{"id":7198,"date":"2025-08-06T15:21:16","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T15:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fastestpass.com\/blog\/?p=7198"},"modified":"2025-08-18T11:27:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T11:27:19","slug":"what-is-ssid-and-how-to-find-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fastestpass.com\/blog\/what-is-ssid-and-how-to-find-it\/","title":{"rendered":"SSID: A Brief Introduction and How to Find Yours"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SSID_<\/p>\n

SSID (Service Set Identifier) is a unique identifier for a wireless network. It helps you find and connect to the correct WiFi network. Most routers broadcast their SSID by default, ensuring that the network is easily found.<\/p>\n

Some routers require a manual SSID setup. Meaning, you\u2019ve to find the SSID for a non-broadcast network. That said, this guide walks you through an introduction to SSID, how to find it, and brief comparisons of it to other networks.<\/p>\n

Note:<\/strong> The SSID is only the visible name of your WiFi network, whereas the SSID password remains hidden and only those with the correct code can connect to a specific SSID network. However, a weak SSID password can lead to malware installation, identity theft, and more. We recommend using the FastestPass free password generator for strong password recommendations for your SSID network.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n Get FastestPass <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n

What Is SSID in a WiFi Connection?<\/h2>\n

SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of the wireless network. It helps you find the wifi network<\/a> and connect to it. For example, WiFi123 can be the name of your home wifi network, and that is how you distinguish it from other networks. Think of it as a nameplate or a house number of your home, through which you identify it on the street.<\/p>\n

How SSID Works?<\/h3>\n

When you go to your device\u2019s WiFi settings, you\u2019ll see a list of network names. Those are all SSIDs. All WiFi routers broadcast the Service Set Identifiers so that the devices can detect and connect to them.\u00a0When you select a network and enter the password, your device uses the Service Set Identifier to connect to the correct router.<\/p>\n

SSID isn\u2019t a password; it\u2019s only the network\u2019s visible name. However, the security depends on the encryption, such as WPA2 or WPA3, and the strength of your password<\/a>. The SSID of a network helps avoid connecting to the wrong network. And, custom SSIDs make it easier to identify your home network.<\/p>\n

What Is ESSID vs SSID?<\/h2>\n

Service Set Identifier and ESSID (Extended Service Set Identifier) relate to WiFi network names, but they play different roles in wireless networking. Here\u2019s a brief comparison of ESSID vs SSID:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nSSID<\/strong><\/td>\nESSID<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Scope<\/strong><\/td>\nSingle access point, i.e., the home router.<\/td>\nMultiple access points, i.e., an enterprise network.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Usage<\/strong><\/td>\nBasic WiFi name.<\/td>\nLarge-scale WiFi with roaming.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Example<\/strong><\/td>\nHomeWiFi123<\/td>\nOfficeWiFi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Technical Role\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nDisplays the WiFi network name.<\/td>\nEnsures devices are connected while moving between APs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

While SSIDs are often for homes or small-scale WiFi network coverage areas, the ESSID is for large-scale WiFi deployments, such as in schools or offices. The SSID is the basic name of a WiFi network, and it can be used in all types of networks. However, ESSID is an extended network made up of multiple access points (APs) often used in large-scale areas.<\/p>\n

What Is SSID vs BSSID?<\/h2>\n

SSID and BSSID are used in WiFi networks, serving different purposes. Before heading to the details, here\u2019s a brief comparison list of SSID vs BSSID:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/strong><\/td>\nSSID<\/strong><\/td>\nBSSID<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Type<\/strong><\/td>\nOnly a network name.<\/td>\nMAC addresses.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>\nFor user identification.<\/td>\nTechnical identification of an AP.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Visibility<\/strong><\/td>\nDisplayed on the device\u2019s WiFi lists.<\/td>\nMostly hidden and used internally by devices.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Example<\/strong><\/td>\nHomeWiFi123<\/td>\nA4:56:9B:CD:EF<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Used<\/strong> In<\/td>\nAll WiFi networks.<\/td>\nWiFi networks with multiple access points.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Service Set Identifier is an identification for your WiFi network, whereas the BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier) is the MAC address of a wireless access point of a router or a hotspot. It can be used internally by devices to identify a specific access point (AP). It follows a format of a 12-digit hex code. In contrast, SSIDs are broadcast by routers, unless they are hidden.<\/p>\n

How to Find the SSID?<\/h2>\n

Since Service Set Identifier is only the name of a WiFi network, you can find it via your device\u2019s WiFi list. To break that down further, here\u2019s how to find it on different devices:<\/p>\n

1. SSID on Windows<\/h3>\n

There are 2 methods to find the SSID on your Windows PC or Laptop:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Click the WiFi<\/strong> icon<\/strong> in the taskbar > connected network name Service Set Identifier appears at the top.<\/li>\n
  2. Open the Command Prompt<\/strong> > Type \u201cnetsh wlan show interfaces<\/strong>\u201d > look for SSID<\/strong> in the output<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    2. SSID on macOS<\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. Click the WiFi icon<\/strong> in the menu bar > the connected SSID<\/strong> will be checked<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    2. Open Terminal<\/strong> > Run: \u201c\/System\/Library\/PrivateFrameworks\/Apple80211.framework\/Versions\/Current\/Resources\/airport -I<\/strong>\u201d > look for Service Set Identifier.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      3. SSID on Android and iOS<\/h3>\n
        \n
      1. For Android<\/strong>, go to the device Settings<\/strong> > WiFi<\/strong>. The connected network will be listed at the top.<\/li>\n
      2. For iPhone<\/strong>\/iPad<\/strong>, go to Settings<\/strong> > WiFi<\/strong>. The connected Service Set Identifier will be checked.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        4. SSID on the Router<\/h3>\n

        Here\u2019s how to find the default Service Set Identifier on the router before connecting:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Check the router label, most routers have the default SSID written at the back\/side of it<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        2. Log in to the router\u2019s admin page<\/strong> via a browser<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        3. Connect to the router<\/strong> via WiFi<\/strong> or Ethernet.<\/li>\n
        4. Open a browser<\/strong> > Enter the IP<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        5. Log in<\/strong> with the default credentials<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        6. Find Wireless Settings<\/strong> > SSID<\/strong> is displayed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          5. WiFi Scanner for SSID<\/h3>\n

          You can use the WiFi scanner if you need to find the SSIDs available nearby than the standard connected one. Here\u2019s how to do that on different devices:<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Windows<\/strong>: Run the command: netsh wlan show networks.<\/li>\n
          2. Mac<\/strong>: Click the WiFi icon to see all nearby SSIDs.<\/li>\n
          3. Android\/iOS<\/strong>: Use apps like WiFi analyzer (Android) or Network Analyzer (iOS)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            How to Change an SSID Network Name<\/h2>\n

            Most routers come with a default SSID name. However, it\u2019s better to change the SSID for easier identification. For example, changing the router name to \u201cHomeWiFi123\u201d makes it easier to identify than a default router name. Here\u2019s how to change the SSID of your WiFi network:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • Connect to your router via WiFi or an Ethernet cable.<\/li>\n
            • Open your preferred web browser, like Chrome<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
            • Enter your router\u2019s IP address. This varies depending on the router<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
            • Log in with the admin credentials<\/strong>. Check the router label<\/strong> or manual<\/strong> if unsure.<\/li>\n
            • Go to Advanced Settings > WiFi<\/strong>. Look for Wireless<\/strong>, WiFi Settings<\/strong>, or Network Name (SSID)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
            • Enter a new SSID<\/strong> name.<\/li>\n
            • Save changes<\/strong>. The router may restart.<\/li>\n
            • Your devices will disconnect after you save the changes. Reconnect using the new SSID<\/strong> and password.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              FAQs – SSID<\/h2>\n\n
              \n
              \n
              \n How do I find my SSID? <\/div>\n
              \n
              \n

              Here\u2019s how to find your SSID:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.<\/li>\n
              • On macOS, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. The SSID is the network name you\u2019re connected to.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
                \n
                \n What is SSID in a Wi-Fi connection? <\/div>\n
                \n
                \n

                SSID (Service Set identifier) is the name of the wireless network. It helps you find the wifi network and connect to it. For example, WiFi123 can be the name of your home wifi network, and that is how you distinguish it from other networks.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

                \n
                \n Is SSID just my WiFi name? <\/div>\n
                \n
                \n

                Yes, SSID is just your WiFi name. It is only the name that you identify your WiFi network with.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

                \n
                \n Is SSID the same as password? <\/div>\n
                \n
                \n

                No, WiFi SSID is only the network name and not your WiFi network\u2019s password. It only helps you identify the wifi network.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

                \n
                \n How to know what is my SSID? <\/div>\n
                \n
                \n

                The steps to find your SSID name differ depending on the device you\u2019re using. Here\u2019s how to find your WiFi SSID on Windows and macOS:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.<\/li>\n
                • On macOS, click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. The SSID is the network name you\u2019re connected to.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  <\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
                  \n
                  \n What is SSID when connecting to WiFi? <\/div>\n
                  \n
                  \n

                  SSID is the name of the WiFi network that identifies it to users. You\u2019ll see the different SSIDs when you scan for available WiFi networks; however, you can distinguish the wifi network you plan to connect to based on its name.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

                  Wrapping Up<\/h2>\n

                  Your network SSID name doesn\u2019t have to do anything with your wifi password; it\u2019s only the WiFi network\u2019s name that helps you identify the network. You can find the name through your phone\u2019s WiFi settings. And, you can always change the network SSID name via the router\u2019s admin portal.<\/p>\n

                  \n\t

                  Secure and Create Stronger Passwords Now!<\/h2>\n\t

                  Generate passkeys, store them in vaults, and safeguard sensitive data!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

                  \n\t
                  \n\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
                  \n\t\t

                  Subscribe to Our Newsletter <\/h3>\n\t\t

                  Receive the latest updates, trending posts, new package deals,and more from FastestPass via our email newsletter. <\/p>\n\t\t