The basic steps to connect any device
To connect to your router, find the network name (called an SSID) in your device's Wi-Fi settings, select it, and enter the password. The network name and password are usually printed on a sticker on the router itself — look for labels that say "SSID" or "Network Name" and "Password" or "Key". On most devices, you'll see Wi-Fi settings in your system menu or control panel.
The connection process takes less than a minute once you have the password. After you enter it correctly, your device will show "connected" in the Wi-Fi menu, and you should be able to open a web browser and reach websites. If the connection fails, the most common reason is a typo in the password — passwords are case-sensitive, so capital and lowercase letters matter.
Key Takeaways
- Your router's network name and password are printed on a sticker attached to the router, usually on the bottom or back.
- Go to your device's Wi-Fi settings, find the network name, select it, and type the password exactly as shown on the sticker.
- If the connection fails, check that you typed the password correctly — spaces and capital letters must match exactly.
- Once connected, test the connection by opening a web browser and visiting a website like google.com.
- If you cannot find the sticker or forgot the password, you can reset the router to factory settings, but this erases all your custom settings.
Finding your network name and password
The easiest place to find both pieces of information is the sticker on your router. Most routers have a label on the bottom, back, or side that lists the SSID (network name) and the Wi-Fi password. The password may be labeled as "Key", "Passphrase", or "Security Key". Write down both before you start, so you don't have to keep looking at the sticker while you type.
If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can log into the router's settings page through a computer that is already connected. Open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — one of these addresses usually works. You'll be asked for a username and password; the default is often "admin" for both, but check your router's manual to be sure. Once logged in, look for a section called "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", or "Network" to find the SSID and password.
Connecting on Windows computers
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, next to the clock. A list of available networks will appear. Find your router's network name in the list, click it, and then click "Connect". A box will appear asking for the password — type it exactly as it appears on the router sticker, paying attention to capital letters and spaces. Click "Next" or "Connect".
Once the connection is established, you'll see "Connected" next to your network name in the Wi-Fi menu. If you see an error message, go back and check that the password is correct. Windows will remember this network, so the next time you turn on your computer, it will connect automatically without asking for the password again.
Connecting on Mac computers
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your menu bar. A dropdown menu will show all available networks. Select your router's network name from the list. A dialog box will ask for your password — enter it exactly as shown on the router sticker, including capital letters and spaces. Click "Join".
Your Mac will connect and remember the network. If the connection fails, make sure you typed the password correctly. You can also forget the network and try again: go to System Settings, click Wi-Fi, find your network in the list, click the information icon next to it, and select "Forget This Network". Then repeat the connection steps.
Connecting on phones and tablets
Open your device's Settings app. Look for "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless" and tap it to turn Wi-Fi on if it's not already. A list of available networks will appear. Tap your router's network name. When prompted, enter the password from the router sticker and tap "Connect" or "Join". The device will show a checkmark or "Connected" next to the network name once it's successful.
Phones and tablets store Wi-Fi passwords, so they will reconnect automatically when you're in range. If you need to reconnect and the password prompt doesn't appear, go back into Wi-Fi settings, find your network, and tap "Forget" or the information icon. Then select it again and re-enter the password.
What to do if the connection fails
The most common reason for connection failure is an incorrect password. Check the sticker on your router again and make sure you typed every character exactly — including capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters like hyphens or underscores. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". Delete what you typed and try again.
If you've tried the password multiple times and it still doesn't work, restart both your device and your router. Turn off your device's Wi-Fi, unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for all the lights to stop blinking. Then turn Wi-Fi back on and try connecting again. If the problem continues, the router may need a factory reset, which will erase all your settings and return the network name and password to the defaults printed on the sticker.
Resetting your router if you forgot the password
If you cannot find the password and don't remember it, you can reset the router to its factory settings. Look for a small reset button on the back or bottom of the router — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. Hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash and the router will restart. This erases all your custom settings and returns the network name and password to what's printed on the sticker.
After the reset, the router will take a few minutes to restart. Once the lights stop flashing, you can connect using the network name and password from the sticker. If you had changed the password before and want to use a different one, you can do that after you connect — log into the router's settings page and look for the Wi-Fi or Wireless section to change it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my device keep disconnecting from the router?
Frequent disconnections usually mean the router is too far away, there's interference from other devices, or the router needs to be restarted. Move closer to the router and restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, check that your router's firmware is up to date — log into the router's settings page and look for an "Update" or "Administration" section.
Can I change my Wi-Fi password after I connect?
Yes. Once you're connected to the router, open a web browser and go to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. Log in with the default username and password (usually "admin" for both). Look for a "Wireless", "Wi-Fi", or "Security" section and find the option to change the password. Save your changes, and the router will restart. All your devices will need to reconnect using the new password.
What if I see multiple networks with similar names?
Some routers broadcast two networks — one for faster speeds (5 GHz) and one for longer range (2.4 GHz). Both have the same password. You can connect to either one; the 5 GHz network is faster if you're close to the router, and the 2.4 GHz network reaches farther. The network names usually have "5G" or "2.4G" in them, or one might end in "-5" or "-2.4".
Do I need to reconnect every time I turn on my device?
No. Once you connect, your device saves the network and password. The next time you turn on Wi-Fi, it will reconnect automatically as long as the router is in range. You only need to enter the password again if you forget the network or reset the router.