How to connect your phone to Wi-Fi

What you will learn

In this guide, you will learn how to connect your Android phone to a Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi lets your phone use the internet through a wireless connection at home, in a cafe, or anywhere that offers it. Using Wi-Fi instead of mobile data is often faster and saves your data allowance.

What you need

• An Android phone
• A Wi-Fi network nearby (at home, at a friend’s house, or in a public place)
• The Wi-Fi password (if the network is protected)

The steps

Step 1: Open Settings

Find the Settings app on your phone. It usually looks like a small gear or cogwheel. Tap on it to open it. On most Android phones, you can also swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon in the top right corner.

Step 2: Tap on Wi-Fi or Network & internet

In the Settings menu, look for Wi-Fi or Network & internet (the exact name varies slightly depending on your phone brand). Tap on it. If you see Network & internet, tap on it first, then tap Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Turn on Wi-Fi

If Wi-Fi is turned off, you will see a switch or toggle at the top of the screen. Tap the switch to turn it on. It will change color or slide to the right to show that it is active. Your phone will now start looking for available Wi-Fi networks nearby.

Step 4: Select your Wi-Fi network

After a few seconds, you will see a list of available Wi-Fi networks. Look for the name of your home network (or the network you want to join). The name is usually printed on a sticker on your Wi-Fi router. Tap on the network name to select it.

Step 5: Enter the password and connect

A box will appear asking for the Wi-Fi password. Type the password carefully using the keyboard that appears. Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, which means capital letters and small letters matter. After typing the password, tap Connect. After a few seconds, you will see the word “Connected” under the network name. You are now on Wi-Fi.

Helpful tips

• Check for the Wi-Fi symbol: When you are connected, a small Wi-Fi symbol (shaped like a fan or signal waves) will appear at the top of your screen. This confirms you are using Wi-Fi.
• Your phone remembers networks: Once you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your phone will remember it and connect automatically the next time you are nearby. You do not need to enter the password again.
• Ask for the password politely: At a cafe or a friend’s home, it is perfectly normal to ask “What is the Wi-Fi password?” They will be happy to share it.
• Forget a network if needed: If you are having trouble with a Wi-Fi network, you can “forget” it by tapping the network name, then tapping Forget or the gear icon and then Forget. Then try connecting again from scratch.