How to Connect to a Hidden Wi-Fi Network

Join a Wi-Fi network that does not broadcast its name by typing the exact SSID, security type, and password on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

A hidden network does not appear in the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You can still join it by entering its details by hand.

Get the network details

You need three things from whoever runs the network, or from the router's wireless settings:

  • The exact network name (SSID), including capitals, spaces, and punctuation.
  • The security type, usually WPA2 or WPA3. WPA2/WPA3 Personal is the common home setting.
  • The password.

Add the network on Windows 11

Open Settings, Network & internet, Wi-Fi, Manage known networks, then click Add network. Enter the network name, choose the security type, enter the password, and tick Connect automatically. Click Save. Windows connects when the network is in range.

Add the network on a Mac

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar, look under Other Networks, and choose Other... at the bottom of the list. Enter the network name, pick the security type, enter the password, and click Join.

Add the network on an iPhone

Open Settings, Wi-Fi, and tap Other... under the list of networks. Enter the name, tap Security and choose the type, then enter the password and tap Join.

Add the network on Android

Open Settings, Network & internet (or Connections on Samsung), then Wi-Fi or Internet. Scroll to the bottom of the network list and tap Add network. Enter the network name, choose the security type, enter the password, and tap Save or Connect. Labels vary a little by phone maker.

Check the connection

Once joined, the network shows as connected in the Wi-Fi list even though it stays out of the list on other devices. If it fails, the name or security type is wrong far more often than the password. Retype the name exactly as given.

If the device keeps asking for the password. The security type is probably mismatched. Try WPA2/WPA3 Personal, then WPA2 Personal. The router's wireless settings show the exact mode.

If you are hiding the network yourself. Hiding the SSID is not a security feature. The name is still visible to anyone with a basic scanning tool, and devices set to auto-join broadcast it wherever they go. A strong WPA2 or WPA3 password is what protects the network.

See also

More Wi-Fi & Network how-tos