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
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
- Turn on Use Wi-Fi.
- 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.
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- 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.
Related
Option 2: Add network
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
- Make sure that Wi-Fi is on.
- At the bottom of the list, tap Add network.
- If needed, enter the network name (SSID) and security details.
- 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.
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
- Make sure that Wi-Fi is on.
- Tap a network Share.
- 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:
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
- Make sure that Wi-Fi is on.
- Touch and hold a saved network.
- 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:
- Open your device’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
- Tap a network.
- At the top, tap Edit Advanced options.
- Under “Proxy,” tap the Down arrow . Pick the configuration type.
- If needed, enter the proxy settings.
- 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.
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
- At the bottom, tap Wi-Fi preferences.
- 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).
- Install certificates
- Turn on Wi-Fi automatically
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.
- Connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi.
- Tap the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to.
- Tap Advanced Metered Treat as metered.
