How to Connect Your Android Device to Wi-Fi

This article explains how to connect your Android device to a Wi-Fi network. Instructions apply to devices running Android 8 or newer from any manufacturer; the process is similar for other Android versions.

How to Turn On Wi-Fi On Android

Before you can connect to a network, the Wi-Fi option must be switched on. It’s a simple toggle. Here’s where to find it no matter what version of Android you’re running:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Open the network settings. Here are some ways to get there, depending on your device:

   • Network & internet > Internet (Google Pixel)
   • Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
   • Connections (Samsung Galaxy)
   • Wireless & Networks

3. Switch the Wi-Fi toggle to the on position. You can now close the Settings app.

How to Connect to a Wi-Fi Network on Android

Once Wi-Fi is enabled, you can log in to a network from the same screen you used to turn Wi-Fi on. For example, on a Samsung Galaxy phone, tap Wi-Fi from the Connections screen and then select a Wi-Fi network. If asked, enter its password.

What to Consider Before Connecting

A network with a lock icon is secured and requires a password; it’s preferable to an unsecured one because it’s less vulnerable to intruders. If you must connect to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, make sure you have an antivirus app installed. A VPN is useful here, too, due to its encryption benefits.

Choose the strongest network available. The estimated signal strength is displayed next to each network. The darker the icon or the more bars you see, the stronger the network signal is.

View Details About the Wi-Fi Connection

After your device is connected to Wi-Fi, you can view details about the connection. Tap the network name and then select the settings/gear icon or tap Advanced.

Get Notified About Open Wi-Fi Networks

As long as Wi-Fi is switched on, you can set up your Android to automatically tell you when a network is available. How this works varies between devices; here are the steps for Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices:

1. On a Pixel, go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet.

   On a Samsung device, go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi.

2. Tap Network preferences (Pixel) or the three dots > Advanced settings (Galaxy).

3. Turn on the Notify for public networks or Wi-Fi network notifications toggle. Other devices call this option Network notification or Wi-Fi notifications.

Choosing the Right Network

If you’re connecting to your home Wi-Fi network, you can find the default SSID and password on the bottom of your router or in the documents your ISP provided at signup. To connect to a network that isn’t yours, ask the owner for the name and Wi-Fi password.