A hidden Wi-Fi network does not broadcast its name in the normal nearby-network list. To join it, you need the exact network name, the correct security type, and the password.
Does this affect you?
Use this if someone gave you a hidden SSID and password, or if your own router has SSID broadcast disabled. The steps work for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android.
Connect on Windows
The name is case-sensitive, so type it exactly.
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and open Manage known networks, or open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
- Choose Add network.
- Enter the exact network name.
- Select the security type, usually WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal.
- Enter the password.
- Enable Connect automatically if you use this network often, then click Save or Connect.
Connect on Mac, iPhone, and Android
You are manually adding the network on each platform.
- Mac: click the Wi-Fi icon, choose Other Network, enter the exact name, select security, type the password, and click Join.
- iPhone or iPad: open Settings > Wi-Fi, tap Other, enter the name, choose Security, enter the password, and tap Join.
- Android: open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, choose Add network, enter the name, security type, and password, then tap Save or Connect.
More control
Security type is a common failure point
If the password is correct but the connection fails immediately, try WPA2-Personal first unless the network owner specifically says WPA3.
Names must match exactly
HomeWiFi and homewifi are different SSIDs. Hidden networks do not offer auto-suggestions, so extra spaces and capitalization mistakes matter.
Hidden SSID is not meaningful protection
Disabling name broadcast only hides the network from casual lists. Basic Wi-Fi scanning tools can still detect it. A strong WPA2 or WPA3 password protects the network far better.
Sources
- Microsoft Support – Connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network on Windows (2025)
- Apple Support – Join a hidden Wi-Fi network (2025)
- Wi-Fi Alliance – Understanding SSID broadcasting (2025)