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.
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Updated on July 16, 2021
Reviewed by
Chris Selph
Chris Selph headshot
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.
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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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