If a wireless network is set up to hide its network name, it does not appear in the list of accessible wireless networks (SSID). However, if you are familiar with the wireless network's details, you can manually join the network.
Obtain the following network information before moving on:
- The network's security type
- Encryption type security password
What Is a Hidden WiFi Network?
Hidden Wi-Fi networks are wireless networks that have been set up to conceal their network SSID (the Wi-Fi name). As a result, on devices running Android, Windows, iOS, etc., these networks do not appear in the Wi-Fi area.
To connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network, you must more information than just the password. The network's name, Wi-Fi security type, kind of encryption and password must all be known. Additionally, in order to obtain these facts, the network administrator must be contacted.
The following is a list of some of the hardware and operating systems we will cover in this article:
- Windows 10 OS,
- Windows 8 OS,
- Windows Vista,
- Windows 7
- Linux
- iOS,
- Android,
- and Mac OS
How to Connect to a Hidden Wi-Fi Network
Windows 10 OS:
- In the lower-right corner of your screen, click the WiFi icon.
- Under Network Settings > Wi-Fi > Hidden Network, click Connect.
- Enter the SSID (network name).
- Click Next.
- Network security key entered (password).
- Click Next.
- A network connection is established by your machine.
Windows 8 OS:
- In the lower-right corner of your screen, click the WiFi icon.
- Click to launch the Network and Sharing Center.
- Make your decision. Make a new network or connection.
- Click Next.
- Pick From the menu, and manually join a wireless network.
- Click Next.
- You must provide the Network name, Security type, Encryption type, and Security Key (password).
- Click Next.
- A network connection is established by your machine.
Windows 7 and Vista:
- Navigate to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center to manage wireless networks.
- Click Add >
- manually create a network profile.
- You must provide the Network name, Security type, Encryption type, and Security Key (password).
- Select Immediately establish this link.
- Select Connect even if the network is not broadcasting.
- Click Next.
- A network connection is established by your machine.
Linux:
- Make the system menu active.
- For more information, refer to your device's user manual.
- The option to select is WiFi Not Connected.
- There is a menu for WiFi.
- By selecting Wi-Fi Settings, connect to the hidden network.
- From the Connection drop-down menu, select New.
- It is necessary to provide the network name, password, and Wi-Fi security type.
- Click Connect.
- A network connection is established by your machine.
As of Mac OS X:
- In the top-right corner of your screen, click the WiFi icon.
- The network's menu appears.
- Click to join a different network.
- You must provide the network name, security type, and password.
- Select If you want to connect to this network automatically in the future, keep this network in mind.
- Click Join.
- A network connection is established by your machine.
Android:
Each device has a unique settings menu. You can typically connect to a private network by using the method described below:
- Select "Settings > Wi-Fi" Wi-Fi network addition via the menu.
- Enter the network name, password, and security preference (SSID).
- Tap Connect.
- Your device connects to the network.
iOS:
- Select Settings > Wi-Fi > Other.
- Enter the network name, security type, and password.
- Tap Join.
- Your device connects to the network.