How to Connect to a Hidden Network

How to Connect to a Hidden Network. 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.

• Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > Add network > Save.
• Go to Control Panel > View network status and tasks > Set up a new connection or network > Manually connect to a wireless network > Next > fill out info.
• It’s recommended you select the Connect automatically option.

This guide will show how to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network via the Settings app and the Control Panel on Windows 11.

How Do You Connect to a Hidden Network in Windows 11?

A hidden network is a wireless network configured not to broadcast its network’s name, essentially hiding from the public’s eye. Since these networks don’t broadcast their names, it’s harder for unwanted users to attempt to connect to them and, this security by obscurity creates an extra layer of protection.

To join a hidden Wi-Fi network, you will need the network’s credentials, which includes:

• The name of the network.
• The network’s security type, like WEP and WPA2.
• And the security key, which is the password.

You will have to ask the network admin for the credentials. Once you have it, you can log in to a hidden network using either of the following methods.

Collect the following network information before proceeding:

ADVERTISEMENT

• 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:

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.