Hidden Networks: What Are They and How to Discover Them

Sometimes, these networks are hidden because they serve a very special purpose, like securing sensitive data in corporate environments or managing smart home devices discreetly, but most hidden networks are invisible as an extra security measure.

While relatively effective at keeping casual users away, the hidden status of these networks is not a barrier for those who know what hidden networks are and how to connect to them, which is exactly what this article is all about.

How to Connect to Hidden Networks?

Because hidden networks don’t broadcast their names, it takes a few more steps to connect to them. You also need to know a few things about the hidden network you want to connect to, namely:

• Its name, also called SSID (Service Set Identifier): The SSID is the unique name assigned to a wireless network. It is used to identify the network and differentiate it from other networks in the area. To obtain the SSID of a hidden network, you will need to have the exact name provided by the network administrator. Alternatively, you can use a network analyzer to capture the name as its being broadcast.
• The type of encryption used by the network (WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA3): Encryption is a security measure used to protect wireless networks from unauthorized access. There are several types of encryption available, including WEP, WPA, WPA2, and the latest standard, WPA3. WEP is an older encryption standard that is no longer considered secure, while WPA2 is still widely used and recommended. WPA3 is the newest and most secure standard, offering enhanced protection against password guessing attacks and other security threats.
• The password used by the network: The password is a security measure used to prevent unauthorized access to a wireless network. It is a combination of characters, numbers, and symbols that is known only to the network administrator and authorized users. To obtain the password for a hidden network, you will need to ask the network administrator. Yes, there are techniques that make it possible to crack less secure encryption protocols, especially WEP, but you need to keep in mind that Wi-Fi hacking is an illegal activity unless performed with your own network for research purposes.

If you have all this information, you can follow the instructions below for your platform.

How to Scan for Hidden Networks?

Hidden networks aren’t just for tech enthusiasts. While many associate them with advanced configurations, hidden networks serve practical purposes in everyday environments. For example, they’re commonly used in:

• Corporate Offices: To secure internal communications from casual scanning, ensuring sensitive business data remains protected.
• Smart Homes: Managing IoT devices without cluttering the visible network list, which helps reduce potential security risks and network congestion.
• Public Spaces: Enhancing security for private staff networks in cafes, airports, and other high-traffic areas where open networks are common.

Understanding these real-world applications highlights why hidden networks are not just a niche feature but an integral part of modern wireless setups, providing both security and organizational benefits.

Just because hidden networks don’t broadcast their names doesn’t mean they’re undetectable.

They still transmit signals that a wireless network analyzer like NetSpot can detect.

NetSpot is a versatile wireless network analyzer that can instantly collect detailed information about all Wi-Fi networks available in the area and present it as an interactive table.

When NetSpot detects a hidden WiFi network, it lists it as “Hidden SSID” and provides the following information:

• BSSID: A Basic Service Set Identifier is the MAC address (its unique fingerprint) of the router broadcasting the hidden network.

• Signal strength: Indicated in decibels (dB) with reference to one milliwatt (mW), or dBm for short, signal strength can tell you a lot about your proximity to the hidden network.

• Band: Consumer-grade WiFi routers broadcast either in the 2,4 GHz, 5 GHz or 6 GHz band. The former band is able to carry signals over longer distances, while the latter band offers more bandwidth. Often, routers use both of these bands at the same time to combine their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

• Channel: Because there are only 11 channels in the 2.4 GHz band, it’s useful to know which channels are used the most by other networks in your area so that you can avoid issues with signal interference. Get more information on how to use a WiFi channel analyzer to see the co-channel interference and find the best WiFi channel for your router.

• Vendor: There are many different router manufacturers, including Netgear, Asus, D-Link, Cisco, TP-Link, Linksys, and others. NetSpot is able to tell which company has manufactured the router broadcasting a hidden network.

• Security: There are still some people who believe that hidden networks don’t require encryption. With NetSpot, you can easily spot such networks and filter them out to avoid exposing your personal information or getting hacked.

When needed you can detect a hidden WiFi network NetSpot for Android. It will provide the same information as the desktop version of NetSpot.

Hidden networks might appear elusive, but with the appropriate tools, they’re surprisingly simple to detect and evaluate. NetSpot provides robust functionality for both everyday users and IT experts, enabling effortless Wi-Fi management, security, and optimization.

By staying vigilant — regularly reviewing your network settings — you can adapt to shifting conditions and maintain top-tier performance and protection.

Certain Wi-Fi heatmaps can be built directly in NetSpot for Android for easier on-the-go detection of weak areas of your Wi-Fi.