How to Find Your Wi-Fi Network Name

Use your SSID and network key to connect to your router

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on January 12, 2022
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Look for a sticker on the back or side of your router for the SSID and Wi-Fi network key.
  • Check your computer's network settings if you're already connected wirelessly or via Ethernet.
  • If the SSID has been changed, reset your router to restore the default network name and Wi-Fi password.

This article explains how to find your network's name or SSID. Once you know your router's SSID and network key, you can set up your Wi-Fi network.

How Do I Find My Wi-Fi Network Name?

You can likely find your router's default network name, or SSID, on a sticker on the back or side of the router. It may also appear in the router's manual. Your network name and Wi-Fi key are not the same as your router's user name and password, which are used to access your router's settings.

If you have a computer with an Ethernet port, connect it directly to the router and go to your internet settings to see the network name. You can also log in to the router's admin interface using a web browser or a compatible app and find the SSID.

If the SSID has been changed, reset your home network to restore the default network name and key.

Find the Wi-Fi You're Connected to on Windows

If you're already connected to the network, you can find its name in your Wi-Fi settings. For example, on Windows 10:

  1. Select the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar to bring up a list of available wireless networks.

    Wi-Fi icon in the Windows 10 taskbar

  2. Your network's name will be at the top of the list. It should say Connected under the network name.

    Connected under Netgear41 in Windows 10 Wi-Fi settings

Find the Wi-Fi You're Connected to on macOS

If you've already connected to a Wi-FI network, you can find its name in the Wi-Fi menu in Mac's menu bar.

  1. Find and select the Wi-Fi menu in the Mac's menu bar.

    The Wi-Fi menu highlighted in the Mac's menu bar.

  2. The network you are connected to will be listed with a lock icon.

    The Wi-Fi network your Mac is connected displayed in the Mac's Wi-Fi menu.

On Android and iOS, you can find your Wi-Fi network's name in the quick settings menu. Swipe down from the top of the screen and look under the Wi-Fi icon.

Should I Hide My Network Name?

For extra security, hide your Wi-Fi network so that no one else can connect to it. To connect to a hidden network, you need to know the network name and key. Your computer should remember the details, so you don't have to enter the information every time you connect.

The default SSID usually includes the name of the router's manufacturer, which makes it easier for hackers to identify your router and guess the network key. That's why it's also a good idea to change your Wi-Fi network name and change your Wi-Fi password.

Was this page helpful?