How to connect to a hidden wifi network (Hidden SSID) on Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X

The xbox series x/s is completely incapable of connecting to hidden wifi networks. There are various tricks/hacks people are using which may or may not work, but it is not supported natively.

I cannot connect to hidden wifi networks. It will not find my ssid when manually entered.

>you are only making it harder for yourself to connect with your WiFi network

Connecting an Xbox One to a hidden SSID as been the only complication of having a hidden SSID so far. Everything else has connected just as fine as a normal SSID.

Is there going to be an update to allow me to connect to my wifi that I like to keep hidden. I am able to connect to my wifi only when I broadcast my ssid. I have the Xbox series x BTW. It is the only device in my house that I cannot manually tell
it the ssid and password. My old Xbox one and one s allow me to connect manually. Currently this cannot be done on the Xbox series x as far as I can tell.

You do know that hidden SSIDs has no security means whatsover. It only sends a NULL bit for the cleartext name in every beacon. So, beacons will still be sent out and anyone with a simple spectrum analyzer will be able to see the BSSID of your AP.

Double check that the wifi network you trying to connect to isn't on a hidden SSID. If this is the case, you'll have to either unhide it on the router or type the network details in manually.

You can check if the SSID is hidden by logging into the router and checking the settings in accordance with manufacturer guidance or using a wifi enabled laptop/PC to scan for local networks to see if the SSID appears without previously being connected.

I have been trying to work out why some people are able to randomly connect to hidden Wi-Fi networks, while others just aren't able to, no matter what.

What I have found is:

Series S/X cannot connect to hidden networks on a Wi-Fi 6 APs. It can connect on a Wi-Fi 5 AP with a bit of help. So, suspect driver issue on the Xbox.

Connecting to hidden SSID isn't straightforward:

Following onscreen prompts on its own does not work. In the Set up wireless network, you have to Add wireless network. However, this will not prompt for credentials (just bad coding - it assumes hidden = open auth). But, go ahead and enter the SSID anyway. After it tries to connect for a bit, press the Xbox button. This will make the menu jump back to General (pressing B doesn't work to go back). Go back into Set up wireless network, Now, in the list you should see your hidden SSID. Just select and enter your credentials.

(Getting the SSID to show up may not work on the first try. So try longer or shorter durations till it does - Only on Wi-Fi 5 APs)

Hope this helps everyone who has been having this issue.