What is an SSID, and how can you find yours?

What is a service set identifier (SSID)?

Changing your SSID and Wi-Fi password from the default is usually a good idea because similar spellings of default SSIDs cause confusion. You can set a custom SSID for your home network, for example, “The bat cave” or “Unbreakable fortress.” Just don’t expose any personal details in your network SSID, such as your home address or full name.

SSIDs are sometimes confused with MAC and IP addresses. A MAC address is a unique identifier for each device on a network. An IP address identifies the device’s location on that network or the internet. You can find your IP address through our IP lookup page.

How to find your SSID

To find your network SSID, follow the steps below for the relevant device and operating system.

On a router

To find the network SSID on your router, you should look for a sticker on the bottom or side of the device. The sticker will contain your default SSID and Wi-Fi password (or network key).

However, the sticker won’t help if someone has already changed the router SSID. If you have a device (like a computer or smartphone) that’s connected to the network, you can usually see the SSID in the device’s Wi-Fi settings. Another way of checking your router SSID is by accessing your router’s admin interface:

1. 1.Enter the router’s IP address in a web browser.
2. 2.Log in with the admin username and password.
3. 3.Look for the Wi-Fi settings section — the SSID will be listed there.

On Windows

1. 1.Click on the Wi-Fi icon located in the bottom right corner and you will find a list of available networks (SSIDs).
2. 2.The SSID of the network you are connected to is shown at the top of the window. 

On macOS

1. 1.Look for the Wi-Fi icon located in the upper right corner to find a list of available networks (SSIDs).
2. 2.The Wi-Fi network you are connected to will have a blue Wi-Fi icon next to it. 

On Android

1. 1.Go to “Settings” and choose “Wi-Fi.”
2. 2.The SSID of the network you are connected to will be shown above “Connected.” 

On iOS

1. 1.Go to “Settings” and choose “Wi-Fi.”
2. 2.The name of the network (SSID) you are connected to will have a check mark next to it. 

If you want to connect to your own wireless network but don’t know your SSID, the best option is to connect your router to the computer via an Ethernet cable and log in to its web interface. We do not advise trying to guess the SSID — that’s the easiest way to fall victim to an evil twin attack.

What happens if there are multiple Wi-Fi networks with the same SSID?

As long as your device is connected to Wi-Fi, there’s no problem having multiple networks with the same SSID number in the vicinity. However, if your device disconnects and then tries to reconnect, it will be confused and pick the network with the strongest signal.

If those SSID names have unique passwords, your device won’t be able to connect, and that’s the end of the story. But if it doesn’t have a password, your device may connect to a completely different network.

What is a good name for your SSID?

Many choose to alter the SSID of their router as soon as they get it. If you live in a densely populated part of the world, it’s easier to find your Wi-Fi router name if it’s something you recognize — rather than the standard name that plenty of others might share.

When it comes to creative Wi-Fi names, it’s easy to get carried away with personal jokes and pranks. Remember that anyone visiting the house will probably want to connect to your internet, so making the name too raunchy is not a good idea.

The best Wi-Fi network names are easy to recognize in the sea of jumbled letter and number combinations, but don’t pick a name that could identify you personally. 

How to change your SSID name or password

You can change your SSID name or password in your router settings, but the exact process differs depending on your router’s brand.

In most cases, you can access your router settings by typing your router’s IP address into the address bar at the top of your browser. The section where you can change your SSID name or password is typically called “Wi-Fi settings,” but it may also be “WLAN.” Once you’ve changed the SSID and password, restart the router for the changes to take effect.

If you’ve bought or leased a router from your ISP, you may also be able to change your SSID name or password using that ISP’s own app. Some ISPs provide separate applications for router administration, while others fold this feature into apps that are used to view data limits or pay for your internet services.

How to hide your SSID

If you want to hide your SSID from public view, you can turn off your SSID broadcast in your router settings. Keep in mind that hiding your SSID will not hide your IP and isn’t likely to impact your overall cybersecurity much — determined third parties could still track the traffic from your network with the right tools. You will also need to configure your wireless settings manually to connect new devices to your Wi-Fi from that point on.

How to secure your SSID network

To improve your network security and router security, we recommend changing your Wi-Fi password regularly. Always use a strong password and keep the router’s firmware up to date to stop others from connecting to the network without your knowledge.

You can also set up a VPN on your router to improve your digital security. NordVPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic, so nobody can monitor your activity without your knowledge.

When you install a VPN on your router, it protects all devices connected to the internet in your household. Of course, you can also install the app on every gadget individually and secure your traffic wherever you go.