When a Wi-Fi network is hidden, you can’t simply scan and find it. It will not show up on the available network on your Wi-Fi settings pane. You must know the full SSID and type it correctly before you’re allowed to join or connect to it. For security reasons, some networks are hidden from view. Although this is not a secure way to protect one’s network, some businesses still configure their Wi-Fi this way. When you encounter such a configuration when using Ubuntu Linux, the steps below show you how to connect to it. To get started with connecting to a hidden WiFi network, follow the steps below.
How to connect to hidden Wi-Fi networks with Ubuntu Linux
As mentioned above, some Wi-Fi networks are hidden from view for security reasons. When you want to connect to such networks, you must know the full Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password to join. Below is how to do that with Ubuntu Linux Ubuntu Linux has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating, all can be done from the System Settings panel. To get to System Settings, open the Activities overview and start typing Settings. Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop. On the System menu, select Settings as highlighted below. In the Settings app, click on the Wi-Fi tile to open the panel. On the System Settings -> Wi-Fi settings panel, click on the three (3-dots) menu on the window and select Connect to Hidden Network… Then type in the network details using the guide:
Type the hidden Wi-Fi SSID in the Network name field. The SSID is the name of the Wi-Fi. Should be typed exactly. Select the Security type from the drop-down list. You can get that from the network administrator if you’re not sure. Enter the password to your hidden network in the Security key field. Once everything is typed correctly, click the Connect button.
Assuming you typed all the information correctly, you should then connect to the Wi-Fi network. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to connect or join a hidden network when using Ubuntu Linux. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
