Connect cell phone wifi router

Connecting your mobile phone to Wi-Fi is similar to doing so for a computer, smart TV, wireless printer and other devices you may have in your house. Just like other devices, you need to add your phone to your Wi-Fi network only once unless you change the name of your Wi-Fi network or password in the future. Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled, which will have a green toggle switch to show it's turned on.

See the list of all nearby Wi-Fi networks that your smartphone detects under Network. Now you should see the familiar Wi-Fi symbol, which looks like curved radio waves beaming up, appear at the very top of your iPhone. The more curves, the stronger your Wi-Fi signal, not unlike seeing vertical bars to indicate cellular signal strength. Be aware not all Android phones are set up the exact same, so some of these steps may vary slightly among models from Google, LG, Moto, Samsung and other manufacturers.

Swipe down from the very top of your Android phone's home screen and you'll see the Wi-Fi symbol near the top. If this swipe down action doesn't work for some reason, you can also tap the Settings icon that looks like a gray gear on your home screen. Tap and hold the Wi-Fi symbol. If you're already connected to a Wi-Fi network, it will be listed under Current network.

Make sure that Wi-Fi is enabled by tapping the toggle switch to On if you're not connected to your Wi-Fi network. Some phones may skip that step and ask you to Add network. Ensure Auto reconnect is enabled, if asked, so your phone will automatically join your Wi-Fi network when you walk in your door. If you already have your smartphone on your home's Wi-Fi network but still have problems, maybe your Wi-Fi needs some tender loving care.

You could have the fastest router in the world, but it won't be useful if you aren't getting fast speeds from your internet service provider ISP. Budget permitting, go with the fastest speeds available in your neighborhood, which may require a newer router. Ensure your router is in an optimal spot in your home.

Keep it on the main or top floor and close to the center of the house for optimum reach. Refrain from keeping your router in a basement because it will be tough for devices elsewhere in the home to communicate with it. Make sure the router is elevated on a desk or table and has nothing near it to obstruct the signal.

You can have a modem from your ISP for internet connectivity but opt for a better router for wireless access. If that's what you prefer, and it's been a few years since you've upgraded your router, consider picking up a new router. Look for Wi-Fi 6, the latest standard.

It's not only faster but supports more simultaneous devices on the network. Those in a larger home or older home with concrete walls might consider a mesh or whole house network. The more advanced router includes multiple bases or hubs — wireless extenders, if you will — to place around the home. These devices all wirelessly communicate with the router to blanket a broader space with faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. This is a modular system, so you can add more bases if you need them.

If your devices, such as a desktop computer, support a wired connection, plug them into the modem or router if it's close enough. This requires an inexpensive Ethernet cable, which looks like a fatter telephone cable. If devices, like your smartphone, are wireless only, try to be as close to your router as possible for the best performance, or consider a mesh system or wireless extender for the part of the home where you're having spotty reception. Today's Wi-Fi routers broadcast in two different frequencies: 2.

Figuring out the best one for your situation can improve your network's reach, speed and reliability. The 5 GHz frequency minimizes interference among devices operating on the 2. The 2. Marc Saltzman is a contributing writer who covers personal technology. His work also appears in USA Today and other national publications.

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Now Reading:. Membership My Account. Rewards for Good. Tap Connect. It's usually at the bottom of the password entry box window. If the password is incorrect you will receive an authentication error and will need to re-enter the password or try a different network. Method 3. The option you see varies by model.

You'll know you're in the right place if you see a "Wi-Fi" option in the menu. If Wi-Fi is enabled, your Android will begin scanning for networks to join. If Wi-Fi is not enabled, tap the option to enable it now. If the network is not password-protected, your phone will connect to it immediately.

If a password is required, you'll have to enter it. Tap the menu in the upper right and tap Add Network to manually enter a network name SSID if the network is hidden or you do not see it listed. Method 4. Open Settings and select Wi-Fi. Tap to turn Wi-Fi on. Your phone will begin to scan for nearby Wi-Fi networks to join. If the Wi-Fi network is not password-protected, your phone will connect to it immediately. Enter the Wi-Fi network password if prompted. Once the password is accepted, you will be connected to the network.

When I try to connect my Android cell phone to my home WiFi and enter the password, a message comes up saying "authentication error occurred". I have been able to set up cell phones to this network before, but not this time.

Any advice? Forget the network, restart the phone, and retry. That's the best and most simple thing to try. You can also unplug your router and modem for 30 seconds. Not Helpful 2 Helpful You'll either have to ask someone else for it or change the password on the router. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6. You can try the advanced Wi-Fi option on your Android phone. This will do just fine, that is if you're in a proximity of your router. Then, you can either enter a random PIN provided by your phone to connect your phone to your router, or you can select another option and activate a VPS on your router.

Usually, it takes up to 2 minutes for your router to accept both of these new inputs and to establish a safe connection to your phone. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you do not see any available networks, then you may not be in range of any. Relocate to another area and try again. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Make sure you have the password handy if you are using a protected network.

If you wish to reset your connection, turn the Wi-Fi off and then back on. On Android, tap and hold a network in the list and select Forget network. You Might Also Like How to. How to. About This Article. Written by:. Nicole Levine, MFA. Co-authors: 6. Updated: August 10, Categories: Wi Fi Computers and Electronics. Article Summary X 1. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 92, times. Is this article up to date?

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