TL;DR: WiGLE is a crowd-sourced map of Wi-Fi networks collected by "wardrivers" whose phones log network names (SSIDs), hardware addresses (BSSIDs), signal strength and GPS location. If your home network has a unique name, it can link that name to your street. Email WiGLE with your network's BSSID to have it removed, and add "_nomap" to the end of your network name to opt out of Google's location services.
What WiGLE is
WiGLE (Wireless Geographic Logging Engine) is a public database of wireless networks. Volunteers run apps that record the Wi-Fi networks their phones can see as they move around, then upload the results. According to WiGLE's FAQ, the database holds:
- BSSIDs: the hardware (MAC) address of each access point
- SSIDs: network names
- Signal strength samples
- GPS coordinates from the submitted traces
Anyone can search the map by location or network name.
Why it matters for privacy
Most networks are named after the router brand and a few random characters, which reveals little. The problem is networks with personal names: "Smith Family," "Priya's iPhone," a business name or a joke unique to you. If someone knows your network name, a public Wi-Fi map can show roughly where it is. Wi-Fi location data is also used by phones and apps to locate devices without GPS, which is why your network may be in other databases too.
This is the same idea as other location leaks: small details that seem harmless add up. See what metadata reveals.
How to get your network removed from WiGLE
- Find your router's BSSID (MAC address). It's usually on the router label or in its admin page, or in your device's Wi-Fi details.
- Email WiGLE's admins at the address on its FAQ page and include the BSSID. WiGLE says it delists networks immediately on request, and asks that you include the BSSID.
- Check the map later to confirm it's gone.
Opt out of Google's Wi-Fi location database: _nomap
Google uses Wi-Fi access points to help phones find their location. Google's help page says you can opt your access point out by renaming the network so it ends in _nomap, for example "HomeNet_nomap." Then reconnect your devices with the same password. Google notes that other location providers are independent and may not respect the tag, though it encourages them to.
Make your home network less identifiable
- Rename it to something generic that doesn't include your name, flat number, business or family details.
- Don't hide the SSID as a privacy fix; hidden networks still broadcast and devices keep calling out for them.
- Secure the router itself: WPA2 or WPA3, a strong password, updated firmware and no default admin login. Our guide to securing your home Wi-Fi router covers each step.
- Check for hijacking if your internet behaves oddly; see how to check if your router was hacked.
Your network name points to a place. Your email and phone point to you. A free email exposure check shows where your email has leaked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WiGLE?
A crowd-sourced public map of Wi-Fi networks, built from volunteers' phone scans, that records network names, hardware addresses, signal strength and GPS locations.
How do I remove my Wi-Fi network from WiGLE?
Email the WiGLE admins and include your network's BSSID (MAC address). WiGLE says it delists networks on request.
What does _nomap do?
Adding _nomap to the end of your network name tells Google not to include your access point in its location services. Other providers may not respect it.
Can someone find my house from my Wi-Fi name?
Possibly, if your network name is unique and appears on a public Wi-Fi map. Rename it to something generic and request removal.
Does WiGLE have my Wi-Fi password?
No. WiGLE records what networks broadcast publicly, such as names, hardware addresses, signal strength and location. Keep a strong password and WPA2 or WPA3 security anyway.