How to Connect iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Connecting your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to a Wi-Fi network is an essential step to access the internet, download apps, and save on mobile data usage. Whether you're setting up a new iOS device or connecting to a different Wi-Fi network, here's how to connect your Apple device to Wi-Fi.

Connecting Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to Wi-Fi

Method 1: Connect to a Wi-Fi Network

Step 1: Access Wi-Fi Settings

Unlock your iOS device and go to the home screen. Tap on the "Settings" app, which is represented by a gear-shaped icon. You can usually find it on your home screen or by swiping down and typing "Settings" in the search bar.

Step 2: Turn On Wi-Fi

In the Settings menu, tap on "Wi-Fi." Toggle the switch next to "Wi-Fi" to the "On" position to enable Wi-Fi on your device.

Step 3: Select a Wi-Fi Network

Your iOS device will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. You'll see a list of networks displayed. Tap on the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to. If it's a secure network, you'll be prompted to enter the network's password. If the network you want to connect to is hidden (its SSID is not broadcasted), tap on "Other Network" and manually enter the network name (SSID) and password.

Step 4: Connect to the Network

After selecting the network and entering the password (if required), tap on "Join." Your iOS device will attempt to connect to the selected Wi-Fi network. Once connected, you'll see a checkmark and a Wi-Fi icon in the top-left corner of the screen.

Method 2: Forget a Wi-Fi Network

If you want to forget a Wi-Fi network you've connected to in the past or if you encounter connectivity issues, you can do so:

Step 1: Access Wi-Fi Settings

Follow steps 1 and 2 from the previous method to access the Wi-Fi settings in the Settings menu.

Step 2: Forget the Network

Tap on the Wi-Fi network you want to forget. Tap on "Forget This Network" to remove the network from your device's memory. This means your device won't automatically connect to this network in the future.

Method 3: Access Advanced Wi-Fi Settings

If you want to configure advanced Wi-Fi settings, such as proxy settings or IP addresses, you can do so through these steps:

Step 1: Access Wi-Fi Settings

Follow steps 1 and 2 from the first method to access the Wi-Fi settings in the Settings menu.

Step 2: Configure Advanced Settings

Tap on the (i) icon next to the connected Wi-Fi network. In the Wi-Fi network details screen, you can configure various settings, such as:

Configure IP: Choose between "Automatic" (DHCP) or "Manual" (static) IP settings.

Configure DNS: Set up custom DNS servers if needed.

HTTP Proxy: Configure proxy settings if required by your network.

Method 4: Use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)

If your Wi-Fi router supports WPS, you can use this method for a quick and secure connection:

Step 1: Enable WPS

On your Wi-Fi router, press the WPS button to enable it. This typically involves pressing and holding the WPS button until the WPS LED indicator starts flashing.

Step 2: Enable WPS on Your iOS Device

On your iOS device, open the Wi-Fi settings as described in Method 1. Tap on the network you want to connect to, but don't enter the password. A message will appear, asking if you want to use WPS to connect. Tap on "Use WPS."

Step 3: Connect to the Network

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the WPS connection process. Your iOS device will connect to the Wi-Fi network automatically.

Connecting your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to Wi-Fi is a straightforward process that allows you to make the most of your device's online capabilities while conserving your mobile data. By following these steps, you can easily connect to Wi-Fi networks, manage known networks, access advanced settings, and use WPS for quick and secure connections when available.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

1. 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.

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.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi

Depending on what device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be the same across all iOS devices and generations.

1. From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.
   

1. After that, go to Wi-Fi. You will see that this option also shows one of three statuses to the right:
   
2. Off - the Wi-Fi feature is disabled
3. Not Connected - there is no Wi-Fi connection establishe
4. the Wi-Fi connections name - there is a Wi-Fi connection already established.

1. Make sure that the Wi-Fi feature is enabled by flipping the On/Off switch to the green position. Locate and tap the Wi-Fi networks name that you wish to connect to from the list.
   

1. Your iOS device will automatically connect to the network if there is no security enabled, or you have connected to it in the past. The checkmark and Wi-Fi symbol indicate you are connected.
   

1. If the Wi-Fi network requires a password, then you will see a small padlock to the right of its name, which also means the connection is secure.
   

1. Tapping on a secured Wi-Fi networks name will prompt you to enter the password. Passwords are always case sensitive. Type it in using the on screen keyboard then tap Join on the bottom right corner. If tapping it does nothing, then it means the password you typed in is too short.
   

1. If the Wi-Fi network you are trying to connect to is hidden, then tap the Other... option.
   

1. Enter the Wi-Fi networks name using the on screen keyboard and tap Join at the bottom right if no password is required to connect. If a password is needed to connect to the Wi-Fi network then tap on Security.
   

1. Choose the type of security the Wi-Fi network has by tapping on it.
   

1. Finally, type in the required Wi-Fi password and tap Join at the bottom right corner to connect.
   

At this point your iOS device should be connected to Wi-Fi.

3. Check Other Devices

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

4. 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?

5. 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.

6. Incompatible Routers

At this time, Apple 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 iOS device, please reach out to the manufacturer 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.

7. What's next?

8. 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.

9. What's next?

10. 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

Bad Placement

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. What's next?