Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with generating transient identifiers are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a memory device that stores a primary identifier that is unique to the apparatus. The primary identifier correlates with a displayed identifier of the apparatus that is used by a remote device to initiate communications with the apparatus. The apparatus includes identifier logic configured to generate a secondary identifier in response to receiving an association request that includes the displayed identifier when the apparatus is in a bootstrap mode. The bootstrap mode is a state of the apparatus when the apparatus is initializing and will accept a new association. The association request is a wireless communication that initiates establishing secure communications. The apparatus includes communication logic configured to establish secure wireless communications with the remote device by causing the remote device to identify the apparatus using the secondary identifier.