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
Writer
Former Lifewire writer Russell Ware has written hundreds of cell phone and smartphone reviews and guides in dozens of books and magazines.
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Russell Ware
Updated on July 16, 2021
reviewed by
Chris Selph headshot
Chris Selph
Lifewire Tech Review Board Member
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.
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Article reviewed on May 24, 2020
Chris Selph

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:

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Network & Internet.

  3. In the Network & Internet section, select Wi-Fi.

  4. Turn on the Wi-Fi toggle switch.

    Network & Internet, Wi-Fi, Toggle in Android Settings

  5. 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:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap Connections or Wireless & Networks.

  3. Tap Wi-Fi to open the Wi-Fi settings.

  4. 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.

Turning on Wi-Fi and choosing a network on Android

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.

Wi-Fi connection details on Android

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:

  1. Tap Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi.

  2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and then tap Advanced.

  3. Turn on the Open network notification or Wi-Fi notifications toggle switch.

    Turning on Network Notification on Android

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.

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