How to Check your SSID on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, & Linux

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Learn what an SSID is and how you can find yours
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SSID stands for "service set identifier." This is simply the name of the wireless internet network your computer and other devices are connected to. The SSID is usually determined by your wireless router. Routers usually come with an SSID already assigned by the manufacturer or your internet service provider. However, you can log in to your router's user interface and assign your own SSID. This wikiHow article teaches you how to find out the SSID for the wireless network your computer is connected to.

Check Your SSID on a Computer

Click the Wi-Fi icon, which usually resembles a fan. It's in the menu bar or taskbar. Then check the name of the wireless network you are connected to. Click the Wi-Fi icon to see a list of all available Wi-Fi networks.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Using Windows

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  1. It's in the lower-right corner in the taskbar on most Windows computers. On Windows 10, this will open the Wi-Fi Network menu. On Windows 11, this displays the Quick Settings menu. [1]
    • You may first have to click ^ to view the Wi-Fi icon.
    • If you see an icon that resembles a wired globe, your computer is not currently connected to any network. If you see an icon that resembles a computer screen with a wired cord next to it, your computer is connected to the internet via a wired connection instead of a wireless network.
  2. On Windows 10, it will appear at the top of the pop-up window. You'll see "Connected" beneath its name. On Windows 11, it will appear below the Wi-Fi icon in the upper-right corner of the Quick Settings menu.
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  3. This displays all available networks. The network you are currently connected to will appear at the top.
  4. You'll see a list of network names in the pop-up window; each of these names is a specific network's SSID. [2]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Using Mac

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  1. It's in the upper-right corner in the menu bar at the top of your Mac. [3]
    • If you see an icon that resembles a fan with no bars in it, this means Wi-Fi is currently turned off. Click this icon and then click the toggle switch to turn it on.
  2. It'll be at the top of the Wi-Fi menu. It will have a blue Wi-Fi icon next to it. The more bars you see in the Wi-Fi icon, the stronger the network signal strength. [4]
  3. Any network names you see here are the SSIDs of other networks near you. [5]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Using Chromebook

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  1. It's in the lower-right corner of your Chromebook's desktop. This displays your desktop's Quick Settings menu.
  2. It will be displayed under the Wi-Fi symbol, which resembles a fan.
  3. It's the icon that resembles a fan. This displays all available networks.
  4. You will see all available networks listed in the pop-up menu along with the specific SSID. [6]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Using Linux

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  1. Look for the Network icon. It usually resembles a fan. It's usually in the upper-right corner or lower-right corner, but may be different depending on your Linux distribution. Click the Wi-Fi tab and check the name of the network you are currently connected to.
  2. If you can't find the Network Manager icon, or your Linux distribution doesn't have it, you can check your SSID in the Terminal. You can either click the icon that resembles a black screen with a white cursor or use the keyboard shortcut (which is usually Ctrl + Alt + T) to open the Terminal.
  3. This displays a list of all available networks. Your SSID is the network you are currently connected to, which is usually the first entry in the list.
  4. This is another Terminal command that allows you to view your SSID and available networks. Your current SSID will be displayed in the "ESSID" field. [7]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Using Your Router's Web Interface

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  1. Consult the user's manual for your router to see what the default IP address is. Common default IP addresses include "10.0.0.1," "192.128.0.1," or "192.168.1.1."
    • You can often find the default IP address, as well as the SSID and password printed on your router either on the bottom or back of your router.
  2. Enter the default username and password to log in to your router . The default username is often "admin" and the default password is often either "password" or it is simply left blank.
    • Consult the user's manual or contact your internet service provider if you need help logging in to your router.
  3. The user interface will look different depending on the make and model of your router. Look for a tab or button that says "Wireless" or "SSID" or something similar.
  4. The name of your SSID will usually be listed next to "SSID" or "Network Name." If you have a multi-band router, you may have a different SSID for your 5 Ghz and 2.5 Ghz network.
    • If you want to change your SSID or password , you can do so on the SSID page of your router's user interface. Simply enter a new SSID and/or password and click the option to save your settings.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I find my SSID on my HP PC?
    Community Answer
    HP is a brand. You're most likely running a Windows OS. Thus, please refer to method 1 of this article, "Finding Available SSIDs in Windows."
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    Not Helpful 52 Helpful 93
  • Question
    How do I connect my tablet to the Internet?
    Community Answer
    Visit your settings folder, then look for a section called "WiFi" or "Internet." Tap on that heading to reveal WiFi hotspots near you. Tap the name of the network to which you wish to connect and enter the password, if necessary, to connect to the Internet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 30 Helpful 28
  • Question
    How do I find my SSID on my Samsung smart phone?
    Community Answer
    Go to Settings > Wi-Fi. There you will find all the available SSIDs of the Wi-Fi networks around you, and the SSID of the network to which you are currently connected.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • To view a network's factory-assigned SSID, you must look at the "Network Name" or "SSID" value on the bottom of the router itself.
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      Warnings

      • You cannot view another network's factory-assigned name without access to the physical router.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-your-mac-to-the-internet-using-wi-fi-mchlp1180/mac
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgGMpHR8R7k
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-your-mac-to-the-internet-using-wi-fi-mchlp1180/mac
      6. ↑ https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/1047420
      7. ↑ https://www.itdojo.com/courses-linux/linuxwifi/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Click the Wi-Fi icon.
      2. View the available network names ( SSIDs ).

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