Hidden Networks: What Are They and How to Discover Them

Every wireless network consists of an SSID name that helps to know the presence of the network by broadcasting it. But there are also some networks which do not broadcast the SSID name due to the hidden WiFi option and these kinds of networks are known as Hidden Networks.

These networks previously were kept hidden for safety mechanisms but now it is not safe to do so.

So to discover these hidden networks and connect to them requires various steps and it also differs for various users like Windows 10, Windows 8, MacOS and Linux.

These steps initially may be the same but may slightly differ at the end.

Connecting to Hidden Networks

As it is not easy to locate the hidden networks because of their disappearance, one has to put in some work to establish a connection with them.

Moreover, there are some things that you must be aware of before you connect to the hidden network. These include:

• The name of the network
• The encryption used by the network
• The password that your network uses

Once you know all these details, you can continue with the steps to connect to hidden networks.

Steps to Connect to a Hidden Network on Windows 10 -

Below are the steps that you need to carry out to connect to the hidden network on Windows 10.

Step 1: Launch the Settings app.

Step 2: Now, navigate to "Network & Internet".

Step 3: After that, go to the left pane and click on the option of Wi-Fi.

Step 4: Choose the option of "Manage known networks" given on the right side.

Step 5: After that, "Add a new network" and enter the needed details.

Step 6: Now, click on Save and you will get connected to the hidden network.

Steps to Connect to the Hidden Network on Windows 8

Below are the steps that you need to carry out to connect to the hidden network on Windows 8.

Step 1: Launch your Control Panel.

Step 2: Select the option of "Network and Internet" and then open the Network and Sharing Center.

Step 3: Now, choose the option of a new network.

Step 4: After that, select the option of "Manually connect to a wireless network".

Step 5: Enter the details of your wireless network that you wish to add and then select Next.

Step 6: Now, allow Windows to connect to the hidden network.

Steps to Connect to Hidden Networks on macOS

If you want to connect to a hidden network on macOS, then follow the steps mentioned below.

Step 1: Go to the Menu bar and select the Wi-Fi icon.

Step 2: Now, select the option of Join Other Networks.

Step 3: After that, you need to enter the necessary information.

Step 4: Select Join.

Step 5: Now, your Mac will get connected to a hidden network.

Steps to Connect to Hidden Networks on Linux

Carry out the steps given below to connect to the hidden networks on Linux.

Step 1: Launch the System menu.

Step 2: Select the Wi-Fi icon and then open wireless settings.

Step 3: Now, go to the upper-right corner and click on the menu button. Then, select the option of "connect to the hidden network".

Step 4: Add the hidden network.

Step 5: Enter the necessary details.

Step 6: Select Connect.