Your IP:
Your Location:
Your Status:
VeePN Blog VeePN Blog
  • Apps
    • All Apps
    • Windows
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Smart TV
    • Fire TV
    • Andriod TV
    • Apple TV
    • Router
    • Xbox
    • PlayStation
    • Chrome
    • Firefox
    • Edge
  • Features
    • All Features
    • VPN Servers
    • Double VPN
    • No Log VPN
    • Kill Switch
    • NetGuard
    • Extra Features
  • What is VPN?
    • How does a VPN work?
    • Access Content
    • Unblock Websites
    • VPN for Gaming
    • Streaming Media
    • Streaming Music
    • VPN for Netflix
    • Internet Privacy
    • Anonymous IP
    • Conceal Identity
    • Prevent Tracking
    • Save Money
    • Online Security
    • VPN Encryption
    • What’s my IP
    • Hide your IP
  • Pricing
  • Help
Get VeePN
Digital identity Safe surfing Mobile security Wireless security Big brother
More categories
Good to know Online threats Entertainment Hackerwatch Cryptocurrency
Digital identity Safe surfing
More
Mobile security Wireless security Big brother Good to know Online threats Entertainment Hackerwatch Cryptocurrency
Digital identity Safe surfing Mobile security Wireless security Big brother Good to know Online threats Entertainment Hackerwatch Cryptocurrency
Search
Blog Good to know

SSID: What Is It and How to Find It?

Avatar photo
VeePN Research Lab
March 9, 2023
Good to know
8 min read
SSID: What Is It and How to Find It?

Secure your digital life with VeePN

  • Privacy on any Wi-Fi
  • No data and speed caps
  • One account, 10 devices
  • 2 500+ servers in 89 locations
Get VeePN Now
Quick Navigation
1. What is SSID?
2. How to find SSID?
3. Should you hide your SSID?
4. More tips on how to secure your network
5. Protect your home network with VeePN
6. FAQs

When you see a list of Wi-Fi networks on your device, most of them have common names related to particular router firmware. However, you may also bump into quite unusual ones, such as Mom Use This One, Martin Router King, No Free Wi-Fi for You, and so on. Either creative or common, these are SSIDs of the available networks.

Finding and changing your personal SSID is fairly easy. You can even hide it from other users’ eyes. But will it impact the security of your home network? Spoiler: not really. Keep reading this article to find out what SSID is, how to find it on your device, and whether changing or hiding it will protect your network. 

What is SSID?

Before diving deeper into details, let’s start with the explanation of SSID meaning. 

SSID (Service Set Identifier) is your Wi-Fi network’s name. Usually, it consists of your router manufacturer’s name combined with additional letters or numbers. Some common examples of default SSIDs are TP-Link_119, Netgear_39, and so on. As for a custom SSID, the only regulation is its length – up to 32 characters. There are no limitations regarding the minimum size, though. 

The main reason for changing SSID is to make it recognizable among many other options. People often change their network names to something standard, like “home,” “default,” or “Alex.” However, as mentioned above, many come up with creative and funny Wi-Fi names. Here are several examples for your inspiration. 

Examples of funny network names
Source: TurboFuture

Such names are easy to remember and will definitely stand out from the rest of the networks on the list. However, keep in mind that your SSID will be visible to anybody trying to connect to your network, so make sure the joke is neither vulgar nor offensive. 

Besides, it’s better not to include any private information in your SSID. Make it easy to identify but not too personal, since anybody nearby can see your network’s name.

Now that you know the SSID definition and its key specifics, let’s get straight to the point and explain how to find the name of your network on your device. 

How to find SSID?

On most devices and operating systems, you can find your SSID in the Wi-Fi connection menu. That is the name of the network you’re connected to. And note that even if another nearby network has the same default SSID name, it’s not a problem while you’re connected to your personal Wi-Fi. However, if you somehow get disconnected, similar SSIDs on the list may cause confusion.

Here is how to find your SSID depending on your device and OS type. 

How to find SSID on Windows

  1. Find the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of the screen
Find the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of the screen
Source: wikiHow
  1. Head to the list of available Wi-Fi networks
  2. At the very top of this section, you will see the SSID you’re connected to
Your SSID will be at the top of the list
Source: wikiHow

How to find SSID on macOS

  1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon on the top right corner of the screen
  2. You will see the list of the available networks located nearby
  3. The network name highlighted in blue color is your SSID
On macOS, the network name highlighted in blue color is your SSID

How to find SSID on Android

  1. Open your Settings and go to the Wi-Fi section
  2. Your SSID will be marked as Connected
SSID on your Android will be marked as Connected
Source: ProfAndroid.com

How to find SSID on iOS

  1. Go to your Settings and open the Wi-Fi section
  2. The network name with a checkmark is your SSID
On your iPhone, the network name with a checkmark is your SSID
Source: iOS Gadget Hacks

How to find SSID on router

You can also find your SSID on the bottom side of your router. Normally, it is placed on a sticker next to the barcode and named “SSID” or “Network Name.” You will also find the essential information about your router’s security there, such as your WEP, WPA/WPA2, or WPS PIN. However, looking for your SSID on your router will not help you if you change your network name to something else.

Now it’s time to find out whether it’s possible to hide your network name from the public. 

Should you hide your SSID?

A hidden SSID is not displayed on the list of available networks. People sometimes hide their SSIDs to protect themselves from third-party monitoring. However, such a trick won’t be really effective against potential cyber threats. If someone attempts to compromise your network’s security or interfere with your online activities, a hidden name of your Wi-Fi won’t stop them. Third parties will still be able to see your private information, such as your IP, ISP’s name, location, and so on. 

If you still want to hide your SSID from prying eyes, you can do it in your router settings. To access them, you will need to enter your IP address in the search bar of your browser. The further steps depend on your router’s firmware.

However, if you want to enhance your Internet privacy and protect your device from potential threats, it’s worth turning to more advanced security measures. Here are some useful tips on protecting your home network.

More tips on how to secure your network

Here are several recommendations on how to enhance the security of your personal Wi-Fi network.

1. Regularly change your network’s password 

Although your home network is less vulnerable to cyber attacks than public Wi-Fi hotspots, hackers may still try to compromise it. So make sure to create strong passwords and regularly change them.

2. Update your router’s firmware

Just like any other device, a router needs to be up to date to work properly. Do not sleep on updates to keep your home network stable and secure.

3. Do not connect to unprotected networks

If for some reason, your connection with your personal network was lost, you may accidentally reconnect to another hotspot nearby. Such free Wi-Fi spots aren’t protected with passwords, which makes them a goldmine for cybercriminals. Keep yourself away from such networks and make sure your device doesn’t automatically connect to unverified hotspots.  

4. Set up a VPN for your router

A virtual private network (VPN) is one of the most efficient cybersecurity tools to protect your private data from potential hacks and take your online privacy to the next level. It creates an encrypted tunnel that runs your traffic through a remote VPN server leaving no chance for snoopers to compromise your activities. That’s because it hides your IP address and blocks any attempts of third-party monitoring. Besides, a powerful cybersecurity feature, such as VeePN’s NetGuard, will help you avoid malicious links, malware-infected pop-ups, and intrusive ads.

Moreover, it’s possible to protect not just a single device, but your entire home network by using a VPN for your router. As a result, all of your gadgets, from your mobile phone and laptop to Smart TV, will be covered with a VPN solution. For more information, read our detailed guide on how to install a VPN on your router.

Protect your home network with VeePN

Looking for a powerful tool to enhance the security of your home network? Check out VeePN! It’s a reputable VPN service with many helpful features to protect your browsing experience. In particular, VeePN will shield your data with reliable AES-256 encryption, helping you avoid third-party monitoring and stay away from cyber threats. You can safeguard your network by installing VeePN on your router or enhance your Internet privacy by getting a VeePN client app for your device, whether macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android. Download VeePN now and take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee!

FAQs

Is SSID the Wi-Fi name?

Yes, SSID (Service Set IDentifier) is a technical term that stands for a Wi-Fi network name. Every network has its own SSID that can be either default (normally, it’s the name of your router plus a set of random numbers or letters) or a custom name you may create on your own. 

Is SSID the same as IP address?

No. SSID is a name that identifies a wireless network. It is set by default and can be changed to a custom one. In contrast, an IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique set of numbers with periods that identifies every device communicating over a network. You cannot customize your IP, but you can change or hide it with the help of a VPN to enhance your Internet privacy and conceal your online identity. 

Why should I change my SSID name?

A default SSID is usually the name of your router and a set of additional numbers or letters. Changing it to a custom SSID is not necessary, but you can do it if you want to make your network’s name easy to recognize. For instance, many come up with creative SSIDs, such as jokes and puns. Read more in our article.

Where do I find my SSID?

You can find your SSID in the list of the available wireless networks on your device. Usually, it is highlighted with a check mark or placed on the top of the list. Read this article to learn how to find your SSID on different types of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Knowledge is power, VeePN is freedom
Get VeePN Now
30-day money-back guarantee
Related Posts
Firefox vs. Chrome: Which Browser to Choose for Better Privacy?
Firefox vs. Chrome: Which Browser to Choose for Better Privacy?
Safe surfing 10 min read

Firefox vs. Chrome: Which Browser to Choose for Better Privacy?

VeePN Research Lab
May 25
Keep your personal data private.
Protect yourself with VeePN
Get VeePN Now Learn More
Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.
Related Posts
Chrome vs Edge: Which Offers Better Features and Security?
Chrome vs Edge: Which Offers Better Features and Security?
Safe surfing 10 min read

Chrome vs Edge: Which Offers Better Features and Security?

According to the latest statistics, Google Chrome remains the most popular browser (over 66% of users prefer it on desktop and mobile devices). But despite its dominance in the market, is it the best choice for your privacy? Google has long been associated with collecting customer data and using it to spread targeted ads. No wonder many seek some decent Chrome alternatives, one of which is Edge – a web browser by Mircosoft. So, which of them is more secure and convenient? Read on to explore the key differences between Chrome vs. Edge.

VeePN Research Lab
May 30
This Song Is Not Currently Available in Your Country or Region (Fix This Issue)
This Song Is Not Currently Available in Your Country or Region (Fix This Issue)
Entertainment 10 min read

This Song Is Not Currently Available in Your Country or Region (Fix This Issue)

Got ready to jam out to your favorite song, only to be greeted with the disappointing message: “This song is not currently available in your country or region”? Fear not, fellow music lover! We’ve got your back and a trick or two up our sleeves to fix this pesky issue. Get ready to unlock a world of music and dance like nobody’s watching. Let’s dive in and open the global jukebox together.

VeePN Research Lab
May 26
Firefox vs. Chrome: Which Browser to Choose for Better Privacy?
Firefox vs. Chrome: Which Browser to Choose for Better Privacy?
Safe surfing 10 min read

Firefox vs. Chrome: Which Browser to Choose for Better Privacy?

Picking a web browser that is both safe and convenient may turn out to be a more challenging task than it seems. Most Internet users still prefer Chrome due to its seamless integrations with other Google services like Gmail and Google Maps. But if you want to share less of your data with this online advertising giant, you may consider an alternative solution like Mozilla Firefox. But is there any difference between these two browsers in terms of privacy and security, really? Read along to learn more about the Firefox vs. Chrome difference and find some extra tips on how to protect yourself online.

VeePN Research Lab
May 25
Products chevron
  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Edge
General chevron
  • What Is a VPN?
  • VPN Software
  • Features
  • Pricing
  • Student Discount
  • Servers
  • Blog
Help chevron
  • Support Center
  • Contact Us
  • FAQ
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Warrant Canary
Benefits chevron
  • Access Content
  • Internet Privacy
  • Online Security
  • Anonymous IP
  • VPN for Gaming
  • Prevent Tracking
Tools chevron
  • What Is My IP?
  • Hide Your IP
Earn Money chevron
  • Affiliates

© 2023 VeePN. All Rights Reserved. 50th and 59th Str., Nuevo Reparto, Paitilla, Duplex 8E, Panama