How to Connect to Wi-Fi networks on your Android device

To use Wi-Fi the way you want, you can change how and when your phone connects.

When you have Wi-Fi turned on, your phone automatically connects to nearby Wi-Fi networks you’ve connected to before. You can also set your phone to automatically turn on Wi-Fi near saved networks.Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 10 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Turn on & connect

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet  Wi-Fi.
3. Turn on Use Wi-Fi.
4. Tap a listed network. If it needs a password, you’ll see the Lock . After you connect:
   • “Connected” shows under the network name.
   • The network is “Saved.” When your phone is near and Wi-Fi is on, your phone automatically connects.

Tip: You can also swipe down on your screen to get to Wi-Fi settings. Learn how.

Connect via notification

When Wi-Fi is on, you get notifications of available, high-quality, public networks. On these notifications:

• To connect to the network, tap Connect.
• To change Wi-Fi settings, tap All Networks.
• To not get notifications for that network, clear the notification. Learn how to control notifications

Tip: You can also connect to these networks without notifications. Learn how to connect automatically to open networks.

Compare strength & speed

From the listed networks, pick one that can do what you need.

Strength

Signal strength shows on the Wi-Fi icon . A fuller icon means a stronger signal.

Speed

Connection speed shows under the names of public networks. Speed can change with signal strength.

• Slow: You can send and receive emails and texts. Images appear slowly.
• OK: You can read webpages, use social media, and stream music and standard-definition (SD) videos.
• Fast: You can stream most high-definition (HD) videos and make video calls.
• Very Fast: You can stream very high-quality videos.

If you don’t want to see network speed, open your phone’s Settings app  Network & internet  Wi-Fi  Wi-Fi preferences  Advanced  Network rating provider  None.

Change, add, share, or remove saved networks

Change

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet  Wi-Fi.
   • To move between listed networks, tap a network name.
   • To change a network’s settings, tap the network.

Add

You can add Wi-Fi networks that don’t automatically show in your list.

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

Option 1: Reload network list

If the network you want isn’t listed, but is nearby, wait for the list to refresh.

Option 2: Add network

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet  Wi-Fi.
3. Make sure that Wi-Fi is on.
4. At the bottom of the list, tap Add network.
5. If needed, enter the network name (SSID) and security details.
6. Tap Save.

Share

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.You can share Wi-Fi information with a friend so that they can connect to the same network.

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet  Wi-Fi.
3. Make sure that Wi-Fi is on.
4. Tap a network  Share.
5. You’ll find a QR code on your phone. Your friend can scan the code to connect.

Remove

If you don’t want to automatically connect to a saved Wi-Fi network, you can “forget” that network.

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

To remove a Wi-Fi network from your phone:

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet  Wi-Fi.
3. Make sure that Wi-Fi is on.
4. Touch and hold a saved network.
5. Tap Forget network.

Advanced network settings

proxy

A proxy is like a gate or tunnel between phones. For example, you could need to connect through a proxy when you connect to your work network from your home.

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

To connect to a Wi-Fi network via a proxy:

1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet  Wi-Fi.
3. Tap a network.
4. At the top, tap Edit   Advanced options.
5. Under “Proxy,” tap the Down arrow . Pick the configuration type.
6. If needed, enter the proxy settings.
7. Tap Save.

Each Wi-Fi network needs proxy settings set up separately.

Automatic connections, Wi-Fi Direct, & more

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

1. Open your phone’s Settings app.
2. Tap Network & internet  Wi-Fi.
3. At the bottom, tap Wi-Fi preferences.
4. Tap an option. These vary by phone and Android version.
   • Turn on Wi-Fi automatically
     Have Wi-Fi automatically turn on near saved networks. Learn about saved networks (above).
   • Connect to open networks
     Automatically connect to high-quality open networks. Learn how to connect automatically.
   • Open network notification
     Get a notification when automatic connection to high-quality open networks isn’t available.
   • Advanced
     • Install certificates
       Digital certificates can identify your phone. Learn about certificates.
     • Network rating provider
       See what service rates Wi-Fi networks for your phone.
     • Wi-Fi Direct
       Let your phone connect, without a network with other devices that can use Wi-Fi Direct.
     • If you’re using an older version of Android, you can also choose from: 
       • WPS Push Button: Turn on Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) for a WPS-capable network.
       • WPS Pin Entry: Enter the Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) personal identification number (PIN).

Metered Wi-Fi

If your network has a data limit, you can set your Wi-Fi as metered. By setting a network as metered, you have more control over how much data your phone is using through downloads and other apps.

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

1. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
2. Open your phone’s Settings app.
3. Tap Network & internet  Wi-Fi.
4. Tap the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
5. Tap Advanced Metered  Treat as metered.