What Is an SSID (Service Set Identifier)? – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

While you can name your network and create a public-facing identifier for a wireless network, most routers have a default SSID that is used to identify them. This may be the name of the device or a randomly generated string of numbers, but they can be modified by the user to create a unique network name that is more easily identifiable. In most cases, the default SSID will be placed in a spot that is easy to access if you have direct physical access to the device.

Router

Most routers have the name of the SSID printed on a label that is adhered to the physical router. This label is typically located on the bottom of the device, but it may also be placed on the back or the side of the router depending on its structure. In most cases, this label will contain the SSID or Wi-Fi network name as well as the provided default password or WPA keys. This allows anyone with physical access to the router the ability to connect their device to the network with the correct credentials.

Windows

On Windows devices, you can find SSIDs by opening up the network menu. This can be opened from the desktop by finding the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar, typically located in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. This will display the SSID of the network that you are connected to. It will also display other available networks within your area.

You can also access this information by clicking the Start menu, opening Settings, and selecting Network and Internet. This will display your network’s SSID.

Mac

Similar to Windows, macOS allows you to access available SSIDs through a menu shortcut on the desktop. Click on the Wi-Fi icon, typically located in the upper right-hand corner. A drop-down menu will appear with the network that you are connected to as well as information about other available wireless networks nearby.

You can also access this information by opening System Settings, and then clicking on Network. From there, you will be able to see the SSID of the network you are connected to and other known networks.

Android

To find your SSID on Android, open the Settings app and tap the Connections option. Find the Wi-Fi option. This will display the SSID of the network that you are connected to. If you tap on the SSID, you will see the names of other networks in your area that you can connect to.

iOS

If you are using an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad, you can find your network SSID by opening the Settings app and selecting the Wi-Fi menu. This will display the name of the network that you are currently connected to. If you open the menu, you will also be able to see the SSIDs of networks nearby.