How do I connect to a hidden network? (2024)

If a wireless network is set to conceal its network name (SSID), it does not appear in the list of available wireless networks. However, if you know the wireless network details, you can manually connect to the network.

Collect the following network information before proceeding:

• Network name
• Security type
• Encryption type
• Security password

Click on the link for your operating system to skip to the right set of instructions:

• Windows 10
• Windows 8
• Windows 7, Vista
• Linux
• Mac OS X
• Android
• iOS

Windows 10:

1. In the lower-right corner of your screen, click the WiFi icon.
2. Click Network Settings > Wi-Fi > Hidden Network > Connect.
3. Enter the SSID (network name).
4. Click Next.
5. Enter the network security key (password).
6. Click Next.
   Your computer connects to the network.

Windows 8:

1. In the lower-right corner of your screen, click the WiFi icon.
2. Click Open Network and Sharing Center.
3. Select Set up a new connection or network.
4. Click Next.
5. Select Manually connect to a wireless network.
6. Click Next.
7. Enter the Network name, Security type, Encryption type, and Security Key (password).
8. Click Next.
   Your computer connects to the network.

Windows 7, Vista:

1. Select Control Panel >Network and Sharing Center > Manage Wireless Networks.
2. Click Add > Manually create a network profile.
3. Enter the Network name, Security type, Encryption type,and Security Key (password).
4. Select Start this connection automatically.
5. Select Connect even if the network is not broadcasting.
6. Click Next.
   Your computer connects to the network.

Linux:

1. Open the system menu.
   For more information, refer to your device’s user manual.
2. Select Wi-Fi Not Connected.
   The Wi-Fi menu displays.
3. Click Wi-Fi Settings > Connect to Hidden Network.
4. In the Connection drop-down list, select New.
5. Enter the Network name, Wi-Fi security type, and password.
6. Click Connect.
   Your computer connects to the network.

Mac OS X:

1. In the upper-right corner of your screen, click the WiFi icon.
   A network menu appears.
2. Click Join Other Network.
3. Enter the Network Name, Security type, and Password.
4. If you want to automatically connect to this network in the future, select Remember this network.
5. Click Join.
   Your computer connects to the network.

Android:

Setting menus differ for each device. In most cases, you can follow this procedure to connect to a hidden network:

1. Select Settings > Wi-Fi > Add Wi-Fi network.
2. Enter the network name (SSID), security type, and password.
3. Tap Connect.
   Your device connects to the network.

iOS:

1. Select Settings > Wi-Fi > Other.
2. Enter the network name, security type, and password.
3. Tap Join.
   Your device connects to the network.

To test your network connection, open a web browser on your connected device and access www.google.com or your favorite website.

For troubleshooting assistance, see the following knowledge base articles:

• Troubleshooting wireless networks
• Testing network connectivity with ping