Connecting to a wireless network with disabled WiFi Broadcast

Disabling the WiFi of a Linksys router hides your WiFi from client devices. This is one way of strengthening the security of your WiFi.
 
To connect a device to a network with a disabled WiFi, you need the following:

 

WiFi name (SSID)

WiFi security mode

WiFi security key or passphrase 

 

Make sure to check the WiFi settings of your router before connecting your device to the network. The WiFi password or security key is case-sensitive.

Click on the operating system of the device you are trying to connect to the network for specific instructions.
 

Windows® 11
Windows 10
Mac® OS 
 



Windows® 11

 

 
1. Click the Windows start button.

 

2. Type in "Settings" to display the Settings App then click on Settings.

 

 

 

3. Select Network & internet then click on Wi-Fi.

 

 

 

4. Click on Manage known networks.

 

 

 

5. Click Add network.

 

 

 

6. Enter your Network name then select the Security type that your router is currently using.

 

 

 

7. Enter your WiFi Security key then click Save.


Your computer is now connected to your hidden WiFi. 
 



Windows 10

 
1. Click the Windows start button on the bottom left.

 

2. Type in "Settings" to display the Settings App then click on Settings.
 


 

3. Select Network & Internet.
 


 

4. Select Wi-Fi then click on Manage known networks.
 


 

5. Click Add a new network.
 


 

6. Enter your Network name then select the Security type that your router is currently using.
 


 

7. Enter your WiFi Security key then click Save.


Your computer is now connected to your hidden WiFi network. 

Once your computer is connected to a hidden network, it will be able to detect and see the SSID of the hidden WiFi whenever it is within range. However, other computers that haven’t connected to the hidden network before will still be unable to see the network.
 
 

Find out more:
 
Connecting your iPhone® to a wireless network with disabled SSID Broadcast

Connecting your Androidâ„¢ smartphone to a wireless network with SSID broadcast disabled

 

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