Wi-Fi can be switched off after setup, travel, Airplane Mode, or one accidental tap in quick settings. When that happens, your device stops showing networks or refuses to join the one you use every day. Start with the device in your hand, then use the exact current menu path below to turn Wi-Fi back on and connect.
1. Start with iPhone or iPad
Use Settings when you want the full Wi-Fi switch and network list.
- 1.Open Settings.
- 2.Tap Wi-Fi.
- 3.Turn on Wi-Fi.
- 4.Tap the network name.
- 5.Enter the password or accept the terms when prompted.
For a quick reconnect, open Control Center and tap the Wi-Fi button. Apple uses Settings > Wi-Fi for full Wi-Fi control, because turning Wi-Fi off from Control Center disconnects temporarily instead of fully switching the radio off.
2. Find Wi-Fi on Android and Samsung Galaxy
Open Settings, tap Network & internet, then tap Internet. Turn on Wi-Fi, then tap a listed network.
Most Android phones put Wi-Fi under the internet settings. On Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi, then tap the Wi-Fi switch.
On Pixel, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap Internet, turn on Wi-Fi, then choose a network. Samsung's quick panel depends on the One UI version.
On One UI 7.0 and higher, swipe down from the top right to open Quick panel, then tap the Wi-Fi tile. On One UI 6.1.1 and lower, swipe down with two fingers from the top to fully expand Quick panel, then tap Wi-Fi.
3. Switch on Wi-Fi in Windows
The fastest Windows 11 path starts beside the clock: select the Network, Sound, or Battery icon next to the time and date. Select Manage Wi-Fi connections on the Wi-Fi quick setting, choose your network, select Connect, enter the password, then select Next.
If you prefer the full settings page, open Start > Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi. Turn on Wi-Fi, then show available networks and connect.
Airplane Mode has its own switch: open Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode. Then toggle Airplane mode off before joining Wi-Fi.
For keyboard-only control, press Windows logo key + A. Use Tab and the arrow keys to move to Wi-Fi or Flight mode, then press Enter.
4. Connect from the Mac menu bar
Click the Wi-Fi status menu. Choose a network under Personal Hotspot, Known Networks, or Other Networks, then enter the password when prompted.
Open Control Center from the menu bar. Click Wi-Fi, then turn Wi-Fi on or choose an available network.
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Wi-Fi. Turn on Wi-Fi, select a network, and follow the prompts.
If Wi-Fi is missing on a Mac with wireless capability, open Apple menu > System Settings > Network > Action > Add Service, then choose Wi-Fi.
5. Join Wi-Fi on Chromebook or Linux
On Chromebook: Select the time at the bottom right. Open Settings, go to Network > Wi-Fi, then choose an available network.
To search for the setting, select the time. Open Settings, type Wi-Fi in the search bar, then select the Wi-Fi setting result.
You can also press Alt + Shift + s to open the same quick system area. On GNOME or Ubuntu desktop: Open the system menu from the right side of the top bar, select Wi-Fi, then click the network name.
For the full switch, open the system menu. Choose Wi-Fi network > Wi-Fi Settings, turn on Wi-Fi, and turn off Airplane Mode.
Hidden networks need manual setup: on Chromebook, use Add connection > Add Wi-Fi. On GNOME, open the system menu, select the Wi-Fi arrow, click All Networks, then press the menu button in the top-right corner and select Connect to Hidden Network….
Pick a previously connected hidden network from the Connection drop-down or choose New. Type the network name, choose the type from the Wi-Fi security drop-down, enter the password, then click Connect.
6. Put watches back on Wi-Fi
Apple Watch: Open Settings > Wi-Fi. Tap the network name, enter the password if asked, then tap Join.
For the shortcut, press the side button to open Control Center. Tap the Wi-Fi button, or touch and hold it to open Wi-Fi settings.
Wear OS watch: Wake the watch. Swipe down from the top, open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi, then tap the Wi-Fi switch on.
Samsung Galaxy Watch: Open Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi. Then turn on the switch next to Wi-Fi.
On Wear OS models, Wi-Fi networks sync automatically by default once Wi-Fi is enabled. On Tizen models, open Galaxy Wearable and use Watch settings > Sync phone settings > Sync Wi-Fi networks.
Smartwatches hide Wi-Fi behind smaller menus, but the path is still direct.
7. Add TVs and consoles to Wi-Fi
Living room devices usually put wireless setup under Network. Apple TV 4K: Open Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, choose a network, and follow the onscreen instructions.
For the shortcut, press and hold the TV button to open Control Center, then select the Wi-Fi button. Samsung TV: Use the remote directional pad to open Settings > General > Network > Open Network Settings.
Select the Wi-Fi network, enter the password, select Done, then select OK. Roku: Press Home on the Roku remote.
Then open Settings > Network > Set up connection > Wireless. Pick the network, and enter the password.
Select Scan again to see all networks when the network is missing. Xbox: Press the Xbox button.
Then open Profile & system > Settings > General > Network settings > Manage wireless networks > Set up wireless network. Select the network, enter the password, and connect.
PlayStation: On PS5, open Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Choose the Wi-Fi network, then select Connect.
On PS4, use Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use Wi-Fi > Easy. Then choose the network.
8. Use hardware buttons and managed profiles
Some printers and laptops turn on Wi-Fi with a physical button instead of a screen menu. On many HP printers without a touchscreen, press and hold the Wi-Fi button for 5 seconds until the light starts flashing, then complete setup or WPS as directed.
Some HP models use Wireless + Cancel, Wi-Fi + Power, or another model-specific button sequence. Some PC laptops also have a wireless radio switch or keyboard wireless key.
On applicable Lenovo models, use Fn+F5 or the wireless radio switch. On applicable HP laptops, press the wireless button or key once, wait about 10 seconds, then check the wireless icon.
Work and school devices can receive Wi-Fi settings through a management profile. On iPhone, installed profiles appear under Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.
Managed Windows, ChromeOS, and Android devices can also receive Wi-Fi profiles from an organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask Android to turn on Wi-Fi by voice?
Yes, with Google Voice Access enabled. Say “Turn on Wi-Fi.” Voice Access also supports “Turn off Wi-Fi.”
How do I connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network on Android?
Open Settings > Network & internet > Internet, then tap Add network at the bottom of the list and enter the SSID and security details. Because the network is hidden, tap Advanced options and, under "Hidden Network," select Yes. Then tap Save.
Can Apple TV copy Wi-Fi settings from my iPhone?
Yes. During Apple TV setup, choose Set Up with iPhone, unlock the iPhone, hold it next to Apple TV, then follow the onscreen steps.
Is Wi-Fi Calling the same as turning on Wi-Fi?
No. On Samsung Galaxy phones, Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi Calling turns on Wi-Fi Calling after the phone already has a Wi-Fi connection and carrier support.