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How to Connect Your Android Device to Wi-Fi

Use Wi-Fi on your Android to stream videos, browse the web, and more

By Russell Ware Russell Ware Writer Coombeshead College Former Lifewire writer Russell Ware has written hundreds of cell phone and smartphone reviews and guides in dozens of books and magazines. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on July 16, 2021 Reviewed by Chris Selph Reviewed by Chris Selph Chris Selph is a CompTIA-certified technology and vocational IT teacher. He also serves as network & server administrator and performs computer maintenance and repair for numerous clients. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

In This Article

Expand Jump to a Section Turn On Wi-Fi On Android 9 0 and Up Turn on Wi-Fi on Android 8 0 Connect to a Wi-Fi Network What to Consider Before Connecting View Details About the Wi-Fi Connection Get Notified About Open Wi-Fi Networks Choosing the Right Network This article explains how to connect your Android device to a Wi-Fi network. Instructions apply to devices from any manufacturer with Android 10, 9.0 Pie, or 8.0 Oreo, but the process for other Android versions is similar.

Turn On Wi-Fi On Android 9 0 and Up

Here's how to make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on: Open the Settings app. Tap Network & Internet. In the Network & Internet section, select Wi-Fi. Turn on the Wi-Fi toggle switch. Close the Settings app. Alternatively, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Wi-Fi icon if it's greyed out. To open the Wi-Fi settings, tap and hold the Wi-Fi icon.

Turn on Wi-Fi on Android 8 0

The process for enabling Wi-Fi and adjusting settings is different for Android 8.0. Here's how to open the Wi-Fi settings on these devices: Open Settings. Tap Connections or Wireless & Networks. Tap Wi-Fi to open the Wi-Fi settings. Under Wi-Fi settings, turn on the Wi-Fi toggle switch.

Connect to a Wi-Fi Network

Once Wi-Fi is enabled, go to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi to see a list of nearby networks to which you can connect.

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, use a firewall or antivirus app. Consider using a VPN, as well. Don't use an unsecured network for private browsing activities, such as accessing a bank account and logging in to your online user accounts. Choose the strongest network available. The estimated signal strength displays next to each Wi-Fi network. The darker the icon or the more bars that display, the stronger the network signal is.

View Details About the Wi-Fi Connection

After your Android is connected to Wi-Fi, you can view details about the connection by tapping the network name and then tapping Advanced. This interface varies slightly with Android version.

Get Notified About Open Wi-Fi Networks

You can set up your Android to automatically tell you when a network is available, as long as Wi-Fi is turned on (even if not connected). Here's how: Tap Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and then tap Advanced. Turn on the Open network notification or Wi-Fi notifications toggle switch.

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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Connect Google Home to Wi-Fi How to Share Your Wi-Fi Password on Android What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network How to Fix Wi-Fi Authentication Problems on Android When and How to Turn Off Wi-Fi on Your Devices How to Fix Wi-Fi Connection Drops How to Fix It When 'Move to iOS' Isn't Working Connecting a PC to a Wireless Home Network How to Connect Chromecast to Hotel Wi-Fi How to Connect Your Kindle to Wi-Fi How to Fix it When Chromebook Won't Connect to Wi-Fi How to Reset Network Settings on Your iPhone How to Use Your Android Phone as a Wi-Fi Hotspot How to Add a Wi-Fi Network to Any Device How to Save Mobile Data When Tethering Android Tablet or Phone Fixing an iPad That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies