The basic steps to connect any device

To connect to WiFi, you need to find the network name on your device, select it, and enter the password if one exists. The exact steps depend on whether you are using a phone, tablet, laptop, or computer, but the principle is the same across all of them. Most devices will remember the network after you connect once, so you will not have to enter the password again the next time you are in range.

Before you start, make sure your WiFi router is powered on and working. If you see lights on the router and it has been running for at least a minute, you are ready to proceed. If the router is off or has no lights, turn it on and wait about two minutes for it to fully start up.

Key Takeaways

  • Every device has a WiFi settings menu where you can see available networks and select the one you want to join.
  • The network name (called SSID) is usually printed on a sticker attached to your router or on the paperwork that came with it.
  • The WiFi password is different from your internet bill password and is also usually on the router sticker or in your setup paperwork.
  • If your device does not show the network name, the router may be too far away, turned off, or broadcasting is disabled in the router settings.

Connecting on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap WiFi. You will see a list of available networks. Find the name of your network (it should match the name on your router) and tap it. If the network is password-protected, a box will appear asking you to enter the password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. After you enter the password, tap Join.

Once you are connected, a WiFi symbol will appear in the top left corner of your screen next to the battery indicator. If you see that symbol, you are online. If the connection fails, double-check that you typed the password correctly. A common mistake is confusing the letter O with the number 0, or the letter l with the number 1.

Connecting on Android phone or tablet

Open Settings and look for WiFi or Network settings. The exact location varies by phone brand, but it is usually near the top of the Settings menu. Tap WiFi to turn it on if it is off. You will then see a list of available networks. Tap the name of your network and enter the password when prompted. After you tap Connect, wait a few seconds for the connection to establish.

You will know you are connected when a WiFi icon appears in the status bar at the top of your screen. If the connection fails, go back to the network list and try again, making sure the password is entered exactly as it appears on your router. If you still cannot connect, restart your phone by turning it off and back on, then try again.

Connecting on Windows laptop or computer

Click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, near the clock. A panel will open showing available WiFi networks. Find your network name in the list and click it. If it requires a password, a box will appear. Enter the password and click Next or Connect. Windows will remember this network, so you will connect automatically the next time you are in range.

Once connected, the network icon will show a filled-in WiFi symbol instead of an empty one. If you do not see your network in the list, make sure your router is on and close enough to your computer. WiFi signals weaken with distance and through walls, so if your router is in another room or on another floor, move closer and try again.

Connecting on Mac laptop

Click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of your menu bar. A dropdown menu will show all available networks. Click the name of your network. If it has a lock icon next to it, you will be asked to enter the password. Type it carefully and click Join. The WiFi icon will change to show that you are connected.

If your network does not appear in the list, check that your router is on and that you are within range. You can also try clicking "Open Network Preferences" at the bottom of the WiFi menu to see more options and troubleshoot connection problems. If you have recently changed your WiFi password, you may need to forget the old network and reconnect with the new password.

Finding your network name and password

Your network name and password are usually printed on a sticker attached to the bottom or back of your router. Look for labels that say "SSID" (the network name) and "Password" or "Key". Write these down before you start connecting devices. If you cannot find the sticker or the information is worn off, you can log into your router's settings page to see or change the password, though this requires knowing your router's admin password.

If you have changed your WiFi password since you set up the router, your devices will still try to use the old password. When the connection fails, you will need to forget the network and reconnect with the new password. On most devices, you can do this by going to WiFi settings, finding your network name, and selecting "Forget" or "Remove".

What to do if your network does not appear

If you turn on WiFi but do not see your network name in the list, the router may be too far away, turned off, or set to hide its name. First, check that the router has power and lights are on. If it does, move your device closer to the router and wait a few seconds, then refresh the network list. Sometimes it takes a moment for all networks to appear.

If you still do not see it, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully start up. If the network still does not appear, the router may have broadcasting disabled in its settings, or there may be a hardware problem. Check your router's manual or contact your internet provider for help accessing the router settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my device keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Disconnections usually happen because your device is too far from the router, the router is overheating, or there are too many devices connected at once. Try moving closer to the router, restarting the router, or disconnecting devices you are not using. If the problem continues, restart your device and try reconnecting.

I forgot my WiFi password. How do I find it?

Check the sticker on your router for the default password. If you changed it and cannot remember it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase any custom settings. After a reset, use the default password from the sticker to reconnect.

Can I connect if I do not have the password?

No. If the network is password-protected, you need the correct password to join. If it is an open network with no password, you can connect directly, but this is rare for home WiFi. If you live with others who set up the network, ask them for the password.

Why is my WiFi so slow even though I am connected?

Slow speeds can happen if you are far from the router, too many devices are connected, or the router is old. Try moving closer to the router, restarting it, or disconnecting devices you are not using. If speeds are still slow, contact your internet provider to check if your plan speed is the problem.

Do I have to enter the password every time I connect?

No. After you connect once, your device saves the password and will reconnect automatically when you are in range. If you change your WiFi password, you will need to forget the old network on your device and reconnect with the new password.