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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
- 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
- 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.
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
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.
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
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.