Finding Wi-Fi will take no more than a minute once you learn where it is located. However, problems arise when the network does not appear on the screen, the password is incorrect, or the message No internet appears on the device. This manual will provide you with all necessary information regarding the procedure, as well as solutions to common mistakes and security settings.
What you need before you start
The first thing is that two essential facts need to be known: these are SSID and the password. These details are usually provided in the form of a sticker at the back or bottom of your router. In case the password was changed and nobody remembers it, then you can view the password from a device having access to the Wi-Fi network (steps are given below).
Ensure that the router is switched on and that the internet light does not show red or orange. If the router is without the internet, you will get connected to Wi-Fi, but nothing will work.
How to connect on Windows 11 and Windows 10
- Click the network icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the taskbar.
- Click the downward pointing arrow next to Wi-Fi in order to see a list of available networks.
- Choose the network that you desire to connect to and click Connect. Click Connect automatically if this is your home network.
- Enter the password and tap Next.
In case you can’t see the Wi-Fi setting, hit Windows + A to see whether Wi-Fi is on and Airplane Mode is off.
How to connect on a Mac
- Kindly tap on the WiFi symbol that is displayed in the upper right-hand side of your menu bar.
- Select the required network connection.
- Type the password and click Join.
Should the icon be invisible, proceed to open the settings and turn on Wi-Fi from within System Settings > Wi-Fi (System Preferences > Network).
How to connect on iPhone and iPad
- Settings > Wi-Fi > Turn Wi-Fi on.
- Select your network from the list of Choose a Network.
- Type your password and press the Join button.
A blue tick against a person’s name signifies that you are linked.
How to connect on Android
- Path to settings -> Network & Internet -> Wi-Fi settings (based on the manufacturer’s name: Samsung, Xiaomi, and others).
- Enable Wi-Fi and select your desired connection.
- Enter your password and click Connect.
How to connect to a hidden network
Not all routers broadcast their names. If you are using Windows, select Hidden network from the bottom of the drop-down menu. When using Mac, click Other networks and Other. For smartphones, press Add network. You will have to supply the below information irrespective of the case: Network name, Security and password.
Finding your Wi-Fi password in case you have forgotten it
- Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware properties or run the netsh wlan show profile name = NETWORK NAME key=clear command from the Command Prompt.
- Mac: Open Keychain Access, select the network, and then click Show Password followed by entering your Mac login password.
- iPhone and Android: The latest models enable you to simply tap the network you have connected to and choose Share or just display the QR code for your password.
- Router: Key in the router’s IP address (can either be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 and is available on its label) through your web browser and then access your account.
Wi-Fi connected but not working? Try these fixes
Weak signal. Get closer to the router. Walls, mirrors, microwaves and cordless phones all degrade the signal. In case you have a router which supports both frequencies, then 2.4 GHz has better reach but 5 GHz is much faster.
Incorrect password error. Passwords are case sensitive. There should be no spaces present, and Caps Lock should not be on. If all else fails, the password may have been changed from the router side.
Forget the network and re-connect to it. Go to your Wi-Fi settings, select ‘forget’ on your network, and connect using your password again. It is caused by a corrupted saved profile, which is very common.
Reset your router. Switch off your router by pulling out the power cable from the source and reinserting it after 30 seconds.
Reboot the computer; it sounds easy, but does solve many networking problems.
Flush DNS on Windows. In case you come across Connected, yet without internet, use the Command Prompt as an administrator and enter ipconfig/flushdns. If this doesn’t work, run the ipconfig/release and ipconfig/renew commands.
Examine device overload. Some routers have connection limit restrictions. Turn off all gadgets which are not being used.
Update drivers or firmware. It may happen that out-of-date drivers for your Wi-Fi or out-of-date firmware for your router may cause you to have no connection.
In case there is a problem with one device only, it means that there is a problem with that particular device. In case all devices are affected, then there must be some problem with the router or the Internet service provider.
How to secure your wireless network
After you’re connected, spend five minutes setting up these options. You can do it all from the router’s administration page.
- Change your administrator login. The default login name and password are well-known (usually admin). Use something unique.
- Either WPA3 or WPA2 should be deployed; where necessary, WPA3 can be chosen and WPA2-AES can be considered an alternative if WPA3 is not available.
- Select an appropriate password for WiFi. Password chosen should contain alphabets, numbers, and symbols, and it should be 12 characters or more in length.
- Turn off WPS. The WPS button feature has known weaknesses.
- Router Firmware Update: Firmware updates fix any security weaknesses. Automatic firmware updates can be enabled.
- Create a guest network. Offer a separate network to guests and smart-home devices so that they cannot access your computers and files.
- Look for other networked devices. After discovering any other new devices, now it’s time to reset the password.
Beware of the use of your Wi-Fi connection in public locations such as restaurants, airports, and hotels. It is always advisable to access your bank accounts using a virtual private network (VPN).
How to get better Wi-Fi speed
- Place the router in an open space which is located centrally and should be above ground level.
- Do not use metals or large walls, or electrical items near the router.
- Choose a less busy channel on the router settings if other networks of the neighbors are causing interferences.
- It is advised to use the 5 GHz frequency band to stream and conduct video calls.
- Consider replacing your router if it is older than five years and purchase a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 router.
- In case of large houses, a mesh network will perform better than a range extender.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t I see my Wi-Fi network in the list?
The router could be switched off, not within range, or in hidden mode. Power it on and come close to it. If other devices can see it while yours cannot, then yours could be able to connect only via 2.4 GHz.
Why does my phone say Saved, secured but not connected?
Saved profile will mostly be the issue. Disconnect the link and reconnect the network. Should that not work, you can always reset your router.
What level of security is there with using Wi-Fi services?
It is risky as other people using the network might view the traffic. One should use sites with HTTPS protocol, not make sensitive logins, and use a virtual private network.
What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?
The range of 2.4 GHz is higher but its speed is low. The speed of 5 GHz is higher but its range is low. Routers having 6 GHz frequency are also available now.
Can I connect without a password?
Only if the router has WPS or you use the QR code of your connected smartphone. Networks with open access and no password are not recommended.
Final thoughts
Generally, the problem with WiFi is due to a wrong password, weak connection, or a profile that requires reset. Just go through the troubleshooting steps according to the device you are using, implement each remedy, and finally secure your router. In case all remedies failed and you are facing some problem, don’t hesitate to post your query in the comment section below.