Android · Network & Internet
Connect to Wi-Fi on Android
Wi-Fi settings let you view nearby networks, connect with a password or QR code, and manage saved networks including auto-reconnect behavior.
How to open Wi-Fi Connection
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi.
- Tap a network from the list.
- Enter the password or scan a QR code, then tap 'Connect'.
What you should know
- Tap a network and enter its password, or scan a QR code shared by another device.
- Saved networks reconnect automatically when in range unless you turn that off.
- You can share your current Wi-Fi network with someone else via QR code without revealing the password as text.
- Network details show signal strength, security type, and IP information.
Be cautious connecting to open (unsecured) public Wi-Fi networks — avoid signing in to sensitive accounts on them.
Why it matters
Wi-Fi is how most phones handle their heaviest data use — streaming, backups, and large downloads — so a poorly managed connection directly affects both speed and mobile data costs. It's also a common attack surface: open or spoofed public networks can expose unencrypted traffic to anyone else on the same network. Keeping the saved network list clean and knowing when to avoid open Wi-Fi protects both performance and privacy.
Best practices
- Forget old networks you no longer use, like a previous home or hotel, to keep the saved list clean and avoid unwanted auto-reconnects.
- Avoid signing into banking or email apps while connected to open public Wi-Fi.
- Share access with a QR code instead of reading your password aloud to guests.
- Turn off auto-reconnect for networks you don't fully trust, like ones saved while traveling.
- Check the security type (WPA3 versus open) before connecting to any unfamiliar network.
Common problems and fixes
- Phone won't automatically reconnect to a known Wi-Fi network.
- Forget the network and rejoin it fresh — a corrupted saved network profile is a common cause.
- Phone keeps switching to mobile data despite a strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Check Settings → Wi-Fi → advanced 'Switch to mobile data automatically' toggle and turn it off if the network is reliable enough.
- QR code sharing doesn't appear or won't scan.
- Confirm the phone showing the code is currently connected to that network, and that the scanning device's camera supports QR recognition.
- Slow speeds despite showing full signal bars.
- Check for network congestion and switch to the 5GHz band if available, since signal strength alone doesn't guarantee throughput.
Tips and tricks
- Tap and hold a saved network to jump straight to 'Forget' without opening its full details screen.
- Use the built-in QR share feature for guest Wi-Fi instead of writing passwords down on paper.
- Check the advanced network details screen for signal strength in dBm when troubleshooting a weak connection.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop?
It can be risky for sensitive activity like banking; use a VPN or your mobile data instead for anything sensitive on open networks.
How do I share my Wi-Fi password without saying it out loud?
Open the network's details in Settings, tap 'Share', and let the other person scan the generated QR code.
Why does my phone keep asking me to sign in on public Wi-Fi?
Many public networks use a captive portal login page that must be completed manually each session, even on a saved network.
Can I set a static IP address for a specific network?
Yes, open the network's advanced settings, switch IP settings from DHCP to Static, and enter your values.
Related settings
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair headphones, speakers, watches, and other accessories, and manage previously connected devices.
- Privacy DashboardThe Privacy Dashboard gives you a timeline of exactly which apps accessed your camera, microphone, and location, and when — so you can spot anything unexpected at a glance.
More Network & Internet guides for Android
- NFC & Tap to PayNFC (Near Field Communication) is the short-range radio that lets your phone exchange data with a nearby reader, most commonly used for contactless payments through Google Wallet at supported terminals. It's also used for pairing some accessories and reading NFC tags, but payments are its most common everyday use.
- Hotspot & TetheringHotspot and tethering let you share your phone's mobile data connection with other devices over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable. This is useful for getting a laptop online while traveling, or letting a friend's device briefly borrow your connection.
- VPNVPN settings let you add, connect to, and manage virtual private networks that route your device's traffic through an encrypted tunnel, commonly used for work access or added privacy on untrusted networks. Android also supports an 'always-on VPN' mode that blocks other network traffic until the VPN connects.
- Data Usage / Network & InternetNetwork & internet settings show a breakdown of mobile data and Wi-Fi usage per app, and let you set a data warning or hard limit to avoid unexpectedly exceeding your plan. Individual apps can also be restricted from using background data to further control consumption.
- Nearby ShareNearby Share — recently rebranded Quick Share — lets you send photos, videos, links, and files directly to another nearby Android device, Chromebook, or Windows PC using a mix of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, without needing cellular data or a shared internet connection. Visibility settings control exactly who can discover your device and send you something.
- Airplane ModeAirplane Mode simultaneously disables cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth radios with a single toggle, complying with airline requirements while optionally letting you re-enable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth individually afterward.