The basic steps to join a WiFi network
To connect to a wireless network, you need to find the network name on your device, select it, and enter the password if one exists. The exact steps depend on what device you are using — a phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV — but the principle is the same across all of them.
Your device has a WiFi radio built in that constantly scans for nearby networks. When you turn on WiFi, your device displays a list of networks it can detect. You pick the one you want, enter the password (usually printed on your router or in your setup paperwork), and your device connects. Once connected, your device remembers that network and will reconnect automatically the next time you are in range.
The hardest part is usually finding the password. If you set up the router yourself, check the sticker on the bottom or back of the device. If someone else set it up, you may need to ask them or reset the router to its factory settings — which erases all your settings and requires you to set it up again from scratch.
Key Takeaways
- Open your device's WiFi settings, find your network name in the list, and select it to begin the connection process.
- Enter the network password exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive and spaces matter.
- Once connected, your device stores the password and reconnects automatically when you are in range.
- If you forget the password, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your WiFi configuration and requires you to set it up again.
- Some devices may take 30 seconds to a minute to connect after you enter the password; wait before assuming it failed.
Connecting on Windows laptops and desktops
On Windows 10 and 11, click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your screen — it looks like a WiFi symbol or a series of curved lines. A panel will open showing all available networks. Find your network name in the list and click it.
A dialog box will appear asking for the password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters are different from lowercase letters, and spaces count. Click "Next" or "Connect". Windows will attempt to connect and should confirm success within 30 seconds. If it fails, double-check that you typed the password correctly and try again.
Once you connect successfully, Windows remembers that network. The next time you are in range, your laptop will reconnect automatically without asking for the password again. If you move to a new location and want to forget a network, go back to the network list, right-click the network name, and select "Forget".
Connecting on Mac laptops and desktops
On macOS, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of your menu bar — it looks like a fan or curved lines. A dropdown menu will show all available networks. Click your network name in the list.
A dialog box will prompt you to enter the password. Type it exactly as it appears on your router or setup paperwork, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. Click "Join". Your Mac will connect within 30 seconds and show a checkmark next to the network name in the menu.
Your Mac stores the password in its keychain and reconnects automatically when you are in range. If you need to forget the network later, go to System Settings, click "WiFi" in the sidebar, find your network, click the information icon next to it, and select "Forget This Network".
Connecting on iPhones and iPads
Open the Settings app and tap "WiFi". Toggle WiFi on if it is not already enabled. Your device will display a list of available networks. Tap the name of your network.
A keyboard will appear. Enter the password and tap "Join". Your device will connect within a few seconds. Once connected, a checkmark appears next to the network name and a WiFi icon shows in the status bar at the top of your screen.
Your iPhone or iPad remembers the password and reconnects automatically. If you want to forget the network, go back to WiFi settings, tap the information icon next to the network name, and select "Forget This Network". This is useful if you are moving or if a network is no longer available.
Connecting on Android phones and tablets
Open Settings and look for "WiFi" or "Connections" — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap it to open the WiFi menu. Toggle WiFi on if it is off. Your device will scan and display available networks.
Tap your network name. A dialog box will ask for the password. Enter it carefully and tap "Connect". Your device will connect within 30 seconds. A WiFi icon will appear in the status bar at the top of your screen.
Your Android device stores the password and reconnects automatically when in range. To forget a network, long-press the network name in the WiFi list and select "Forget" or "Remove". Some Android devices also allow you to manage saved networks through Settings > WiFi > Saved Networks.
Connecting on smart TVs and streaming devices
Smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV have their own WiFi connection menus. On most devices, go to Settings, look for "Network" or "WiFi", and select it.
Your device will scan for available networks and display them on screen. Select your network name from the list. When prompted, enter the password using the on-screen keyboard or remote control. This can be slow — take your time and double-check each character. Once connected, the device will confirm and return to the main menu.
These devices also remember the password and reconnect automatically. If you need to forget a network, return to the network settings menu, find the network name, and look for a "Forget" or "Remove" option. The exact steps vary by device, so check your manual if you cannot find the option.
What to do when the password is wrong or you cannot remember it
If you enter the password and your device says it is incorrect, the most common reason is a typo. Passwords are case-sensitive — "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Spaces also count. Try entering it again, slowly, paying close attention to capital letters.
If you still cannot connect, check that you are typing the correct password. The password is usually on a sticker attached to your router. If you cannot find it or you have changed it and forgotten the new one, you will need to reset the router. This erases all your settings and returns the router to its factory state, so you will have to set it up again from the beginning — including creating a new network name and password.
To reset most routers, hold down the small reset button on the back or bottom of the device for 10 to 15 seconds while it is powered on. The lights will blink and the router will restart. Once it boots up, look for the default network name and password on the sticker and connect using those credentials. Then you can set up your network again with a new password you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my device say "connected but no internet"?
Your device is connected to the router but the router itself does not have internet. Check that the cable from your modem to your router is plugged in firmly on both ends. Restart both the modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. Wait two minutes for them to fully boot before trying again.
Can I see what password I used to connect to a network?
On Windows, you can view a saved password by going to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks, selecting your network, and clicking "Properties". On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show Password", and enter your computer password. On phones and tablets, you generally cannot view saved passwords for security reasons.
Why does my device keep disconnecting from the network?
Frequent disconnections usually mean the device is too far from the router or there is interference. Move closer to the router or move the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and thick walls. If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If only one device disconnects repeatedly, try forgetting the network and reconnecting.
Do I need to enter the password every time I connect?
No. Once you connect successfully, your device stores the password and reconnects automatically when you are in range. You only need to enter the password once per device. If you change your router's password, you will need to forget the old network on each device and reconnect with the new password.
What if my network name does not appear in the list?
Your router may be broadcasting its network name, or it may be hidden. If hidden, you can usually add it manually by selecting "Add Network" or "Other Network" in your WiFi settings and typing the network name and password yourself. Check your router's manual or the sticker on the device to find the correct network name if you are unsure.