How to Find Your WiFi Network Name on Any Device

Check the sticker on your router first

The fastest way to find your WiFi username — the network name your devices see when they search for WiFi — is to look at the physical router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the network name, often labeled as "SSID" or "Network Name". Write down exactly what you see, including capital letters and numbers, because WiFi names are case-sensitive when you type them in.

If the sticker is worn or missing, or if someone changed the network name after setup, you will need to check your router's settings instead. The method depends on what kind of router you have — your internet service provider's equipment, a separate router you bought, or both working together.

Key Takeaways

The network name sticker on your router's bottom or back is the quickest source, labeled as SSID or Network Name.
If the name was changed after setup, log into your router through a web browser using the admin password to see the current name.
Your router's default IP address is usually printed on the sticker or in your setup paperwork, typically 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
If you do not know the admin password, you can reset the router to factory settings, which restores the original network name and password.
On Windows, Mac, or phone, you can also see nearby network names in your WiFi settings, though this only shows the name, not the password.

Log into your router's settings page

If the sticker does not show the current network name, or if you need to confirm what name is actually broadcasting right now, you can view it in your router's settings. Open a web browser on any device connected to that WiFi network and type the router's IP address into the address bar. The most common addresses are 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's sticker or the paperwork that came with it to find the exact address.

When the login page appears, enter the admin username and password. For most routers, the username is "admin" and the password is either "admin" or "password", but this varies by brand. If those do not work, check the sticker on the router or search online for "[your router brand] default password". Once you are logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "WiFi Settings", or "Network Settings". The network name will be listed there, usually near the top of the page.

Find the network name in your device's WiFi settings

You can also see what WiFi networks are broadcasting near you by opening your device's WiFi settings, even if you are not connected. On Windows, click the WiFi icon in the system tray and look at the list of available networks — your network name will appear there. On a Mac, click the WiFi icon in the menu bar at the top right. On an iPhone or Android phone, go to Settings, then WiFi, and look at the list of available networks.

This method shows you the network name that is currently being broadcast, but it does not show you the password. It is useful if you want to confirm the exact spelling and capitalization of your network name before you try to connect a new device, or if you are trying to figure out which network in a crowded list is yours.

Reset your router if you cannot access the settings page

If you do not know the admin password and cannot log into the settings page, you can reset the router to its factory defaults. This will restore the original network name and password that came with the router, but it will also erase any custom settings you made — like a network name you created yourself. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router, usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pen to press it. Hold it down for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on, then release and wait for the lights to stop blinking.

After the reset completes, the router will broadcast its original network name again. Check the sticker on the router or the original setup paperwork to see what that name is. If you reset the router, you will need to reconnect all your devices and may need to set up your internet connection again, so only do this if you are certain you want to start over.

Understand the difference between network name and password

Your WiFi username is the network name — the text you see when you search for WiFi on your phone or computer. This is different from the WiFi password, which is what you type in to actually connect to that network. The network name is broadcast publicly so nearby devices can see it; the password is private and only you should know it.

Some routers broadcast the network name openly, while others have a setting to hide it. If your network is hidden, it will not appear in the list of available networks, but you can still connect to it by typing the name manually into your device's WiFi settings. If you have a hidden network and cannot remember the name, you will need to log into the router settings to see it.

Check your internet bill or service paperwork

If your router came from your internet service provider — meaning they installed it or you rented it from them — the original network name may be listed on your bill, in the welcome packet they sent, or on a card they left with your equipment. Look for paperwork that mentions "WiFi", "SSID", or "Network Name". Some providers print this information on the router itself in a different location than the sticker, such as inside the battery compartment or on a label on the power adapter.

If you cannot find the paperwork, you can contact your internet service provider's support line and give them your account number. They can tell you what the original network name was, though they may not be able to tell you if it has been changed since setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I see multiple network names and do not know which one is mine?

If you live in an apartment or near other homes, you will see many networks. Look for a name that matches something on your router's sticker or paperwork. If you still cannot tell, log into your router's settings page and check the network name there — that is the one that is definitely yours. You can also temporarily change the network name to something unique so you can identify it easily in the future.

Can I change my WiFi network name?

Yes. Log into your router's settings page, find the WiFi or Wireless Settings section, and look for a field labeled "SSID" or "Network Name". Type in the new name you want, save the changes, and the router will restart. All your devices will lose connection and you will need to reconnect them using the new network name.

Is the network name the same as the WiFi password?

No. The network name is what you see when you search for WiFi — it is public. The password is what you type to connect — it is private. You need both to connect a new device. The network name is often printed on your router; the password usually is too, but in a separate field.

What if the router sticker shows a network name but I do not see it in my WiFi list?

The network may be hidden, which means it is not broadcasting its name publicly. You can still connect by going to your device's WiFi settings and selecting the option to connect to a hidden network, then typing the name manually. Alternatively, log into the router settings and check if there is a setting to unhide the network.

Do I need the network name to reset my router?

No. You can reset a router without knowing the network name — just press and hold the reset button. After the reset, the router will broadcast its original network name again, which you can find on the sticker or in the original paperwork.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.