Open Wi-Fi settings on a device already connected to your network and look for the network marked Connected, checked, or selected. That network name is your Wi-Fi name, also called its SSID. If you cannot check a connected device, look for the default name on the router label or ask the person who manages the network.
What is a Wi-Fi name?
Your Wi-Fi name and SSID mean the same thing here: the name a wireless network advertises so devices can identify it. Apple Support defines the SSID as the name a network uses to advertise its presence to other devices. You see it in the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The network name is not the password. The name identifies which network to join; the password or security key is used to authenticate your device. If a setup screen asks for one or the other, check the field label before entering anything. Microsoft explains the distinction between a network name and security key.
Recommended Free Tools
Find the name on a device already connected
This is usually the fastest way to find the current name, especially if someone changed the router’s default settings. Open the device’s Wi-Fi settings or network menu and identify the network marked connected, selected, or checked. Menu names and layouts can vary by operating-system version and device maker.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-BAND WIFI 6 ROUTER: Wi-Fi 6(802.11ax) technology achieves faster speeds, greater capacity and reduced network congestion compared to the previous gen. All WiFi routers require a separate modem. Dual-Band WiFi routers do not support the 6 GHz band.
- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- CONNECT MORE DEVICES: Wi-Fi 6 technology communicates more data to more devices simultaneously using revolutionary OFDMA technology
- EXTENSIVE COVERAGE: Achieve the strong, reliable WiFi coverage with Archer AX1800 as it focuses signal strength to your devices far away using Beamforming technology, 4 high-gain antennas and an advanced front-end module (FEM) chipset
- OUR CYBERSECURITY COMMITMENT: TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
- Windows: Open the network menu from the taskbar and check which Wi-Fi network is connected. Microsoft’s connection guidance covers Windows 10 and Windows 11: Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows.
- Mac: Open the Wi-Fi menu in the menu bar or Wi-Fi settings and look for the selected or connected network.
- iPhone or iPad: Open Settings, then Wi-Fi. The connected network is indicated in the list.
- Android: Open Settings and find the Wi-Fi or Internet section. The connected network appears in the device’s network settings; wording varies by manufacturer and Android version.
Nintendo Support also provides device-specific directions for locating a router’s SSID on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS: How to Locate a Router’s SSID and SSID Broadcast Setting.
Check the router label—but treat it as a default
Look on the router’s bottom or side for a sticker or label. It may identify the network as “SSID,” “Network Name,” or “Wi-Fi Name.” That label generally shows the factory-default name, not necessarily the one currently in use. If the name was changed during setup, the live name shown on a connected device or in the router’s settings is more reliable.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
The label may also list a Wi-Fi password or security key. Do not mistake that value for the network name. TP-Link’s guidance describes where to find default information and how it differs from settings changed later: TP-Link Wi-Fi Password | Find or Reset Your Router Password.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11If the name was changed, check router settings
If you administer the network, sign in to the router’s management page or companion app and look for wireless or Wi-Fi settings. The SSID may be listed under a label such as Network Name. Exact login addresses, menu labels, and options vary by manufacturer, model, and firmware, so use the instructions for your router rather than assuming one universal path.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
As one example, TP-Link describes changing wireless settings through its web management page or Tether app; the available screens depend on the router model and firmware: Steps to Change Wireless Settings on a TP-Link Router. If you are not the network administrator, ask the person or provider who manages it for the current name instead of trying to access settings without permission.
Why you may see more than one similar network name
Some routers show separate names for different Wi-Fi bands, while others use one shared name across bands. The names may look alike but differ by a suffix or number. Which entry to use depends on the router’s configuration and your device; you do not need to choose a particular band just because it appears first.
Rank #4
- 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝟕 - Designed with the latest Wi-Fi 7 technology, featuring Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Multi-RUs, and 4K-QAM. Achieve optimized performance on latest WiFi 7 laptops and devices, like the iPhone 16 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
- 𝟔-𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟔.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐭𝐡 - Achieve full speeds of up to 5764 Mbps on the 5GHz band and 688 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with 6 streams. Enjoy seamless 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and incredibly fast downloads/uploads.
- 𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Get up to 2,400 sq. ft. max coverage for up to 90 devices at a time. 6x high performance antennas and Beamforming technology, ensures reliable connections for remote workers, gamers, students, and more.
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐.𝟓 𝐆𝐛𝐩𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 - 1x 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port and 3x 1 Gbps LAN ports offer high-speed data transmissions.³ Integrate with a multi-gig modem for gigplus internet.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Apple recommends using one unique, case-sensitive network name across supported bands for reliable connectivity. Some routers offer a feature such as TP-Link Smart Connect to share a name across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, but the option and behavior vary by model. See Apple’s recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points and TP-Link’s wireless settings guide.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf the network is missing from the Wi-Fi list
The network may be out of range, temporarily unavailable, or configured not to broadcast its name. A hidden SSID does not make a network secure or prevent it from being detected. Apple cautions that hiding a network can introduce privacy risks; use the network’s supported security settings instead. If you are authorized to connect, ask its administrator for the exact SSID and connection details.
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
When a router hides its SSID, a device may require you to enter the name manually rather than select it from the visible list. The exact steps depend on the device and router. Apple’s guidance explains why hiding a network is not a security measure, and TP-Link describes the manual-entry case: Apple’s recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points; TP-Link’s wireless settings guide.
Avoid resetting the router just to find its name
A factory reset is not a routine way to identify a Wi-Fi name. TP-Link notes that resetting restores default settings and erases custom configuration, potentially including internet connection settings. Check a connected device, router label, or management app first; if credentials are lost, contact the network administrator or internet provider before taking an action that could disconnect the network. TP-Link’s guidance on router settings and reset consequences.
Windows version note
Microsoft’s Wi-Fi connection instructions cover Windows 10 and Windows 11. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so a Windows 10 PC no longer receives standard security updates from Microsoft. Microsoft’s connection guide.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
