Wi-Fi settings on my iPhone show "Unknown" instead of the network name?

This happens if the network is hidden (hidden SSID) and the iPhone can't detect its name automatically. Try reconnecting or use the backup method.

How do I find the SSID if my phone is not connected to Wi-Fi?

If your phone isn't connected but you know the password, try connecting—the system may display the network name when you enter the password. Alternatively, check the sticker on the router or access its settings from another device.

Is it possible to change the name of a Wi-Fi network directly from your phone?

No, change SSID This can only be done through the router's web interface (see Section 3). The phone only connects to the network, but does not control its settings.

Is it safe to use Wi-Fi network browsing apps?

Yes, if you download them from official stores (Google Play or App Store). Avoid programs that request root access or unusual permissions (for example, access to SMS).

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔌 Is the cable connected to the router correctly (if using a wired connection).
• 🔄 Were the router settings reset after the firmware update?
• 📱 Are there any hardware issues with the phone's Wi-Fi module (try connecting from another device).