What "Connect" Means and Why It Matters
Connecting means linking one device to another device or network so they can share information or work together. Your phone connects to WiFi so it can use the internet. Your wireless headphones connect to your phone via Bluetooth so you can hear audio without a cable. Your laptop connects to a printer so you can send documents to print. Without these connections, your devices work alone.
Most connection problems happen because the two devices cannot find each other, do not have permission to talk to each other, or are too far apart. This guide walks you through the most common types of connections you will encounter and what to do when they do not work the first time.
Key Takeaways
- WiFi and Bluetooth are the two most common ways to connect devices, and both require you to turn on the feature, find the network or device, and enter a password if one exists.
- Most connection problems are solved by turning the feature off and back on, moving closer to the device you are connecting to, or forgetting and re-adding the connection.
- Your device will remember most connections after the first time, so you only have to enter the password once.
- If a connection keeps dropping, the devices are usually too far apart, something is blocking the signal, or one device needs a software update.
Connecting to WiFi on Your Phone or Tablet
WiFi is the most common way to get internet on a phone or tablet. Open your Settings app and look for a section called WiFi, Wireless, or Network. Turn WiFi on. Your device will show a list of networks it can see — these are called SSIDs, and they are usually named by whoever set up the router (often something like "Comcast-5G" or "Guest Network").
Tap the network you want to join. If the network has a lock icon next to it, you will need a password. Enter the password exactly as it was given to you — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different. If you do not know the password, ask the person who set up the WiFi or check the router itself, which usually has a sticker on the back with the default password printed on it.
Once you enter the password correctly, your device will show a checkmark next to that network name and will connect automatically the next time you are in range. If the password is wrong, you will see an error message. Go back and try again, checking each letter carefully.
Connecting to WiFi on a Computer
On Windows, click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen (it looks like radiating curved lines). On Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner. Both will show you a list of available networks. Click the one you want to join and enter the password if prompted.
If you do not see the network you are looking for, make sure WiFi is turned on — sometimes it is disabled by accident. If it is on and you still cannot see the network, the router may be too far away or the network name may be hidden. Ask the person who manages the WiFi for the exact network name and password, then try connecting again.
Connecting Bluetooth Devices Like Headphones or Speakers
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless connection used for headphones, speakers, smartwatches, and other small devices. To connect a Bluetooth device, first turn on Bluetooth on the device you want to connect to (your phone, tablet, or computer). Then turn on the Bluetooth device itself — usually by pressing and holding a button until a light flashes or blinks.
Open your Bluetooth settings. On a phone or tablet, this is usually in Settings under Bluetooth or Connected Devices. On a computer, it is in Settings under Devices or System Preferences under Bluetooth. Look for a button that says "Add Device", "Pair", or "Search for Devices". Your device will scan for nearby Bluetooth devices and show you a list. Tap or click the name of the device you want to connect to.
Some devices will connect immediately. Others will ask you to confirm a code or enter a PIN — if this happens, check the instructions that came with the device or look on the device itself for the code. Once connected, your device will remember this Bluetooth device and connect automatically the next time both are turned on and in range.
Fixing Connection Problems: The Restart Method
If a device will not connect or keeps disconnecting, the fastest fix is to restart both devices. Turn off the device you are trying to connect to (the headphones, printer, or router), wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Then turn off the device you are connecting from (your phone or computer), wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Try connecting again.
This works because devices sometimes get confused about their connection state, and a restart clears that confusion. It sounds simple, but it solves the majority of connection problems. If restarting does not work, move to the next step.
Forgetting and Re-Adding a Connection
If restarting does not work, try removing the connection and adding it again from scratch. On your phone or tablet, go to Settings and find the network or device you are having trouble with. Look for an option that says "Forget", "Remove", or "Disconnect". Tap it. This erases the saved password and connection details.
Now connect again as if it were the first time. Enter the password carefully, letter by letter. This often works because the device may have saved incorrect information or a corrupted connection file. After you reconnect, your device will save the new information and should work normally.
On a computer, the process is similar. In Windows, go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then WiFi, then Manage Known Networks. Find the network you want to forget and click "Forget". On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Network, then WiFi, then Advanced. Find the network and click the minus button to remove it. Then connect again.
When Devices Are Too Far Apart or Something Is Blocking the Signal
WiFi and Bluetooth both work best when the devices are close to each other and nothing is blocking the signal between them. If your phone keeps losing WiFi connection in one room, try moving closer to the router. If your Bluetooth headphones keep cutting out, move your phone closer to them.
Thick walls, metal objects, and even water can block wireless signals. If you are trying to connect through a wall or across a large room, move closer and try again. If the connection works when you are close but fails when you move away, the signal is too weak — you may need to move the router or the device, or the router may need to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my device ask for a password every time I connect?
Your device is not saving the connection. This usually means you entered the password incorrectly at some point, or the device's memory is full. Try forgetting the network and connecting again, entering the password very carefully. If it keeps happening, restart your device and try once more.
Can I connect to two WiFi networks at the same time?
No. Your phone or computer can only use one WiFi network at a time. However, you can be connected to WiFi and Bluetooth at the same time — for example, WiFi for internet and Bluetooth headphones for audio.
What does "no internet connection" mean if I am already connected to WiFi?
Your device is connected to the WiFi network, but that network does not have internet access. The router may be unplugged, the internet service may be down, or the router may need to be restarted. Try restarting the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
Why won't my Bluetooth device show up in the list of available devices?
The device may not be in pairing mode. Most Bluetooth devices enter pairing mode when you press and hold a button for several seconds until a light flashes. Check the instructions that came with the device. Also make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your phone or computer, and that the Bluetooth device is charged or has working batteries.
Can I connect my phone to a printer without WiFi?
Yes, if the printer has Bluetooth. Some printers also support a direct connection method called WiFi Direct, which creates its own small network. Check your printer's manual to see which connection methods it supports. Many modern printers connect through WiFi, so you will need to connect both the printer and your phone to the same WiFi network.