A hidden Wi-Fi network is a type of wireless network that does not broadcast its SSID (network name) to neighboring devices. This can lead to confusion and frustration for users who are trying to connect to the network.
What causes a hidden Wi-Fi network?
There are several reasons why a hidden Wi-Fi network might be appearing in your area:
- Your neighbor's router: It's possible that your neighbor is broadcasting their own Wi-Fi signal, but not using their SSID. This can cause you to see a new network appear in your list of available networks.
- The internet service provider (ISP) router: Some ISPs use hidden Wi-Fi networks to provide internet access to their customers.
- A laptop or mobile device's Wi-Fi adapter: Sometimes, a laptop or mobile device's Wi-Fi adapter can create a hidden network that appears in the list of available networks.
How to deal with a hidden Wi-Fi network
If you're seeing a hidden Wi-Fi network in your area and you need to connect to it, here are some steps you can take:
- Try connecting to the network: Click on the "Connect" button next to the hidden Wi-Fi network in your list of available networks.
- Wait for the connection to be established: It may take a few seconds for the connection to be established.
- Check if the network is stable: Once connected, check if the network is stable and working properly.
How to clear stored credentials
If you're having trouble connecting to a hidden Wi-Fi network because of stored credentials, here are some steps you can take:
- Go to your device's settings: Go to your device's settings app.
- Find the Wi-Fi settings: Look for the Wi-Fi settings section in your device's settings app.
- Clear the saved networks: Clear the saved networks on your device.
Conclusion
Hidden Wi-Fi networks can be frustrating, but they're often caused by legitimate reasons such as a neighbor's router or an ISP's router. By understanding what causes hidden Wi-Fi networks and taking steps to connect to them, you can improve your internet experience.
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