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Your Wi-Fi network name may seem like a harmless label, but it can reveal more information than you realize. A network name can identify your home, your internet provider, your router manufacturer, or even personal information.

That makes choosing a secure Wi-Fi network name an easy but often overlooked part of protecting your home network.

One popular security recommendation is to add six characters — _nomap — to the end of your Wi-Fi network name. The change is simple, but it can help reduce the visibility of your wireless network in certain location databases.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Does _nomap Do?

The _nomap suffix is associated with Google’s Wi-Fi location services. Adding _nomap to your wireless network name tells Google that you don’t want your Wi-Fi network’s location information included in Google’s location database.

For example, if your current network is:

SmithFamilyWiFi

You could rename it:

SmithFamilyWiFi_nomap

The six-character addition is:

_nomap

Once you rename the network, devices will need to reconnect using the new Wi-Fi name.

Why Would You Want to Use _nomap?

Wireless networks can be used as location signals. Services that help smartphones and other devices determine their approximate location can use nearby Wi-Fi networks as part of that process.

If you don’t want your wireless network participating in Google’s location database, _nomap provides a relatively simple opt-out mechanism.

It doesn’t make your Wi-Fi invisible, however.

That’s an important distinction.

_nomap Does NOT Make Your Wi-Fi More Secure

Adding _nomap isn’t a replacement for proper Wi-Fi security.

The suffix does not:

• Encrypt your Wi-Fi connection
• Hide your network from nearby devices
• Prevent hackers from detecting your router
• Stop someone from attempting to connect
• Replace a strong Wi-Fi password
• Protect your router from vulnerabilities

Think of _nomap as a privacy preference rather than a security feature.

For actual Wi-Fi security, you should use modern encryption such as WPA3 when your router and devices support it. WPA2 is still preferable to older standards such as WEP.

Your Wi-Fi Name Shouldn’t Reveal Personal Information

There is another reason to reconsider your current network name.

Avoid using information such as:

• Your last name
• Street address
• Apartment number
• Phone number
• Birth year
• Children’s names
• Home security information
• Router passwords or other sensitive information

A network named 123-Main-St-WiFi tells anyone nearby exactly where the network is associated.

Instead, consider using a neutral name that doesn’t identify you or your location.

For example:

HomeNet_nomap

is considerably less revealing than:

DavidKeys123MainStreet

Don’t Put Your Wi-Fi Password in the Network Name

This may sound obvious, but it’s worth mentioning because your SSID is visible to people within wireless range.

Your network name should never contain your actual Wi-Fi password.

If you want to share your Wi-Fi with guests, use your router’s guest network feature whenever possible. A guest network can keep visitors’ devices separated from computers, printers, storage devices and other equipment on your primary network.

How to Add _nomap to Your Wi-Fi Network

Changing your Wi-Fi name is usually straightforward.

Step 1: Open Your Router Settings

Connect to your home network and open your router’s administration page or the router manufacturer’s mobile app.

Step 2: Find Wireless Settings

Look for a section called Wi-Fi, Wireless, Network, or SSID.

Step 3: Change the Network Name

Find your current network name and add:

_nomap

to the end.

For example:

MyHomeWiFi → MyHomeWiFi_nomap

Step 4: Save the Changes

Apply the new settings. Your router may temporarily disconnect your devices.

Step 5: Reconnect Your Devices

Because the SSID has changed, phones, computers, smart TVs and other devices may need to connect to the newly named network.

What Else Should You Do to Secure Your Wi-Fi?

If you’re changing your Wi-Fi name, it’s a good opportunity to review your network security.

Use a Strong, Unique Password

Your Wi-Fi password should be long and difficult to guess. Avoid names, birthdays, addresses and common phrases.

Enable WPA3

If your router supports WPA3, consider using it. If WPA3 isn’t available, WPA2-AES is generally preferable to outdated wireless security protocols.

Update Your Router

Router firmware updates can fix security vulnerabilities and improve reliability. Check your router manufacturer’s app or support site for available updates.

Disable WPS If You Don’t Need It

Wi-Fi Protected Setup can make connecting devices easier, but some security-conscious users choose to disable it, particularly when they don’t use the feature.

Create a Guest Network

A guest network allows visitors and some smart-home devices to access the internet without necessarily placing them on the same local network as your primary computers and devices.

Is _nomap Worth Using?

For privacy-conscious users, adding _nomap is a quick change that may provide an additional privacy benefit.

However, it’s important not to overstate what it accomplishes.

_nomap is not a magic Wi-Fi security trick. It won’t prevent someone nearby from seeing your wireless network, and it won’t stop an attacker from attempting to compromise your router.

Its primary purpose is to signal an opt-out preference concerning Google’s Wi-Fi-based location database.

For meaningful protection, focus first on strong encryption, a unique password, updated router firmware and good network practices.

The Bottom Line

Adding _nomap to your Wi-Fi network name takes only a few seconds and can provide an additional layer of privacy for people who don’t want their wireless network associated with Google’s location services.

Just remember that the six characters are not a substitute for Wi-Fi security.

If your router hasn’t been updated recently, your Wi-Fi password is weak, or you’re still using outdated wireless encryption, those issues deserve much more attention.

A private, secure home network starts with the basics: strong encryption, a strong password, current firmware and a Wi-Fi name that doesn’t reveal personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the six characters I should add to my Wi-Fi name?

The characters are _nomap. Adding them to the end of your SSID is associated with Google’s opt-out mechanism for Wi-Fi location data.

Does _nomap hide my Wi-Fi network?

No. Your Wi-Fi network can still appear in the list of available wireless networks on nearby devices.

Does _nomap make my Wi-Fi harder to hack?

No. It is primarily a privacy opt-out mechanism, not a wireless security feature.

Should I change my Wi-Fi password too?

If your password is weak, old or shared with many people, changing it to a strong, unique password is a good idea.

What is the safest Wi-Fi security setting?

For compatible modern routers and devices, WPA3 is generally the preferred option. If WPA3 isn’t available, use a strong WPA2 configuration rather than outdated security standards.