Find and Open Your WiFi Settings

To connect your tablet to WiFi, start by opening the Settings app. On most tablets, this is a gear icon on your home screen or in your app drawer. Once Settings opens, look for a menu item labeled "WiFi" or "Network & Internet" — the exact name depends on whether you have an iPad or an Android tablet.

Tap on WiFi to enter the network settings. Your tablet will automatically scan for available networks in your area. This scan takes a few seconds. You should see a list of network names (called SSIDs) appear on your screen. If you do not see your network listed, make sure your WiFi router is powered on and within range — most home routers broadcast a signal about 150 feet in open space, less through walls.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap WiFi, and select your network name from the list of available networks.
  • Enter your WiFi password exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive and spaces matter.
  • If your network does not appear in the list, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
  • Once connected, your tablet will remember that network and reconnect automatically when you are in range.
  • If you see a WiFi icon with an exclamation mark, your tablet is connected but cannot reach the internet — restart your router or move closer to it.

Select Your Network and Enter the Password

Tap on your network name in the list. A dialog box will appear asking for your WiFi password. This is the password you created when you set up your router, not your email password or any other account password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, which means uppercase and lowercase letters are different, and spaces count.

If you are unsure of your password, check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router. Many routers have the default password printed there. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to factory settings by holding down a small reset button (usually recessed, so you need a paperclip) for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase your custom password and return the router to its default settings.

Wait for the Connection to Complete

After you enter the password, tap the "Connect" or "Join" button. Your tablet will attempt to connect to the network. This usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. While it connects, you may see a loading spinner or a message saying "Connecting." Do not close Settings or move away from the router during this time.

Once connected, you will see a checkmark next to your network name, and a WiFi icon will appear in the status bar at the top of your screen. The icon looks like curved lines radiating from a point. If the connection fails, your tablet will return to the network list and you can try entering the password again.

Troubleshoot if Your Tablet Will Not Connect

If you enter the correct password but your tablet still will not connect, the problem is usually with your router, not your tablet. Restart your router by unplugging the power cable, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in. This clears the router's memory and often fixes connection problems. Wait two to three minutes for the router to fully restart before trying to connect again.

If restarting does not work, move your tablet closer to the router. Walls, metal objects, and other electronics can block or weaken the WiFi signal. If your tablet connects when you are close to the router but not from other rooms, the signal is too weak in that area. You may need to move your router to a more central location or purchase a WiFi extender.

If your tablet connects but shows no internet access (you will see a WiFi icon with an exclamation mark or an X), the router itself may not be connected to your internet service. Check that the cable from your modem to your router is plugged in firmly on both ends. If it is, restart both your modem and router: unplug the modem first, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait two minutes, then restart the router the same way.

Manage Your Saved Networks

Once your tablet connects to a network, it saves that network's name and password. The next time you are in range, your tablet will reconnect automatically without asking for the password again. You can see all your saved networks in WiFi Settings — they are marked with a checkmark or a "Saved" label.

If you want to remove a saved network, open WiFi Settings, find the network name, and tap the information icon (usually a small circle with an "i" inside) or press and hold the network name. Select "Forget" or "Remove." This erases the saved password. You will need to enter the password again the next time you want to connect to that network. This is useful if you move to a new home or no longer want your tablet to automatically connect to a public network.

Connect to Hidden Networks

Some routers are set to hide their network name from the public list. If you know the name of a hidden network, you can still connect to it. In WiFi Settings, look for an option called "Add Network," "Other Network," or "Manual." Tap it and type the exact network name, then enter the password. Your tablet will connect and remember the network for future use.

Hidden networks are less common in home settings but are sometimes used in offices or apartments. If you are trying to connect to a hidden network and do not know the exact name, ask the person who set up the router. The network name must be typed exactly — even a single letter difference will prevent connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tablet keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Frequent disconnections usually mean the signal is weak or your router needs a restart. Try moving closer to the router first. If that does not help, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If disconnections continue, your router may be overheating — make sure it has space around it and is not in a hot closet or cabinet.

Can I connect to WiFi without knowing the password?

No, you need the correct password to connect to a secured network. If you do not know it, check the sticker on your router or ask the person who set it up. If you cannot recover the password, you can reset your router to factory settings, but this will erase all your custom settings.

What is the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi?

Some routers broadcast two networks with different names — one for 2.4GHz and one for 5GHz. The 5GHz network is faster but has a shorter range. Use 5GHz if you are close to the router and want faster speeds. Use 2.4GHz if you are far from the router or in a different room. Your tablet will work on either one.

Why does my tablet show the WiFi network but say "cannot connect"?

This usually means the password is wrong or the router is not responding. Double-check that you typed the password correctly — spaces and capital letters matter. If the password is correct, restart your router. If the problem continues, try "forgetting" the network in WiFi Settings and connecting again from scratch.

Will my tablet use data if it is connected to WiFi?

No, when your tablet is connected to WiFi, it uses the WiFi network instead of cellular data. This is why connecting to WiFi is useful if you have a limited data plan. Your tablet will automatically switch back to data only if the WiFi connection drops.