How to Connect to a Wireless Internet Connection

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to connect your iPhone, Android, KaiOS phone, Windows PC, or Mac to a Wi-Fi network. If the network you want to connect to requires a password, make sure you have that password ready before trying to connect. If you're using your home network and didn't change your router's Wi-Fi password, you'll likely find this password on the bottom or back of the router.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

On iPhone and iPad

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll likely find it on the Home Screen.
    • These steps will also work on an iPod touch.
  2. It's near the top of the Settings page.
    Advertisement
  3. Your iPhone or iPad will scan for available wireless networks. If the switch next to Wi-Fi is already green, skip this step.
  4. 4
    Tap a network name. The wireless networks that appear under the "MY NETWORKS" header are those you've connected to in the past. Other available networks appear under the "OTHER NETWORKS" header a little bit further down the screen.
    • If you're already connected to a wireless network, its name will appear with a blue checkmark near the top of the list. You can switch to a different network by tapping any of the other network names.
    • If no password is required, you'll connect automatically after tapping the network's name.
  5. If you tapped a network that has a padlock next to its name, you'll be prompted to enter the password for that network.
    • If you're connecting to a Wi-Fi network that has WPS enabled, press the "WPS" button on the wireless router—the password will automatically fill in the blank on your iPhone or iPad and connect you to the internet.
  6. It's in the top-right corner of the screen. Once the password is accepted, you'll be connected to that wireless access point.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

On Android

PDF download Download Article
  1. This opens your notifications and Quick Settings.
    • Because there are so many models of Android phones and tablets, your settings may look slightly from what you see here.
  2. It usually looks like a cone that's either solid or made of curved lines. This will take you to your Android's Wi-Fi settings.
    • If you see a list of wireless networks, just skip to the next step.
  3. If Wi-Fi was not already on, this will enable the feature and start searching for networks to join.
    • If you're already connected to a Wi-Fi network, it will appear at the top of the list, often under a header that says "Current Network" or something similar. [1] If you want to connect to a different network, just move to the next step.
    • If you don't see a slider, you may need to tap Use Wi-Fi instead. [2]
  4. Networks that require passwords display padlocks next to their names, while open networks do not have an identifying icon.
    • If the network has no password, you'll connect automatically after tapping the network's name.
  5. If you tapped a network that has a padlock next to its name, you'll be prompted to enter the password for that network.
    • If you're connecting to a Wi-Fi network that has WPS enabled, press the "WPS" button on the wireless router—the password will automatically fill in the blank on your Android and connect you to the internet.
  6. 6
    Tap Connect . It's usually right below the login information. As long as the password you entered is correct, your Android will connect to the network.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Using KaiOS

PDF download Download Article
  2. Your phone will scan for wireless networks to join.
  3. If the network you select does not require a password, you will be connected immediately. If a password is required, you'll be prompted to enter it.
  4. Once the password is accepted, you will be connected to the network.
    • A wireless network symbol (which looks like a cone made of several curved lines
      Mac Wifi
      ) will appear at the top of the screen as long as the connection is successful.
    • To test your wireless connection, open your browser and try visiting a website.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Using Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's located in the lower-right corner of the taskbar to the left of the time on Windows 10. If you are not connected to a network, the icon will look like an outline of a globe with a small "warning" circle at its bottom-right corner. If you don't see either of these icons, click the upward-pointing arrow ^ to the left of the time to display more icons.
    • If you're using Windows 8, hover your mouse in the upper-right corner of the screen and click Settings .
    • On Windows 7, the Wi-Fi icon looks like a series of bars.
  2. A list of available networks will appear.
    • Networks that require a password to join will say "Secured" below their names.
  3. It's in the bottom-right corner of the network's name.
    • You can check the "Connect automatically" box here as well to have your PC connect to this network whenever it's in range.
    • If the network has no password, you'll connect automatically after clicking Connect .
  4. If you selected a secured network, you'll have to enter the password for that network to connect.
    • If you're connecting to a Wi-Fi network that has WPS enabled, press the "WPS" button on the wireless router—the password will automatically fill in the blank on your PC and connect you to the internet.
  5. It's in the bottom-left corner of the network window. Doing so will prompt your PC to connect to the network if the password you entered is correct.
    6. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Using macOS

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's in the top-right of the menu bar at the top of the screen. If your computer is not connected to a wireless network, the icon will look like a hollow cone.
    • If you're already connected to a Wi-Fi network, its name will appear at the top of the list with a checkmark beside it.
  2. If the network doesn't require a password, your Mac will connect automatically. If a password is required, you'll be prompted to enter it now.
  4. It's at the bottom of the pop-up window. As long as the password is correct, your Mac will connect to the network.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What can I do if the WiFi is working, but is not connected to the internet?
    Community Answer
    Check the lights on your router to see if the internet light is on. If not, go to the router and check all the cables (especially the ones between the router and the modem and the modem and the wall) are plugged in properly. Try restarting your router and/or modem. If it doesn't work then it's probably best to call your ISP.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 31
  • Question
    How can I improve WiFi reception on my phone and my iPad?
    Community Answer
    You can try to reboot your WiFi router. For example; turning it on, then off. If you are still having troubles, check with your supplier.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 17
  • Question
    How do I connect an iPad Air to the internet?
    Community Answer
    Connect to a WiFi network via the settings option. Go to WiFi in Settings and select a network to login to.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 15
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Set Up a Wireless Network in Linux: Terminal & GUI
      How to
      Set Up and Connect to a Wi-Fi Network: Easy Guide
      How to
      Secure Your Wireless Home Network
      Easy Ways to Change the Wi-Fi Network Name
      How to
      Check Browsing History on a WiFi Router
      How to
      Remove Write Protection from a USB Pen Drive
      3 Easy Ways to Find the Publication Date of a Website
      How to
      Connect PC to TV with HDMI
      How to
      Add the Google Play Store to an Amazon Fire Tablet
      Easy Ways to Read Crash Dump Files & Troubleshoot Crashes
      How to
      Bypass Your Screen Time Passcode: Reset, Remove, or Hack Screen Time
      6 Ways to Pair Your JBL Earbuds: Guide & Troubleshooting Tips
      How to
      Turn on Backlit Keyboard on Lenovo
      10 Genius Ways to Cheat a Step Counter on a Phone (No Walking Required)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.helpforsmartphone.com/public/en/samsung/galaxy-a10/android-9-0/guides/11/Connect-to-Wi-Fi-Samsung-Galaxy-A10
      2. ↑ https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2819519?hl=en

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open your iPhone's Settings.
      2. Tap Wi-Fi .
      3. Slide the "Wi-Fi" switch to the On position.
      4. Tap a network.
      5. Enter the password if prompted.
      6. Tap Join .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 529,021 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Alicia Margot

        Dec 20, 2016

        "The iOS method was good, because I've searched everywhere, but its only on wikiHow. I love this website!"
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement