How to Connect an iPhone or Android Phone to Wi-Fi

Here’s how to connect an iPhone or Android phone to a Wi-Fi network: find the setting, tap your network, enter the password, and confirm you’re connected.

Why connect to Wi-Fi?

Faster, and off your data plan — Streaming, video calls, and big downloads use a lot less cellular data
Better signal indoors — Wi-Fi often reaches further inside your home than cell service
Needed for some apps and updates — Many app and software updates only download over Wi-Fi by default

How to connect your phone to Wi-Fi, step by step

iPhone

1iPhone: connect to Wi-Fi

Open Settings, then tap Wi-Fi. Tap the name of your network.

WHAT TO DOType the password, then tap Join. A checkmark shows you’re connected.

Connect iphone or android to wifi: iPhone: connect to Wi-Fi

Android

2Android: connect to Wi-Fi

Open Settings, then tap Network & internet, then Internet.

WHAT TO DOTap your network, type the password, then tap Connect.

Android: connect to Wi-Fi

A few tips

Don’t know the password? — Check the label on the router itself, or ask whoever set it up
Not seeing your network? — Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on, and you’re close enough to the router
Be careful on public Wi-Fi — Avoid online banking or typing passwords on open networks at a cafe or airport

Recap: connecting an iPhone or Android phone to Wi-Fi

iPhone: Settings, Wi-Fi, tap your network, enter the password
Android: Settings, Network & internet, Internet, tap your network
Type the password, then Join or Connect
A checkmark means you’re connected

Printable quick guide

Connect Your Phone to Wi-Fi (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect my iPhone to Wi-Fi?

Open Settings, then tap Wi-Fi. Tap the name of your network, enter the password if asked, then tap Join. A checkmark next to the network name means you’re connected.

How do I connect my Android phone to Wi-Fi?

Open Settings, then tap Network & internet, then Internet. Tap your network, enter the password, then tap Connect.

I don’t know my Wi-Fi password. Where do I find it?

Check the label on the router itself; many list a default network name and password. You can also ask whoever originally set up the internet service.

My phone isn’t showing my Wi-Fi network. What should I check?

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on in Settings, that you’re close enough to the router, and that the router itself is powered on and working.

If your phone won’t join a network it used to connect to automatically, try “forgetting” that network in Wi-Fi settings, then rejoining it with the password.