How to Check Connection on Android Phone

It can be helpful to check the network status of your Android smartphone or tablet.

This guide will walk you through checking either your cellular network status, or your Wi-Fi network status on your device.

There are two separate wireless technologies in common use for wireless devices, right now.

• Cellular

  • Often referred to as 4G, LTE, or your carrier's Network.
  • Provided by your carrier themselves, using large towers around your city or town, or on top of buildings.
  • Long range, provides large areas of coverage encompassing a neighborhood or even a full town.
  • The exact technology used and where the towers are varies wildly from carrier to carrier.

You have little to no control over this network.

• Wi-Fi

  • Referred to by the frequency it uses, either 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz.
  • Provided by the small router in your home, or managed by your company over a larger area with small antennas.
  • Short range, usually covers a home or apartment, and not much else.
  • Two main technologies have been standardized on, based on the frequencies 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, but designed so it will work with most devices without hassle.
  • When you're at home, you have full control over this network. While at work your network administrator takes care of this. The local establishment takes care of it when you use public Wi-Fi, such as at a coffee shop.

In general, most Smartphones will have access to both of these technologies. Most Tablets will just have Wi-Fi access.

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

To check if your Android mobile device is connected to Wi-Fi:

1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
   
2. Select Wi-Fi.
   
3. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned On, then select the Wi-Fi network that says Connected under it.
   
4. Here, you'll see the basics of your Wi-Fi connection, with the Wi-Fi network name at the top, and other information such as Signal Strength, Link Speed and the Frequency you're connected at and the Security type of the network.
   

More Details

1. To see more information about your connection, select Cancel.
2. Select the Settings gear in the top right corner.
   
3. Here, you'll see a variety of information related to your connection at the bottom, such as the MAC (Media Access Control) address and IP addresses your Android device has been given.
   

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
   
2. Scroll to the bottom, and select About phone.
   
3. Select Status.
   
4. Select SIM status.
   
5. Here, you'll see a detailed rundown of your cellular connection such as Signal strength, the type of network, your provider, your phone number, and more.