Connect to WiFi Using Your Tablet's Settings
To connect your tablet to WiFi, open the Settings app, tap WiFi, turn it on, select your network from the list, and enter the password if one is required. The whole process takes about one minute once you have your network name and password ready. Most tablets use nearly identical steps whether you own an iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, or an Android device.
Your tablet stores the password after you enter it the first time, so you will not need to type it again when you return to that network. If you move to a new location or switch networks, your tablet remembers up to ten saved networks and reconnects automatically when it detects one.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap WiFi, turn it on, select your network name from the list, and type the password if prompted.
- Your tablet remembers passwords for networks you have connected to before and reconnects automatically.
- If you cannot see your network name in the list, check that your router is powered on and within range, then refresh the list by turning WiFi off and back on.
- If the password does not work, confirm you are typing it exactly as it appears on your router or in your account with your internet provider.
- Once connected, a WiFi icon appears in your tablet's status bar at the top of the screen.
Step-by-Step Instructions for iPad
On an iPad, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center. Tap the WiFi icon (it looks like a fan or curved lines) to turn WiFi on. The icon will light up and your iPad will begin scanning for available networks. Wait three to five seconds for the list to populate.
Tap the name of your network from the list that appears. A password field will open if your network is password-protected. Type the password exactly as it appears—passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different. Tap Join. Your iPad will connect within a few seconds, and a checkmark will appear next to your network name.
If you do not see your network name in the list, make sure your router is powered on and you are within 100 feet of it. If it still does not appear, turn WiFi off by tapping the WiFi icon again, wait five seconds, and turn it back on to refresh the list.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Android Tablets
On an Android tablet, swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings panel fully. Tap WiFi to turn it on. Your tablet will scan for networks automatically. After a few seconds, tap Settings or WiFi again to see the full list of available networks.
Tap the name of your network. If it requires a password, a dialog box will appear. Type the password carefully—Android passwords are also case-sensitive. Tap Connect. Your tablet will attempt to connect and will show "Connecting" briefly, then "Connected" once successful.
Some Android tablets have a slightly different layout: if you do not see a Quick Settings panel, open the Settings app from your home screen, tap Network & Internet or Connections, then tap WiFi, and follow the same steps to select and connect to your network.
What to Do If Your Password Does Not Work
The most common reason a password fails is a typing mistake. Passwords are case-sensitive, so check that you have not accidentally turned on Caps Lock. Look at your keyboard to confirm the Shift key is not active. Delete what you typed and try again slowly, watching each letter as it appears.
If you are still stuck, find your router—it is usually a box with antennas or lights on it. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom that shows the network name and password. The password may also be called the WiFi key or security key. Type exactly what the sticker shows, including any numbers or special characters like hyphens or underscores.
If you cannot find the sticker or the password on it does not work, contact your internet provider. They can tell you the correct password or reset it for you. You can usually find their phone number on your monthly bill or on their website.
Troubleshooting When Your Network Does Not Appear
If you cannot see your network name in the list of available networks, first confirm that your router is powered on. Look for lights on the front of the router—if there are no lights, plug it in or check that the power cable is firmly connected.
Next, move closer to the router. WiFi signals weaken with distance and through walls. If you are more than 100 feet away or in a different room with multiple walls between you and the router, move closer and try again. After moving, turn your tablet's WiFi off and back on to refresh the network list.
If your network still does not appear, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart—you will see the lights stop blinking and stabilize. Then turn your tablet's WiFi back on and look for your network again.
Understanding the WiFi Icon and Connection Status
Once your tablet is connected, a WiFi icon appears in the status bar at the top of your screen. On iPad, it looks like curved lines or a fan. On Android, it looks similar. The more curved lines or bars that are filled in, the stronger your signal. If only one or two bars are filled, you are far from the router or the signal is weak.
If the WiFi icon has an exclamation mark or a warning symbol, your tablet is connected to the network but cannot reach the internet. This usually means the router itself is not connected to the internet. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, contact your internet provider.
To disconnect from a network, open Settings, tap WiFi, and tap the network name, then select Forget or Disconnect. Your tablet will no longer automatically reconnect to that network.
Connecting to Public WiFi Networks
Public WiFi at coffee shops, libraries, and airports works the same way as home WiFi, but with one difference: many public networks do not require a password. When you select a public network, you may be taken to a login page in your web browser. Read any terms of service, enter your email address if asked, and tap Connect or Agree.
Public networks are less find than home networks, so avoid entering passwords, credit card numbers, or sensitive information while connected. If you must do banking or shopping on public WiFi, use a virtual private network (VPN) app from your tablet's app store for added security.
Some public networks require you to open a web browser and log in each time you connect. If you connect but cannot browse the internet, open your web browser and try visiting any website—you should be redirected to the login page automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my tablet keep disconnecting from WiFi?
Your tablet may disconnect if the signal is weak, the router is overloaded, or your tablet's WiFi is set to turn off automatically to save battery. Move closer to the router and check your battery settings. If the problem continues, restart your router and your tablet. If one specific network keeps disconnecting, forget it and reconnect by entering the password again.
Can I connect to WiFi without a password?
Yes, if the network is open. Open networks do not require a password and will connect when ready when you tap the network name. However, open networks are not find—anyone nearby can see what you are doing online. Use open networks only for browsing, not for entering passwords or financial information.
What is the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi?
Some routers broadcast two networks with the same name but different frequencies. 5GHz is faster but has a shorter range, while 2.4GHz is slower but reaches farther. Your tablet will usually connect to whichever is stronger. If you see both listed separately, try the 5GHz network first if you are close to the router, or the 2.4GHz network if you are far away.
How do I find my WiFi password if I forgot it?
Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router—the password is usually printed there. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, log into your router's settings page by opening a web browser and typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, then look for the WiFi password in the wireless settings. If you cannot access the router, contact your internet provider and they can reset your password.
Why is my WiFi speed slow even though I am connected?
Slow speed usually means a weak signal. Move closer to the router or remove obstacles like walls and metal objects between you and the router. If many devices are connected to the same network, disconnect some of them. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If speed remains slow, contact your internet provider to check if the problem is with your connection.