How to Connect a Windows Phone to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Connecting your Windows Phone to a Wi-Fi network is a simple and essential task that allows you to access the internet, download apps, and save on mobile data usage. Whether you're using a Windows Phone running Windows 8, 8.1, or Windows 10 Mobile, here's how to connect your device to Wi-Fi.

Connecting Your Windows Phone to Wi-Fi

Method 1: Connect to a Wi-Fi Network

Step 1: Access the Settings

Unlock your Windows Phone and swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Action Center. Tap on "All settings" (a gear-shaped icon) to access the Settings menu.

Step 2: Select Network & Wireless

In the Settings menu, scroll down and tap on "Network & wireless."

Step 3: Choose Wi-Fi

Under the "Network & wireless" menu, tap on "Wi-Fi."

Step 4: Enable Wi-Fi

Toggle the switch under "Wi-Fi" to the "On" position to enable Wi-Fi on your device.

Step 5: Select a Wi-Fi Network

Once Wi-Fi is enabled, your Windows Phone will scan for available Wi-Fi networks. It will display a list of available networks. Tap on the network you want to connect to. If it's a secure network, you'll be prompted to enter the network password. If the network you want to connect to is hidden (its SSID is not broadcasted), tap on "Hidden network" and manually enter the network name (SSID) and password.

Step 6: Connect to the Network

After selecting the network and entering the password (if required), tap on "Connect." Your Windows Phone will attempt to connect to the selected Wi-Fi network. Once connected, you'll see a "Connected" status next to the network name.

Method 2: Forget a Wi-Fi Network

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

Step 1: Access Wi-Fi Settings

Follow steps 1 to 3 from the previous method to access the Wi-Fi settings in the Settings menu.

Step 2: Manage Known Networks

Under the Wi-Fi settings, tap on "Manage known networks."

Step 3: Select the Network

You'll see a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your device has connected to in the past. Tap on the network you want to forget.

Step 4: Forget the Network

Tap on "Forget" to remove the network from your device's memory. This means your phone 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 to 3 from the first method to access the Wi-Fi settings in the Settings menu.

Step 2: Advanced Settings

Tap on "Advanced options" under your connected Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Configure Advanced Settings

In the Advanced options menu, you can configure various settings, such as:

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

Proxy: If required by your network, configure proxy settings.

Server certificate validation: Enable or disable the validation of server certificates when connecting to secure networks.

Metered connection: Choose whether to set the Wi-Fi network as a metered connection, which limits background data usage.

Method 4: Manage Wi-Fi Sense

Wi-Fi Sense is a feature that allows you to connect automatically to open Wi-Fi networks and share your Wi-Fi network with your contacts. Here's how to manage it:

Step 1: Access Wi-Fi Sense

Follow steps 1 to 3 from the first method to access the Wi-Fi settings in the Settings menu.

Step 2: Manage Wi-Fi Sense

Tap on "Wi-Fi Sense."

Step 3: Configure Wi-Fi Sense

In the Wi-Fi Sense menu, you can configure the following settings:

Connect to suggested open hotspots: Enable or disable the automatic connection to open Wi-Fi networks suggested by Wi-Fi Sense.

Paid Wi-Fi services: Allow or disallow the use of paid Wi-Fi services.

Share Wi-Fi networks I select: Choose whether to share Wi-Fi networks with your contacts.

Connecting your Windows Phone 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 configure Wi-Fi Sense to suit your preferences and needs.

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. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

• How to connect your Microsoft Smartphone to Wi-Fi.

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.

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

1. Swipe left to reveal the menu.
   

1. Scroll down and select Settings.
   

1. Select WiFi.
   

1. Turn on WiFi networking.
   

1. Select the wireless network you would like to connect to.
   

1. Enter your Wi-Fi password and select done.
   

1. You are now connected to your Wi-Fi network!
   

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, Microsoft 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 Microsoft Smartphone, 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.

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

Bad Placement

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?