Get Back Online: Easy Ways to Reconnect Any Device to Wi-Fi

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Were you disconnected from your Wi-Fi access point and need to get back online? If you need help reconnecting your computer, phone, tablet, or printer to your wireless router, you've come to the right place. Whether you've recently replaced or reset your router or were disconnected for some reason, getting back online is easy. This wikiHow guide teaches you how to reconnect any device to a Wi-Fi router, and how to troubleshoot the most common wireless connection issues.

Things You Should Know

  • To reconnect your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Android to Wi-Fi, select your Wi-Fi network in your settings and enter the password if prompted.
  • If you recently reset or replaced your router, it may have a different name than what you remember.
  • If you're unable to reconnect, try unplugging the Wi-Fi router from its power source for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
Method 1
Method 1 of 7:

iPhone & iPad

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  1. This app is typically found on the Home screen or in your App Library. [1]
  2. It's near the top of the Settings page. [2]
    • If Wi-Fi is not enabled, tap the switch to turn it on now. [3]
    • If you're already connected to a Wi-Fi router, you'll see a blue checkmark next to its name. [4]
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  3. This is the name of the Wi-Fi network to which you wish to reconnect. [5]
    • If you recently replaced or reset your router, it might have a different name than the one you're used to. The router will usually have a sticker containing its default name (SSID)—if you're not sure which router to connect to, check the sticker.
  4. You'll do so in the field that's to the right of the "Password" heading. [6]
    • If you don't know the password, look for it on the bottom or back of the wireless router or modem.
    • If you aren't prompted to select a password, your phone or tablet should automatically connect to the router.
  5. It's in the top-right corner of the screen. As long as your password is correct, your iPhone should reconnect to your wireless router within a few seconds.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 7:

Android

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  1. Doing so will bring down the quick settings menu.
  2. It's generally in the top-left area of the quick settings menu on all Androids, including Samsung Galaxy models.
    • If this displays the word Wi-Fi instead of a list of Wi-Fi networks, tap Wi-Fi to continue. [7]
  3. This should be the network to which you wish to reconnect. [8]
    • If you recently replaced or reset your router, it might have a different name than the one you're used to. The router will usually have a sticker containing its default name (SSID)—if you're not sure which router to connect to, check the sticker.
  4. This is either the password you created when you set up the router, or the default router password that's on the back or bottom of the router unit.
    • If you purchased your router and modem together, look for the password (also called a "network" or "security" key) on the back or bottom of the modem as well.
  5. As long as the password is correct, doing so will prompt your Android to reconnect to your wireless router.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 7:

Windows 10

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  1. The icon will look a little different depending on whether you're connected to a network or not. [9]
    • If you're not connected to Wi-Fi now, the icon will usually be a globe with a "no" or "stop" crossed-circle on top.
    • If you're currently connected to Wi-Fi but need to connect to a different router, you'll normally see the Wi-Fi symbol, which looks a fan of several curved lines.
    • If you're connected to the internet with an ethernet cable, you'll see a computer monitor icon with an ethernet cable on its left side.
    • You may first have to click the ^ to the left of the volume or battery icon to see the Network icon.
  2. If you didn't set up a specific name for your router, you'll usually see the router's brand (e.g., "Linksys") and model number. [10]
    • If you recently replaced or reset your router, it might have a different name than the one you're used to. The router will usually have a sticker containing its default name (SSID)—if you're not sure which router to connect to, check the sticker.
  3. It's in the bottom-right side of the Wi-Fi network's name area. [11]
  4. You'll do this in the text box below the "Enter the network's security key" heading.
    • If you didn't add a password to your network when setting up the router, the password (often called a "Security Key") is on the back or bottom of the router unit.
  5. As long as the password is correct, your Windows computer will be reconnected to the wireless network. [12]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 7:

Windows 11

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  1. The icon will look a little different depending on whether you're connected to a network or not.
    • If you're not connected to Wi-Fi now, the icon will usually be a globe with a "no" or "stop" crossed-circle on top.
    • If you're currently connected to Wi-Fi but need to connect to a different router, you'll normally see the Wi-Fi symbol, which looks a fan of several curved lines.
    • If you're connected to the internet with an ethernet cable, you'll see a computer monitor icon with an ethernet cable on its left side.
    • You may first have to click the ^ to the left of the volume or battery icon to see the Network icon.
  2. You'll see the Wi-Fi tile at the top-left corner of the window. A list of Wi-Fi networks will appear. [13]
  3. This is the name of the Wi-Fi network to which you wish to reconnect. [14]
    • If you didn't set up a specific name for your router, you'll usually see the router's brand (e.g., "Linksys") and model number.
    • If you recently replaced or reset your router, it might have a different name than the one you're used to. The router will usually have a sticker containing its default name (SSID)—if you're not sure which router to connect to, check the sticker.
  4. If you're not connected automatically, you'll be prompted to enter a password. If you don't know the password, look for it on the bottom or back of the wireless router or modem.
  5. Once your password is accepted, your Windows computer will be reconnected to the wireless network. [15]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 7:

Mac

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  1. You'll see this icon of several curved lines in a fan shape in the menu bar at the top-ight corner of your desktop.
  2. It should appear in the drop-down menu below the Wi-Fi icon. If you don't see the router you're looking for, click Other Networks to see additional Wi-Fi routers in range. [16]
    • If you didn't use a custom name for your network, you'll likely see the router's brand or model number (for example, you might see "Cisco" and a series of numbers and letters for a Cisco router).
    • If you recently replaced or reset your router, it might have a different name than the one you're used to. The router will usually have a sticker containing its default name (SSID)—if you're not sure which router to connect to, check the sticker.
  3. If the network requires a password, type the Wi-Fi password into the field. This is either the password you created for the router when you set it up, or the default router password that's on the back or bottom of the router unit.
    • If you purchased your router and modem together, look for the password (also called a "network" or "security" key) on the back or bottom of the modem as well.
  4. Doing so will reconnect your Mac to the router.
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Method 6
Method 6 of 7:

Printers

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  1. Most wireless printers have an app you can install on your Android, iPhone, iPad, PC, or Mac that make reconnected the printer to Wi-Fi a breeze. After connecting your computer, phone, or tablet to the same router to which you want to connect the printer, download your printer's app and sign in if prompted.
  2. To reconnect an HP Wi-Fi printer , you'll need to place your printer into Wi-Fi setup mode.
    • If the printer has a touch screen, go into the Wireless or Setup' menu, choose Network setup or Settings , then select ' Restore Network Settings .
    • For inkjet printers without a touch screen, press and hold the Wireless and Cancel (the X) buttons on the printer until the Power light flashes.
    • For laser printers without a touchscreen, press and hold the Wi-Fi button until the Attention (the triangle with an exclamation point) flashes.
  3. Nearly all Wi-Fi printer setup apps will walk you through the remaining steps of adding your printer back to the Wi-Fi network.
    • If your printer and router both support Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), you may be able to connect automatically by pressing the WPS button on the front of your router. This makes it so you won't even have to type the Wi-Fi password into your printer setup app.
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Method 7
Method 7 of 7:

Troubleshooting

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  1. Sometimes a device simply won't connect to a wireless router. The best way to resolve this problem is to restart your computer, phone, or tablet, and your router and modem. Resetting your home network clears up the majority of connection woes.
  2. If you don't see the Wi-Fi router you want to connect to in your settings, you might be too far from the router. Try moving closer and minimizing interference , including physical obstructions, between your device and the router.
  3. If the router was recently replaced or reset to its original settings, you might be using an outdated password. Try using the default password that's printed on the router or modem.
  4. Forcing your computer or phone to "Forget" the Wi-Fi network's settings will clear up any connection conflicts. After forgetting the network, you can re-add it. To forget the network:
    • iPhone/iPad: Open Settings , tap Wi-Fi , tap a network, and tap Forget This Network .
    • Android: Open Settings , tap Connections or Network & Internet , tap Wi-Fi , tap a network, and then tap Forget .
    • Windows 10 & 11: Open Settings , click Network & Internet , click Wi-Fi , click Manage known networks , click a network name (Windows 10 only), and click Forget .
    • Mac: Click the Wi-Fi symbol, click Open Network Preferences , click the Wi-Fi tab, click Advanced , click a network's name, and click - . [18]
  5. If you can connect to a coffee shop's or school's Wi-Fi but can't connect to your own, the problem is likely with your router or connection, not your device.
  6. If you can't get wireless internet to work on your computer, try using an Ethernet connection by plugging an Ethernet cable into the "internet" port on the back of your router and then plugging the other end into your computer's Ethernet port.
  7. You can do this by finding the " Reset " button, which is usually a tiny hole on the back of the router, and pressing it with a bent paperclip for ten seconds. Once you reset your router, you'll be able to reconnect using the router's stock password and network name.
  8. If your router or connection is the problem, you'll need to call and request a network test or a replacement router and modem (if you rent equipment from your ISP).
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I reconnect to my WiFi?
    Community Answer
    Go to the network center on your computer. You can access a simple version at the bottom right of the screen in Windows. The network name should be on a list of available networks -- click on it and then click "connect." If it's not there, it's either out of range or your PC lacks wireless capability.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How can I reconnect to the internet on my iPad?
    Community Answer
    Go to settings, then WiFi. Choose your network and input your WiFi passkey. This should reconnect you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Is it possible to lose the internet connection on one PC and not the other?
    Community Answer
    It's possible if something went wrong on that specific computer (or it was deliberately disconnected from the internet). Make sure the computer is not in Airplane Mode and doesn't have the WiFi option turned off.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/connect-to-the-internet-iphd1cf4268/ios
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/connect-to-the-internet-iphd1cf4268/ios
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/111107
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/111107
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/connect-to-the-internet-iphd1cf4268/ios
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/connect-to-the-internet-iphd1cf4268/ios
      7. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/au/support/mobile-devices/connecting-to-wifi-network/
      8. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9075847?hl=en
      9. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263#WindowsVersion=Windows_10
      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263#WindowsVersion=Windows_10
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263#WindowsVersion=Windows_10
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263#WindowsVersion=Windows_10
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263#WindowsVersion=Windows_11
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263#WindowsVersion=Windows_11
      6. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/connect-to-a-wi-fi-network-in-windows-1f881677-b569-0cd5-010d-e3cd3579d263#WindowsVersion=Windows_11
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-your-mac-to-the-internet-using-wi-fi-mchlp1180/mac
      8. ↑ https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/explore/printing-innovations/mobile-printing/wireless-connect
      9. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102480

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