Where to find your WiFi username right now

Your WiFi username — also called the network name or SSID — is visible on any device connected to your network. On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, then click the network you use and look for "Network name". On Mac, hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the top menu bar; your network name appears in the list. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > WiFi and look at the network with a checkmark next to it. On Android, open Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi and find the connected network at the top of the list.

If you cannot see your network name from a connected device, you can find it by looking at your router itself. Most routers have a sticker on the bottom or back that lists the default network name and password. The network name is usually printed next to "SSID" or "Network Name". If the sticker is worn or missing, you can log into your router's settings page to see the name there.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi username is the network name that appears when you search for available networks on your phone or computer.
  • Connected devices show your network name in WiFi settings — Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android all display it in different locations.
  • Your router's sticker on the bottom or back usually lists the default network name if you cannot find it in device settings.
  • If you changed your network name from the default, you can log into your router to see what you named it.

Finding your network name on Windows computers

On Windows 10 or 11, the fastest way is through Settings. Click the Start menu, type "WiFi settings" and open it. Select "Manage Known Networks" on the left side. You will see a list of every network your computer has ever connected to. Click the one you are currently using, and a window opens showing the network name at the top. This is your WiFi username.

If you want to see all available networks instead — including ones you have not connected to yet — click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. A list appears showing every network broadcasting in your area. Your connected network has a checkmark next to it. The name shown there is your WiFi username.

Finding your network name on Mac and iPhone

On a Mac, the quickest method is to hold the Option key and click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of your menu bar. A dropdown menu appears showing your connected network name at the top, along with signal strength and other details. This is your WiFi username. You can also go to System Settings > Network > WiFi and click "Details" next to your connected network.

On iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap WiFi. The network with a checkmark next to it is the one you are connected to — that name is your WiFi username. If you want to see the password as well, tap the information icon (the small "i" in a circle) next to the network name, though you may need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID first.

Finding your network name on Android devices

Android phones and tablets show your WiFi username in Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi. The network you are currently connected to appears at the top of the list with a "Connected" label underneath. That network name is your WiFi username. Tap it to see more details, including the signal strength and security type.

Different Android manufacturers arrange these menus slightly differently — Samsung, Google Pixel, and other brands may label things differently — but the WiFi settings are always in the Network section. If you cannot find it, search "WiFi" in your device's Settings search bar and it will take you directly to the right page.

Checking your router for the default network name

If you have never changed your WiFi settings, your network name is the default one that came with your router. Flip your router over or look at the back. Most routers have a sticker listing the default network name next to "SSID" or "Network Name". Common default names look like "NETGEAR-2847" or "TP-Link-5G" — they usually include the router brand and some numbers. Write down exactly what the sticker says, including capital letters and numbers.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can find the default name in your router's manual or on the manufacturer's website. Search for your router model number (also on the sticker) plus "default SSID" and you will find what the factory name should be.

Logging into your router to see what you named it

If you changed your network name from the default, you can see what you named it by logging 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. A login page appears asking for a username and password — these are usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password on your router's sticker, depending on the brand.

Once logged in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings", "Wireless", or "Network". Your network name will be listed there. If you cannot remember your router password, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase your custom network name and return it to the default, so only do this if you are willing to set everything up again.

What to do if you still cannot find it

If you have tried all these steps and still cannot locate your network name, contact your internet service provider or router manufacturer. Have your router model number ready — it is on the sticker on the back. They can tell you what the default network name should be or walk you through logging into your router settings. If you are renting and the router belongs to your landlord or property manager, they may have set up a custom network name and can tell you what it is.

You can also ask anyone else in your household who uses the WiFi — they may remember what the network name is or have it written down somewhere. If the router is brand new and you have not set it up yet, check the box it came in; many manufacturers include a quick-start guide with the default network name printed on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my WiFi username the same as my WiFi password?

No. Your WiFi username is the network name you see when searching for networks. Your password is what you type to connect to it. They are two separate things. You can change one without changing the other.

Can I change my WiFi username?

Yes. Log into your router settings (usually at 192.168.1.1), find the WiFi or Wireless settings section, and change the network name to whatever you want. The change takes effect when ready, and all your devices will need to reconnect using the new name.

Why does my network name have numbers at the end?

That is the default name your router came with from the factory. It usually includes the router brand and a random set of numbers to make sure no two routers in your area have the exact same name. You can change it to anything you want in your router settings.

What if I see multiple networks with similar names?

If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, you may see two network names — often the same name with "-5G" or "-2.4G" at the end. Both are your network. Connect to whichever one gives you the best speed in your location.