The basic steps to join a WiFi network

To connect to WiFi, you open your device's network settings, find the network name you want to join, select it, and enter the password if one is required. The exact steps depend on whether you are using a phone, tablet, laptop, or computer, but the principle is the same on all of them. Most connections take less than a minute once you have the password.

Before you start, make sure you have the WiFi network name (called the SSID) and password. If this is your own router, you can find both on a sticker attached to the device itself. If you are connecting to someone else's network, ask them for the network name and password.

Key Takeaways

  • Every device has a network settings menu where you can see available WiFi networks and connect to one by entering the password.
  • The network name and password are usually printed on a sticker on your router, or you can ask the network owner for them.
  • If you enter the password wrong, the connection will fail and you will see an error message — delete the network and try again.
  • Once connected, your device will remember that network and reconnect automatically the next time you are in range.
  • If you cannot see your network in the list, restart your router and wait 30 seconds before looking again.

Connecting on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap WiFi. You will see a list of available networks. Find the network you want to join and tap it. If the network requires a password, a box will appear asking you to enter it. Type the password exactly as it was given to you — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different. Tap Join when you are done.

Once you are connected, a WiFi symbol will appear in the top left corner of your screen. If the connection fails and you see a message saying "Unable to Join", the password is likely wrong. Go back to Settings, tap the network name again, tap Forget This Network, and try connecting once more with the correct password.

Connecting on Android phones and tablets

Open Settings and look for WiFi or Network. Tap WiFi to turn it on if it is not already on. You will see a list of available networks. Tap the network you want to join. If it requires a password, a box will appear. Enter the password exactly as given — Android passwords are also case-sensitive. Tap Connect.

You will see a notification at the top of the screen once you are connected. If you see an error message, the password may be incorrect. Tap the network name again, select Forget, and reconnect with the correct password. Some Android devices also have an option to show the password as you type it, which can help you spot mistakes.

Connecting on Windows laptops and computers

Click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your taskbar — it looks like a WiFi symbol or a computer screen. A panel will open showing available networks. Click the network you want to join. If it requires a password, a box will appear asking you to enter it. Type the password and click Next or Connect.

Once connected, the network icon will show that you are online. If the connection fails, right-click the network name and select Forget. Then click the network again and re-enter the password. Windows will remember the network after a successful connection and will reconnect automatically when you are in range.

Connecting on Mac computers

Click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of your menu bar. A dropdown list will show available networks. Click the network you want to join. If it requires a password, a box will appear. Enter the password and click Join. The WiFi icon will change to show that you are connected.

If you see a message saying the password is incorrect, click the network again and select "Open Network Preferences". Click the network name and select Disconnect, then try connecting again with the correct password. You can also check the "Show password" box while typing to make sure you have entered it correctly.

What to do if your password is wrong

If you enter a password and the connection fails, the device will show an error message. The most common reason is that the password was typed incorrectly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Check that you have not accidentally turned on Caps Lock, and try again.

If you are still having trouble, ask the network owner to confirm the password. Some routers have a reset button that clears the password and sets it back to a default, which is printed on the sticker. If you own the router and have forgotten the password, you can reset it by holding down the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, though this will erase any other settings you have changed.

Why you cannot see your network in the list

If your network does not appear in the list of available networks, the router may not be broadcasting its name, or it may be too far away. First, restart your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. Wait another 30 seconds for it to fully start up, then check the network list again.

If you still do not see it, move closer to the router. Walls, metal objects, and other electronics can block the signal. If the router is in another room, try moving to the same room and checking again. If you are still unable to see the network after restarting the router and moving closer, the router may have a hardware problem and may need to be replaced.

How to reconnect to a network you have used before

Once you have connected to a network successfully, your device will remember it. The next time you are in range, your device will reconnect automatically without asking for the password again. You will see the network name in your list of available networks, and it will have a checkmark or a connected symbol next to it.

If you want to stop your device from reconnecting to a network, you can forget it. On iPhone, go to Settings, tap WiFi, tap the network name, and select Forget. On Android, tap the network name and select Forget. On Windows, right-click the network and select Forget. On Mac, click the WiFi icon, hold down Option, click the network name, and select Forget. After you forget a network, you will need to enter the password again the next time you want to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my device keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Disconnections usually happen because the signal is weak, the router needs to be restarted, or the device is too far away. Try moving closer to the router and restarting it by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, restart your device as well. If only one device keeps disconnecting, forget the network and reconnect to it.

Can I connect to WiFi without a password?

Yes, some networks are open and do not require a password. You will see these in your network list without a lock symbol next to them. Tap or click the network name and select Connect. Open networks are less secure, so avoid entering sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers while connected to one.

What is the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi?

These are two different radio frequencies your router can broadcast on. 2.4GHz has a longer range but is slower. 5GHz is faster but does not travel as far through walls. Some routers broadcast both at the same time under the same network name, and your device will choose automatically. If your router broadcasts them separately, you can choose the one that works best for you.

How do I know if I am connected to the right network?

Check the network name in your device settings. On iPhone, open Settings and tap WiFi — the connected network will have a checkmark. On Android, open Settings and tap WiFi — the connected network will show "Connected" underneath. On Windows and Mac, click the network icon and look for the network name with a "Connected" label next to it.

Can I change my WiFi password after I connect?

Yes, you can change it by logging into your router's settings through a web browser or an app. The address and login details are usually on the sticker on your router. After you change the password, your devices will disconnect and will ask for the new password the next time you want to connect. You will need to forget the old network and reconnect with the new password.