Connecting to the home or office wireless network is one of the first things we do when we get a new Android phone. Luckily, on Android phones this procedure is quite simple. However, you have to know certain things before you do that. So, let’s get started!
Find the Network SSID and Password
The two things we have to know first, and without which it would be impossible to connect are the network name and the password. Of course, there are networks that are not protected with passwords, but in this case let’s presume there is a password. In most cases both the network name and the password are printed on a label under the router or on the router package box. Or in case you want to connect while you are in a cafe or a restaurant, you can always ask the waiter for the login details. The good thing is that your device will remember these login details so the next time you go there, your smart phone will connect automatically.
How to Find the Wireless Network
While you are on the Home Screen, tap the Menu button and go to Settings. Also, check whether there is a shortcut on the Home Screen for this. Once you get to the Settings menu you should look for Wi-Fi. Generally, you will see a Wi-Fi switch button. Slide it to ON to enable wireless.
In a moment you will see the phone searching for available networks and soon you will see a list of them. That’s why you have to know the SSID of the network you want to connect to.
Connecting to a Wireless Network
- When you see the list of available networks you will notice that some of them have a padlock next to the name. This means that these networks are secured and you will need a password to access them. Otherwise, if there is no padlock, in most cases you will be able to connect to these networks but be careful what you are doing since all your sensitive data can be available to someone who wants to get them.
- Next to the network name you will see how strong the signal is. The stronger the better.
- When you see the network you want to connect to, just tap on it. If the network you want to connect to is password protected, you will see a new window asking you to enter the password.
- Enter the password and press Connect. If you have entered the correct password, you will see a connected message and a small wireless network icon on top of the display screen.
What is WPS and How to connect with it
WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup. It is designed to be a secure way to connect to a wireless network without a password. This feature is still present in some routers, although it is considered to be not so secure.
So, if you want to use this option to connect your Android phone to the network, there is an option for this too. It is named WPS Push or WPS PIN.
Check Your Wireless Connection
When your phone is connected to the network you can easily see various details about the network connection like the signal strength, speed, security type, default router IP (for example 192.168.1.1) and so on.
If you want to find these details open the Settings icon in the menu, tap on the Wireless link and find the name of the network you are connected to. When you tap that network name you will see all these details.
Enable to Disable Network Notifications
When you leave your home or office you will lose the wireless connection when the signal disappears. However, you can use free internet access offered by many cafes and restaurants and hotspots.
However, if you want to be notified that there is an open network near, you have to enable network notifications. In this way, whenever your smartphone detects a wireless signal, you will be notified to connect to it. Of course, this option makes the phone search for available networks all the time and therefore it drains battery power rather quickly.
