How to connect a new device to your home Wi-Fi

Before you start

• You know which box is your router. It is the box from your broadband provider, usually with lights on the front.
• You have found the Wi-Fi name and password. Look for a sticker on the back or underneath the router, or a card that slides out of it. The name may be called the network name or SSID, and the password may be called the wireless key, Wi-Fi key or network key.
• If someone has changed the password since the router was installed, you know the new one. If not, see how to find your Wi-Fi password.
• The new device is charged, switched on and in the same room as the router or close by.

0 of 4 done. Ticking just helps you keep track; nothing is saved or sent.

Steps

Menu names vary a little between versions and makers. If you can't see an option, open Settings and search for "Wi-Fi".

On an iPhone or iPad

1. 1

   Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi

   Make sure the Wi-Fi switch at the top is on.

2. 2

   Tap your network name

   It appears in the list of networks after a few seconds.

3. 3

   Type the password and tap Join

   A tick appears next to the name when you are connected.

On an Android phone or tablet

1. 1

   Open Settings and find Wi-Fi

   On many phones it is under Network & internet, then Internet. On Samsung phones it is under Connections, then Wi-Fi.

2. 2

   Make sure Wi-Fi is on, then tap your network name

3. 3

   Type the password and tap Connect

   The word Connected appears under the name when it has worked.

On a Windows 11 laptop or PC

1. 1

   Select the network icon

   It is at the bottom right of the screen, near the clock.

2. 2

   Select the arrow next to the Wi-Fi button

   This shows the networks nearby. If Wi-Fi is off, select the Wi-Fi button to turn it on first.

3. 3

   Choose your network and select Connect

   Tick Connect automatically if you want the laptop to rejoin by itself next time.

4. 4

   Type the password and select Next

   Windows calls the password the network security key.

On a Mac

1. 1

   Click the Wi-Fi icon at the top right of the screen

   If you can't see it, open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, then Wi-Fi.

2. 2

   Choose your network from the list

3. 3

   Type the password and click Join

On a smart TV

1. 1

   Open the TV's settings

   Press the Home or Settings button on your remote and choose Settings.

2. 2

   Look for the network settings

   They are often called Network or Network & Internet. On some TVs they are inside a General or Connection menu. Then choose Wi-Fi or Wireless.

3. 3

   Choose your network and enter the password

   Use the arrows on your remote to pick each character on the on-screen keyboard, and check capital letters carefully before you confirm.

Once any device is connected, open a website, app or video to check the internet is working.

If this happens

• The password is rejected

  Passwords are case sensitive, so check capital letters. Look carefully at characters that are easy to mix up, such as 0 and O, or 1 and l.

• Your network isn't in the list

  Move closer to the router and wait a few seconds for the list to refresh. If it still doesn't appear, restart your router the right way and try again.

• You see two networks with similar names

  Some routers show two, and one may end in 5G or 5GHz. Most phones and laptops can use either. Smart plugs, cameras and some older devices can only see the one without 5G.

• It used to connect but now won't

  The password may have changed. On the device, open the Wi-Fi settings, choose your network, select Forget or Forget This Network, then join again with the current password.

• It says connected but nothing loads

  Restart the device. If other devices are offline too, restart the router.

• The TV is connected but an app won't work

  See what to do when a smart TV app isn't working.

Things to be careful about

• Don't press the reset button on the router. It is usually a small hole that needs a pin, and it is not the same as a restart.

• Keep your password for people you trust. Anyone who has it can use your connection. If your router offers a guest network, you can use that for visitors.

• Don't share a photo of the router sticker. It shows your Wi-Fi password.

• Be wary of unexpected callers. Nobody genuine will call out of the blue asking for your Wi-Fi password or asking to connect to your devices.