It's quite common to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but have forgotten or unknown the network name (SSID). Users often change their router's factory settings to more complex ones or forget the name they assigned to their home network during initial setup. In such cases, finding the name of your WiFi network becomes a top priority for restoring internet access.
There are several proven methods of identification SSID (Service Set Identifier) of your local network. You can find this information directly on the router body, through the administrator's web interface, or using an already connected computer or smartphone. The method you choose depends on whether you have physical access to the router and which devices are currently connected.
In some cases, standard methods may not work, especially if the network has been hidden by the administrator for security reasons. In these cases, a more in-depth analysis of the hardware settings or the use of specialized software will be required. Below, we'll detail all available options for various operating systems and hardware types.
Finding information on the router case and in the documentation
The easiest and quickest way to find out the manufacturer's name of your wireless network is to inspect the bottom or back of your router. Electronics manufacturers such as TP-Link, Asus or Mikrotik, always place a sticker with technical information. This label usually indicates the field SSID or Wireless Name, which corresponds to the factory name WiFi.
If the sticker is worn off or missing, refer to the user manual that came with the device. It often describes the standard naming format, which may include the brand prefix and the last digits of the MAC address. For example, the network might be called Keenetic-1234 or Tenda_5G_ABCD.
⚠️ Note: If you've ever changed your router's settings, the name on the sticker may differ from the current one. The factory name is only valid for devices that have been reset to factory settings or have never been configured.
It's important to understand that modern routers often support two frequency bands. Therefore, you may see two different names for the same device: one for the 2.4 GHz band and another for the 5 GHz band. You can distinguish them by suffixes like _5G or _Guest, unless they have been renamed manually.
How to find out the name of a WiFi network on a Windows computer
If your laptop or PC is already connected to a wireless network, the Windows operating system stores all the necessary connection profile data. This information can be accessed through the graphical interface or command line, which is especially convenient if you need to know the exact name for connecting other devices.
To view through the interface, you need to go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterOn the right side of the window, next to "Connections," you'll see the name of your active network. Clicking on it will open a status window, which also displays SSID.
A more advanced method is to use the command line. This method allows you to see not only the current network but also all previously saved profiles. Open a terminal and enter the following command to list the profiles:
netsh wlan show profilesOnce the list is complete, you can examine a specific profile in detail to ensure it's up-to-date. The command line provides technically accurate information, ignoring any visual distortions in the interface.
☑️ Checking the connection in Windows
It's worth noting that in corporate networks or when using group policies, access to some network settings may be restricted by the administrator. Such restrictions are rare in home environments, but being aware of them is useful when diagnosing problems.
Finding the network name on macOS and Linux
Apple computer users can also easily find the name of their WiFi network. On macOS, this information is available through the Wi-Fi menu in the status bar or in System Preferences. When you click the wireless network icon in the upper-right corner of the screen, the current connection is indicated by a checkmark and highlighted in bold.
For more detailed technical information, you can use the Connection Manager utility or the terminal. In Linux distributions such as Ubuntu or Mint, a terminal command that allows you to quickly list all available and connected networks.
Use the following command to scan your environment and find your network:
nmcli dev wifi listIn the command output, the column SSID will contain the name you're looking for. An asterisk (*) often marks the network the device is currently connected to. This is a universal method that works on most modern distributions.
Hidden Networks in Linux
If your network is hidden, the SSID column will display the text
On macOS, you can also use the key pressed Option Clicking the WiFi icon will open an expanded menu with detailed information about the current connection, including the BSSID (the MAC address of the access point) and channel, which is useful for troubleshooting interference.
Viewing settings via the router's web interface
The most reliable way to find out the WiFi network name is to access the router's settings. This method works even if no devices are currently connected to the network; the main thing is to be able to connect to the router via cable or know its IP address.
To access the control panel, open your browser and enter the default gateway address. This is most often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1After entering your login and password (often admin/admin), go to the wireless network section.
Interfaces vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the logic remains the same. Look for the tabs with the following names:
- 📡 Wireless
- 🔗 WiFi Settings
- 📶 WLAN
- 🌐 Wireless mode
Inside these sections there is a field SSID or Wireless Network NameThis is where you set the name that users see when searching for networks. You can also change the name to something more convenient or descriptive.
| Router brand | Menu section | Field name |
|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | Wireless | Wireless Network Name (SSID) |
| Asus | Wireless / General | SSID |
| Zyxel | Network / Wireless | Name (SSID) |
| Mikrotik | Wireless / Interfaces | SSID Profile |
Please note that making changes to your router settings requires rebooting the device or applying the settings, which may temporarily interrupt your connection. Make sure you save your changes correctly to avoid losing access to the admin panel.
Using Android and iOS mobile devices
Smartphones and tablets are the most common clients of WiFi networks. On Android, if the device is already connected, the network name is displayed at the top of the screen in the WiFi settings section. On some operating systems (e.g., MIUI or OneUI) You can click on the gear icon next to the network name to see a QR code to quickly connect other devices.
On the iPhone the situation is similar: in the menu Settings → Wi-Fi The current network is marked with a checkmark. iOS doesn't allow you to easily view the password or detailed technical data without using special profiles or macros, but the network name is always visible.
If you've forgotten the network name, but your phone has connected to it before, it can automatically connect when it comes into range. You can see all known access points in the list of saved networks (on Android).
There are dedicated WiFi analyzer apps available in app stores. They scan the air and display a list of all available networks, along with their SSID, signal strength, and channel. This is a great way to find your network if it doesn't appear in the standard list due to a weak signal.
What to do if the network is hidden (Hidden SSID)
For security reasons, some administrators hide the network name. In this case, the router stops broadcasting SSID On the air, and when scanning, you'll see the option "Hidden network" or "Other network." You can only connect to it if you know the exact name.
If a network is hidden, it's impossible to find its name through a regular scan. The only legal way is to view the settings in the router's web interface (as described above) or find a device already connected to this network and view the connection properties.
⚠️ Warning: Hiding the SSID is not a reliable security method. Specialized sniffers can easily detect hidden networks by the service data packets that devices send when attempting to reconnect.
To connect to a hidden network on your computer, you must manually create a new wireless network profile and enter the name (SSID) exactly as it is set in the router, taking care to ensure proper capitalization. Even a single character error will prevent you from connecting.
Risks of hidden networks
Using a hidden SSID can lead to increased battery drain on mobile devices. Devices constantly broadcast "Are you here?" requests to find a familiar network, which drains the battery faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the name of a WiFi network to anything else?
Yes, you can create almost any name using Latin letters, numbers, and some special characters. However, avoid using emoji or Cyrillic characters, as older devices may display such names incorrectly or not detect the network at all.
Why does my computer see two networks with similar names?
Most likely, your router is dual-band and broadcasts the network simultaneously on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. The base name is often followed by the suffix _5GThis is normal and allows you to choose the optimal speed or compatibility.
What does SSID mean in phone settings?
SSID (Service Set Identifier) is a technical term for the name of a wireless network. When your phone asks you to enter an SSID, it's simply asking for the name of the WiFi network you want to connect to.
How can I find out who else is connected to my WiFi by name?
The network name itself doesn't provide this information. To see the list of connected clients, you need to log in to the router's web interface and find the "Client List," "DHCP Server," or "Wireless Network Status" section.
Will resetting the router reset the network name?
Yes, a full reset will return all settings, including the network name (SSID) and password, to the factory defaults listed on the device's label. All your personalizations will be erased.