If you’re looking to find the SSID of your network, there are a few different ways you can go about it. In this article, we’ll show you a few different methods you can use to find your SSID.
What is SSID?
Before finding the perfect SSID for your network, it is important to understand what SSID is. SSID stands for Service Set Identifier, which in short, is the name of your network. A list of all the networks (SSIDs) near you can be seen when you open the Wi-Fi settings on your phone or computer.
SSIDs can be up to 32 characters in length. Network providers usually have default names for SSIDs, which usually are letters and numbers, which the user can change. It is always a good idea to change the name and password of your SSID network from the default for security purposes because you wouldn’t want strangers using your connection!
The default SSID usually includes the name of the router’s manufacturer or the internet provider name, which makes it easier for hackers to identify your router and guess the network key.
How do I pick a name for my Service Set Identifier (SSID)?
If you decide to change the name of your network connection from the default name to something more personal, you should keep a few things in mind. First of all, it is important to remember that it is easy to get carried away when thinking of creative names. One thing to keep in mind is that anyone visiting your house would probably want to connect to your Wi-Fi. Therefore, it is important to pick a decent name for your SSID. Your SSID should be something simple that is easy to identify among all the other networks. It should ideally not have a lot of numbers. Your SSID must not contain any personal information, for example, your address or phone number, because anyone with a smartphone or a computer can spot your SSID, and it is public knowledge.
How do I choose a password?
It is highly recommended by professionals that you change your password from the default set password when you get a new connection. Some companies make it compulsory for users to set a personalized password at the first login for security reasons.
The password for your SSID should be strong, ideally a combination of upper-case and lower-case letters and numbers, but should also be something you can remember easily. Ideally, it would be best if you kept changing your password every few months. This technique would ensure that no one got hold of your password and used your network. If someone uses your network, you can face issues like reduced speed, reaching your download limit, and security issues as someone with the right tools can use your network to get your passwords and personal information. Even your credit card information is not safe if unknown people get hold of your SSID.
Lastly, you must not share your password with everyone. You can set specific settings for guests who can use your connection and their permissions if you want.
How to find your Service Set Identifier (SSID)?
Router
If you have a new connection or if you didn’t change your SSID’s name from the default setting, you’re in luck! Your router should have a sticker on the bottom with the SSID’s default name and password. This method is not applicable if you changed your SSID’s name or password when you got a connection installed.
If you need to find your SSID and the only thing available to you is your router, you can try resetting the router. This process will reset the router to default settings which mean that you will now use the default name and password to connect to this network. Resetting the router may cause the devices that are already connected to disconnect. You will have to connect those devices again manually.
Windows
To find your SSID on windows, you need to follow two simple steps:
- Locate the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right corner of your screen and click on it.
- This click gives a dropdown list of all available wireless networks near you.
- If you are connected to an SSID, it will be shown at the top of the list, with an option to disconnect.
MacOS
- Locate the Wi-Fi icon at the upper right corner of your screen and click on it.
- This click gives a list of all available Wi-Fi networks near you.
- The SSID you are currently connected to will be in blue with a tick mark next to it.
Android
- On your Android phone, go to settings and then to Wi-Fi.
- You can also scroll down from the top of the screen and press and hold the Wi-Fi icon for 5 seconds to open the Wi-Fi settings.
- You will see a list of available networks near you. The SSID you are currently connected to will show connected.
iOS
- On your iPhone, go to settings and then to Wi-Fi
- You will see a list of available networks near you. The SSID you are currently connected to will have a checkmark next to it.
Should I hide my Service Set Identifier (SSID)?
You can hide your Service Set Identifier if you don’t want your network to be visible publicly. If you decide to hide your SSID, you should keep in mind that you will have to connect all new devices manually by going into settings and entering the SSID of your device and its password.
What happens if there are two SSIDs with the same name?
One of the reasons why it is recommended that you change the name of your SSID from the default settings is to avoid such confusion. While this will not be an issue if your device is already connected to the network, there will be confusion when you connect additional devices because you won’t know which connection is yours. If your device disconnects, it will try reconnecting with the network with the strongest signal, which might not be your network, and you will get an error.
What can I do for additional security?
Even though you can get by, by changing your Wi-Fi password regularly and making sure your network has a strong password that you don’t share with everyone, there are additional measures that you can take to increase your digital security.
One thing you can do for additional security is to install a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN ensures that the connection between the device (your laptop or phone) and the internet is encrypted. Setting up a VPN ensures that your IP address is hidden, and no one can monitor your activity. This also prevents third-party harvesting companies from using data from your activity to their advantage. An added advantage of a VPN is that you can mask your location and access pages that may not be available to you otherwise.
You can install a VPN in multiple ways. The easiest way would be to install a VPN on your router, which would mean that all the devices that use this network are automatically protected. However, this might not be available in all routers.
VPNs can also be installed separately on the device you are using. They can be in the form of a mobile phone application for your android phone or iOS, or they can come in the form of browser add-ins or installed software on the computer. There are many options for choosing which VPN to use based on your need and budget. One thing to keep in mind is that using a VPN might reduce the speed of your internet connection, so you might want to keep that in mind when selecting a provider. Usually, premium providers ensure high speeds even when using a VPN network.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, finding the SSID of your network can be a simple process if you know where to look. Whether you are using a Windows or Mac computer, or even a mobile device, there are a few different ways to view your SSID. Once you have found it, you can use it to connect to your network and enjoy a fast and reliable connection.
