Where to find your WiFi username on your device

Your WiFi username — also called the network name or SSID — appears in your device's list of available networks. On Windows, click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. On Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner. On phones and tablets, open Settings and look for WiFi or Network settings. The name you see in that list is your WiFi username.

If you see multiple network names and are not sure which one is yours, look for the one with the strongest signal — usually shown as filled bars next to the name. The network you are currently connected to will have a checkmark or "connected" label next to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi username is the network name that appears when you look at available WiFi networks on any device.
  • You can find it by opening WiFi settings on your phone, computer, or tablet and looking at the list of nearby networks.
  • Your router's sticker or manual shows the default username and password if you have never changed them.
  • If you changed your WiFi username and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings, though this erases all your custom settings.

Check your router's sticker or manual

The easiest place to find your WiFi username and password is on a sticker attached to your router itself. Most routers have a label on the bottom or back that lists the default network name and password. The sticker usually shows "Network Name" or "SSID" followed by the username, and "Password" or "Key" followed by the password.

If the sticker is worn or missing, check the manual that came with your router or search online for your router's model number. The model number is also printed on the sticker. You can type the model number into a search engine along with "default password" to find the information.

Log into your router to see or change your WiFi username

If you changed your WiFi username from the default and cannot remember it, you can log into your router's settings page. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password — these are different from your WiFi username and are usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password on your router's sticker.

Once you are logged in, look for a section called "WiFi," "Wireless," "Network," or "Settings." Your current WiFi username will be listed there. You can also change it to something new if you want. Write down whatever you find so you do not lose it again.

If you cannot log in with the default credentials, your router may have been set up with a custom admin password. In that case, you will need to reset the router to factory settings — see the next section.

Reset your router if you cannot remember anything

If you cannot log into your router and do not have the sticker, you can reset it to factory settings. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Use a paperclip or the tip of a pen to hold the button down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart.

After the reset, your WiFi username and password will return to the defaults printed on the sticker. This erases any custom settings you made, including any changes to your WiFi password, port forwarding, or parental controls. You will need to set those up again if you want them.

If you do not see a reset button, check your router's manual or search for "[your router model] reset button" online. Some routers require you to hold down a power button instead, or to unplug and replug the power cable while holding another button.

What to do if your router does not have a sticker

If your router has no sticker and you cannot find the manual, search for your router's model number online. You can find the model number on the back or bottom of the device, or by logging into your router's settings page and looking for "Device Information" or "System." Once you have the model number, search "[model number] default password" to find the default username and password.

If the router is very old or was a custom model from your internet service provider, the default information may not be available online. In that case, contact your internet provider's support line — they can tell you the default credentials or help you reset the router remotely.

Difference between WiFi username and WiFi password

Your WiFi username is the name of the network itself — the one you see and click on when you connect a device. Your WiFi password is the secret code you type in after you select the network. You need both to connect a new device to your WiFi.

Some people use "WiFi username" and "WiFi password" interchangeably, but they are different things. The username is public — anyone nearby can see it in their list of available networks. The password is private — only people who know it can connect. If you want to keep people out of your WiFi, change the password. If you want to change how your network appears to others, change the username.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my WiFi password if I forgot it?

Yes. On Windows, go to Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, click your network, then click "Show" next to the password field. On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password," and enter your computer password. On phones, you usually cannot see a saved password without resetting the network.

What if I changed my WiFi username and now I cannot connect?

Your devices are looking for the old network name. Go to your device's WiFi settings, forget the old network, then search for and select the new network name. You will be asked to enter the password. If you do not remember the new password, log into your router at 192.168.1.1 to check or change it.

Is my WiFi username the same as my internet provider's username?

No. Your WiFi username is the network name on your router. Your internet provider username is what you use to log into your account online or to pay your bill. They are completely separate. Your router creates the WiFi network; your provider creates your internet connection.

Can I have two WiFi usernames on one router?

Many modern routers support two networks at once — usually a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network, each with its own name and password. Some routers also let you create a guest network with a different name. Check your router's settings page to see what options are available.