Your WiFi network name is printed on your router or shown in your device settings

The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is straightforward the name of your WiFi network — the one you see when you open the list of available networks on your phone or laptop. You can find it three ways: look at a sticker on your router itself, check your router's settings page in a web browser, or look at the networks your device can see right now.

Most people find their SSID the fastest way: by looking at the sticker on the bottom or back of their router. Your internet provider or router manufacturer printed the network name there when they shipped it to you. If that sticker is missing or faded, your device can show you the name when ready, or you can log into the router's settings to see it.

Key Takeaways

  • The SSID sticker is usually on the bottom or back of your router and shows both the network name and the password you need to connect.
  • Any device already connected to your WiFi can show you the SSID in its network settings without needing a password.
  • You can also log into your router's settings page using a web browser to see the SSID and change it if you want.
  • The SSID is not the same as your internet password — it is the network name you see when you search for WiFi.

Check the sticker on your router

The easiest place to find your SSID is on a label attached to your router. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom, back, or side that lists the network name and password. The label usually says "SSID" or "Network Name" followed by the actual name — for example, "SSID: Netgear-5G" or "WiFi Name: Spectrum-Guest".

If your router is mounted on a wall or tucked behind furniture, you may need to unplug it or move it slightly to read the sticker. Write down the SSID exactly as it appears, including capital letters and numbers, because you will need it to connect new devices.

Find the SSID on your phone or computer

Any device that is already connected to your WiFi can show you the network name without you needing to touch the router. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then WiFi, and look at the network name next to the checkmark — that is your SSID. On Android, open Settings, go to WiFi or Network, and tap the network you are connected to; the name at the top is your SSID.

On a Windows computer, click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. The network you are connected to is listed at the top with a checkmark. On a Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner and look for the network with a checkmark next to it.

Log into your router's settings to see the SSID

If you cannot read the sticker and no device is connected, you can see your SSID by logging into the router itself. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will see a login page asking for a username and password — these are usually printed on the same sticker as your SSID, or they may be "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password from the sticker.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi", "Wireless", "Network Name", or "SSID". The name of your network will be displayed there. If you cannot remember your router's login password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds, but this will erase any changes you made and set the network back to the default name on the sticker.

Understand what the SSID is and is not

The SSID is the name you see when you search for WiFi networks — it is not your internet password or your router password. You can share your SSID with anyone because it is public information; the password is what keeps people from connecting without permission. You can change your SSID to anything you want (usually in the router settings under WiFi or Wireless), but changing it will disconnect all your devices until you reconnect them with the new name.

Some routers broadcast two SSIDs at once: one for the regular 2.4 GHz band and one for the faster 5 GHz band. They may have similar names, like "Netgear-2.4G" and "Netgear-5G", or the same name with a "-5G" suffix. Both are your network; you can connect to either one depending on which gives you better speed or range in your home.

What to do if you cannot find your SSID

If the sticker is completely gone and you cannot log into the router, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Once it boots up, check if any devices in your home are still connected — if they are, you can see the SSID from that device's settings. If no devices are connected, you will need to reset the router to factory settings using the reset button, which will restore the default SSID printed on the label (if you can find it) or in your router's manual.

If you still cannot find the SSID, contact your internet provider's customer support. They have a record of your router and can tell you the default network name or send you a replacement router with the information clearly labeled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the SSID the same as my WiFi password?

No. The SSID is the network name you see when you search for WiFi. The password is what you type to connect to it. Both are usually on the router sticker, but they are different things. You can share the SSID with anyone, but keep the password private.

Can I change my SSID?

Yes. Log into your router settings (usually at 192.168.1.1), find the WiFi or Wireless section, and change the name to whatever you want. Keep it straightforward and avoid special characters. All your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new name.

Why do I see two SSIDs with almost the same name?

Your router is broadcasting on two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band is usually faster but has shorter range. Both are your network. You can connect to whichever one gives you better speed or signal strength where you are in your home.

What if I forgot my router login password?

Hold down the reset button on the back of your router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. This erases all your settings and restores the router to factory defaults, including the default SSID and password on the sticker. You will need to set up your WiFi again from scratch.