How to connect to Wi-Fi (2026)
Quick Answer
To connect to Wi-Fi, make sure your router is switched on and you know the network name and password. On your phone, tablet or computer, open Wi-Fi settings, turn Wi-Fi on, select your network, enter the password and wait for it to show as connected. If it will not connect, double-check the password, move closer to the router and restart Wi-Fi or the device.
Overview
Connecting to Wi-Fi means joining your device to a nearby wireless network so it can reach the internet or other local devices. In most homes, you connect by choosing the correct network name, often called the SSID, and entering the Wi-Fi password printed on the router label or provided by the person who set it up. Many routers also support a simpler WPS pairing method, but entering the password manually is usually clearer and more secure. The exact menu names vary between devices, but the process is broadly the same on phones, tablets, laptops and smart TVs: open settings, turn on Wi-Fi, choose the network, enter the password, then confirm the connection works. If there are several similar network names, choosing the right one matters because some may belong to neighbours, guest networks or different frequency bands. A successful Wi-Fi connection depends on three things: the router broadcasting a network, your device being within range, and the password being correct. If one of these is wrong, the connection will fail or be unreliable. This guide covers the standard method, what you need first, the order to follow, and the most common fixes if your device says connected but the internet still does not work.
Who this is for
Anyone setting up a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer with wireless capability, smart TV or similar device on a home, work or public Wi-Fi network.
What you’ll need
- A device with Wi-Fi capability
- A working Wi-Fi router or access point
- The correct network name (SSID)
- The Wi-Fi password or network key
- Access to the device's Settings or network menu
Before you start
Check that the router has power, that Wi-Fi is enabled on your device, and that you have the correct network name and password. If this is a work, school or public network, you may also need a sign-in page or instructions from the network owner.
Step-by-step
- 1
Find the network details
Locate the Wi-Fi network name and password before you begin. In a home setup, these are often on a label on the router or in the broadband provider's app or paperwork. If someone else manages the network, ask them for the exact details.
Why: You need the correct network and password to avoid repeated failed attempts and accidental connection to the wrong network.
- 2
Open Wi-Fi settings on your device
Go to Settings, Network or Internet settings, then open the Wi-Fi or Wireless section. On some devices this is also available from the quick settings panel or taskbar network icon.
Why: This is where the device scans for nearby networks and lets you choose how to connect.
- 3
Turn Wi-Fi on and wait for available networks to appear
Enable Wi-Fi if it is off, then wait a moment for the device to list nearby networks. If your network does not appear, move closer to the router and refresh the list if the device offers that option.
Why: The device must detect the network signal before you can join it, and weak signal is a common reason networks do not appear.
- 4
Select the correct network name
Tap or click the exact Wi-Fi network you want to join. If you see both main and guest networks, choose the one intended for your use. If there are multiple similar names, match it carefully to the router label or owner’s instructions.
Why: Choosing the right SSID ensures you connect to the correct router and get the expected level of access.
- 5
Enter the password carefully
Type the Wi-Fi password exactly as provided, paying attention to capital letters, lower-case letters, numbers and symbols. If your device has a show-password option, use it to check for typing errors before you confirm.
Why: Incorrect passwords are one of the most common causes of connection failure.
- 6
Join the network and wait for confirmation
Press Connect, Join or similar, then wait until the device shows the network as connected. On some networks, a browser may open asking you to accept terms or sign in; complete that step if prompted.
Why: Some networks require both Wi-Fi authentication and a separate web-based sign-in before internet access is allowed.
- 7
Test the connection
Open a web page or app that needs internet access. If the device says connected but nothing loads, disconnect and reconnect once, then restart the device or router if needed.
Why: A quick test confirms whether you have full internet access rather than only a local wireless connection.
Why this works
Wi-Fi lets your device communicate wirelessly with a router or access point using a standard radio connection. When you choose the right network and enter the correct credentials, the router authenticates the device and allows it onto the network, after which the router can pass traffic between your device and the internet service.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Typing the Wi-Fi password incorrectly, especially confusing similar characters
- Selecting a neighbour's network with a similar name
- Trying to connect while too far from the router
- Assuming 'connected' always means internet access is working
- Leaving Airplane mode on, which can disable wireless connections on some devices
- Using WPS without checking the router instructions or security settings
Troubleshooting
Your network name does not appear in the list
Make sure the router is powered on, move closer to it, refresh the Wi-Fi list, and restart Wi-Fi on the device. If the network is hidden, you may need to enter its name manually in the device's Wi-Fi settings.
The device says the password is wrong
Re-enter the password carefully, checking capital letters and symbols. Compare it with the router label or the settings shown in the router or provider app. If the password was changed, use the updated one.
The device connects to Wi-Fi but there is no internet
Try another device to see whether the issue is with the internet service or just one device. Restart the router and your device, and check whether your provider reports an outage. On public Wi-Fi, open a browser to see whether a sign-in page is waiting.
The connection keeps dropping
Move closer to the router, reduce obstructions, and disconnect unused devices if the network is overloaded. If possible, reconnect to a stronger nearby network or use a wired connection for stability.
Public Wi-Fi connects but apps still do not work
Open a web browser and look for a captive portal page asking you to accept terms or sign in. If nothing appears, disconnect and reconnect, then try visiting a common website to trigger the portal.
Compare your options
Manual password entry
Best for: Most home and small office users
Pros: Works on nearly all devices, clear process, usually the most secure routine method
Cons: Easy to mistype long passwords
WPS button connection
Best for: Devices with limited keyboards or screens
Pros: Fast and avoids typing the password
Cons: Not available on all devices or routers and may be disabled for security reasons
Guest Wi-Fi network
Best for: Visitors or temporary devices
Pros: Keeps guest access separate from the main network
Cons: May have restricted access or different login details
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual password entry | Most home and small office users | Works on nearly all devices, clear process, usually the most secure routine method | Easy to mistype long passwords |
| WPS button connection | Devices with limited keyboards or screens | Fast and avoids typing the password | Not available on all devices or routers and may be disabled for security reasons |
| Guest Wi-Fi network | Visitors or temporary devices | Keeps guest access separate from the main network | May have restricted access or different login details |
Alternatives
- Use a wired Ethernet connection if your device supports it and you need a more stable link
- Use mobile data or a personal hotspot if no suitable Wi-Fi network is available
- Use a Wi-Fi QR code on supported devices to share network details without typing
Pro tips
- Save the network after connecting so your device can rejoin it automatically later
- If there are two similar network names, label the router or note the exact SSID to avoid confusion
- Keep the router in an open, central position for better coverage
- If you manage the network, choose a strong unique Wi-Fi password and keep it somewhere secure
Safety notes
- Be cautious on public Wi-Fi, especially for banking, shopping or sensitive logins
- Avoid joining networks with suspicious names that mimic legitimate ones
- Only press the router reset button if you mean to erase or change settings, because that can disconnect all devices
Legal & regulatory notes
Only connect to networks you are authorised to use. Work, school and public networks may have acceptable-use rules, monitoring policies or sign-in conditions.
What this guide does not cover: This guide covers the general process for joining a Wi-Fi network. It does not provide device-specific menu paths for every phone, computer, smart TV or router model, and it does not cover advanced router configuration.
Cost considerations
Connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network usually has no extra cost beyond the internet service and equipment already in place, but public or travel networks may charge for access and mobile hotspot use may count against your data allowance.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my Wi-Fi password?+
It is often printed on a label on the router, shown in your broadband provider's app, or recorded in the router settings by the person who set up the network.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi and internet?+
Wi-Fi is the wireless link between your device and the router. Internet access is the service the router connects to. You can be connected to Wi-Fi even when the internet service is down.
Should I use the main Wi-Fi or the guest network?+
Use the main network for your own trusted devices unless the network owner tells you otherwise. Guest networks are useful for visitors and may limit access to local devices.
Why does my device keep asking for the password again?+
This usually means the saved password is wrong, the router settings changed, or the connection was not properly saved. Forget the network on the device, then reconnect and enter the password again carefully.
Is WPS safe to use?+
It can be convenient, but many people prefer normal password entry because it is clearer and avoids relying on a feature that may be disabled or discouraged on some networks.
Sources & references
Guidance on this page is traced to documented sources. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- Apple Support · manufacturer
General process for joining a Wi-Fi network on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, including selecting a network and entering a password.
- Google Android Help · manufacturer
General process for connecting to Wi-Fi on Android devices and handling networks that require sign-in.
The basic connection process changes slowly, but menu names and security prompts vary by device software and router setup.