Check Your Router's Sticker or Documentation

The fastest way to find your WiFi username is to look at the physical router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the network name (called the SSID) and password. The sticker is usually white or silver and contains login details printed in small text.

If you cannot find the sticker or it has worn away, check the paperwork that came with your router when you first set it up. The manual or quick-start guide often includes the default network name. You can also search online for your router model number — manufacturers like Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, and Arris publish default credentials on their support pages.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi username (network name or SSID) is printed on a sticker attached to the bottom or back of your router.
  • On Windows, you can see all nearby networks by clicking the WiFi icon in the system tray and looking at the list of available networks.
  • On Mac, hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar to see detailed information about your current network.
  • On iPhone or Android, go to Settings, find WiFi, and look for the network you are currently connected to — that name is your WiFi username.
  • If you changed the default name and cannot remember it, you may need to reset your router to factory settings, which erases your custom name and password.

Find Your WiFi Name on Windows

On Windows 10 or 11, click the WiFi icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen (in the system tray). A panel will open showing all available networks near you. The network you are currently connected to will have a checkmark next to it — that is your WiFi username.

If you want more details about your connection, right-click the WiFi icon and select Open Network and Internet Settings. Then click WiFi on the left side, and select Manage Known Networks. You will see a list of every network your computer has connected to before, with the network name clearly labeled.

Another option is to open Command Prompt (search for "cmd" in the Windows search box) and type ipconfig /all. This shows technical details about your connection, including the network name under "Description" if you are currently connected.

Find Your WiFi Name on Mac

On macOS, hold the Option key and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen. A dropdown menu will appear showing details about your current network, including the network name (SSID) at the top of the list.

If you are not currently connected, click the WiFi icon without holding Option to see all available networks. Your network name will appear in the list. You can also go to System Preferences (or System Settings on newer Macs), click Network, select WiFi, and look for the network name in the dropdown menu.

Find Your WiFi Name on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap WiFi. You will see a list of available networks. The network with a checkmark next to it is the one you are currently connected to — that is your WiFi username. The name appears exactly as it broadcasts from your router.

If you want to see the password as well, tap the network name you are connected to and look for the password field. On newer iOS versions, you may need to tap Show Password to reveal it.

Find Your WiFi Name on Android

Open Settings and go to WiFi or Network and Internet (the exact path varies by phone maker). You will see a list of available networks. The network with a checkmark or "Connected" label is your current WiFi username.

Tap the network name to see more details, including the password if you need it. Some Android phones also show a gear icon next to the connected network — tap that to access additional settings and information.

What to Do If You Changed Your WiFi Name and Forgot It

If you customized your network name and cannot remember what you changed it to, you have two options. First, check any devices that are currently connected to the network — they will display the network name in their WiFi settings. Ask family members or guests who use your WiFi what name they see when they look for available networks.

If that does not work, you can reset your router to factory settings. This erases your custom network name and password and restores the default name printed on the router's sticker. To reset, hold down the small reset button on the back of the router for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. The router will restart and return to its default state. After reset, you can set up a new network name and password through the router's admin panel (usually accessed by typing the router's IP address into a web browser).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my WiFi username the same as my WiFi password?

No. Your WiFi username is the network name (SSID) that appears when you look for available networks. Your password is what you type to connect to that network. Both are usually printed on the router's sticker, but they are separate pieces of information.

Why do I see multiple network names near my home?

Those are networks from your neighbors' routers or other nearby devices. Your WiFi username is the specific network name you set up or that came with your router. Only that network will connect your devices to your internet service.

Can I change my WiFi username?

Yes. Log into your router's admin panel (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into a web browser) and look for WiFi settings or network name settings. You can change the SSID to any name you want. The change takes effect when ready, and all your devices will need to reconnect using the new name.

What if my router does not have a sticker with the network name?

Search online for your router model number (printed on the device) plus "default SSID" or "default network name." Manufacturers publish this information on their support websites. If your router was set up by an internet service provider, you can also call them — they have a record of what network name was assigned to your account.