When you open the WiFi settings on your phone, laptop, or tablet, you see a list of available wireless networks. The names of WiFI networks, such as “HomeWiFi” or “Office”, are used to identify the networks you can connect to. These names of WiFi networks are called Service Set Identifiers, or SSIDs.

To simplify, an SSID is essentially the name used to identify a WiFi network. It allows users and wireless devices to identify and distinguish one wireless network from another when multiple networks are available in the area. Although an SSID may look simple to users, it plays an important role in how WiFi networks are organized and accessed.

What Does SSID Stand For?

SSID stands for Service Set Identifier. It is the name or identifier assigned to a wireless network so that devices can recognize, select, and connect to it. When a WiFi router creates a wireless network, it broadcasts the network through the SSID so nearby devices can scan for it and connect to it.

For example, a router might broadcast an SSID called “Home_Network”. Your phone will display Home_Network as one of the available WiFi networks nearby. The SSID of a WiFi network itself does not provide authentication; it simply identifies the network. Authentication takes place using the WiFi security mechanism and entering the right password configured on that network.

How Does an SSID Work?

A WiFi router or access point periodically transmits management information, which includes information about the wireless network, including its SSID and supported capabilities. When your smartphone or laptop scans for WiFi networks, it receives this broadcast information and builds a list of networks that are currently nearby.

Each SSID represents a wireless network being transmitted by an access point or WiFi router. When you select an SSID, your device begins the process of associating with that network and, if security is enabled, authenticating with it by asking you to enter the password.

Can You Change an SSID?

Yes. Every WiFi router allows you to change the SSID through its administration interface or mobile application. You might want to change the SSID because the default name is too common to recognize, you want your WiFi network to be easier to identify among multiple networks, or simply because you prefer a different name.

For example, a router may initially use a manufacturer-generated name such as “D-Link_7A32”. You could change it to: Home Network or Robert’s Home. After you change the SSID, devices that were previously connected to the network will have to connect to the new network name.

What Is a Hidden SSID?

Most WiFi networks broadcast their SSID so nearby devices can discover them. However, some WiFi routers provide an option to disable SSID broadcasting or hide the SSID. This is commonly called a hidden SSID or non-broadcast SSID. When you choose this, the network’s SSID may not appear normally in the list of available WiFi networks and will stay hidden from devices.

However, keep in mind that hiding an SSID should not be considered a strong security measure. A hidden network can still be detected by some devices using appropriate wireless analysis tools, and devices that connect to it may reveal information about the network. For this reason, disabling SSID broadcasting should not be used as a substitute for WPA2 or WPA3 security and a strong password.

Can You Connect to a Hidden SSID?

Yes, you can connect to a hidden SSID. If the SSID of a network is hidden, a device can still connect to it if the user knows the network’s name and credentials. Depending on the operating system and device, you get an option to Add a Network or Other Network, then manually enter the SSID and password of the network. The exact process varies between different devices and operating systems.

Can Two Different WiFi Networks Have the Same SSID?

Yes, two different WiFi networks can have the same SSID. There is nothing that prevents two unrelated networks from using the same SSID. For instance, two neighboring homes could both have a WiFi network with SSID “HomeWiFi”. Devices may see both networks with the same name within the list of available WiFi networks. This can make it difficult for users to distinguish between them, particularly if the networks have the same SSID and security configurations.