How to Connect an Amazon Fire Tablet to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will help you connect your Fire Tablet to WiFi.

Tools You'll Need:

  • No extra tools are needed.

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Supplies You'll Need:

  • No extra supplies are needed.

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Before You Begin:

No extra instructions.

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Amazon Fire Tablet.

2. Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

  • Wireless Network Name (SSID)
  • Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.

Default Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on router/gateway sticker.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

Depending on which generation of Fire Tablet (Kindle Fire) you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. Choose the type of device you have and expand the instructions below.

On Fire Tablet 4th Gen (2014) and later

  1. Swipe downwards from the top side of the screen.
Swipe method shown on tablet screen.
  1. Look for the Wi-Fi symbol in the drop down menu and tap on it.
Wi-Fi symbol highlighted in dropdown menu.
  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On / Off switch to the orange position then wait for the network list to populate and tap on the Wi-Fi network that you want to connect to.
Wi-Fi network selection list.

  1. If asked, type in the Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard then tap on Connect.
Wi-Fi password entry screen.
  1. Once connected, the Wi-Fi symbol to the left of the networks name will turn orange and it will read Connected below it. You will also see the Wi-Fi symbol show up in the top right corner of the screen.
Wi-Fi connected.

On Kindle Fire 3rd Gen (2013) and earlier

  1. Tap the Quick Settings icon in the top right corner of the screen.
Quick Settings icon highlighted on Kindle Fire screen.
  1. Select Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi icon highlighted in Quick Settings of Kindle Fire.
  1. Make sure Wireless Networking is turned On.
Toggle switch highlighted for Wireless Networking on Kindle Fire.
  1. Choose a Network from the list.
Network list highlighted in Wi-Fi settings of Kindle Fire.
  1. Enter the Password if required then tap Connect.
Password field and Connect button highlighted on Kindle Fire.

4. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

5. Check Environment

If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?

6. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

7. Incompatible Routers

At this time, Amazon has not indicated that there are any compatibility issues with specific models of networking equipment on the market. To ensure that your specific networking equipment and all settings will work properly with your Fire Tablet, please reach out to Amazon directly for further assistance.

Some wireless routers broadcast a dual-band wireless signal and provide both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks. Your device may not see the 5GHz network, which is completely normal. Not all devices contain the antenna to communicate on the 5GHz band. Also, some routers broadcast guest networks that your device may not be able to connect to depending on your router's settings.

8. What's next?

9. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

  • In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
  • From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
  • Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

10. What's next?

11. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the center of a house will provide better coverage to reach all devices. Diagram.

Bad Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the corner of the house can cause some devices to not have a Wi-Fi signal. Diagram.

12. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

13. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.

14. What's next?