How to connect to Wi-Fi

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to connect to Wi-Fi. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Quick Steps

This guide covers connecting to Wi-Fi on both Windows and macOS devices, tailored for small business environments across Australia.

1. Open Wi-Fi settings — click the Wi-Fi icon (Windows) or the Wi-Fi symbol in the menu bar (macOS)
2. Turn on Wi-Fi if it is currently disabled
3. Select your network from the list of available networks
4. Enter the password and click Connect
5. Verify the connection — the icon should display signal bars

Detailed Instructions

Windows: Method 1 — Taskbar Icon

1. Look for the Wi-Fi icon (signal waves) in the bottom-right corner of your screen, in the system tray
2. Click it to open the Wi-Fi panel
3. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned ON
4. Click your network name from the list
5. Enter the password and click Connect

Windows: Method 2 — Settings App

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Click Network & internet on the left
3. Click Wi-Fi
4. Turn on Wi-Fi if needed
5. Click Show available networks
6. Select your network and click Connect
7. Enter the password and follow any prompts

macOS: Method 1 — Menu Bar

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon (signal waves) in the menu bar at the top-right of your screen
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned ON
3. Select your network name from the dropdown list
4. Enter the password and click Join

macOS: Method 2 — System Settings

1. Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner and select System Settings
2. Click Network in the left sidebar
3. Click Wi-Fi
4. Turn on Wi-Fi if needed
5. Select your network from the list and click Connect
6. Enter the password and follow any prompts

Troubleshooting

Can't see your network?

• Move closer to your router
• Make sure your router is powered on
• Click Refresh to scan again
• Hidden networks: If your network does not appear in the list, select Hidden Network or Manually connect to a wireless network. Enter the exact network name (SSID), security type, and password provided by your IT administrator.

Wrong password?

• Check if Caps Lock is on
• Re-enter the password carefully
• Contact your ISP or the person who manages your network for the correct password

Connected but no internet?

• Try forgetting the network and reconnecting
• Restart your computer
• Restart your router — see our guide on How to restart router/modem (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in)
• If pages still won't load, see Browser not loading pages

Enterprise Wi-Fi (802.1X) connections

• If your office uses enterprise-grade Wi-Fi, you may be prompted for a username and password instead of a pre-shared key
• Use your company email address and network password when prompted
• If asked to validate a server certificate, contact your IT administrator before proceeding
• Ensure your device is joined to the company domain or registered with your organisation's mobile device management (MDM) system

Tips

• For networks you use regularly, check Connect automatically to save time
• Your saved networks are listed under Known networks in Windows Settings, or under Wi-Fi in macOS Network settings
• If you need to access company resources after connecting, see Connecting to company VPN from home
• 5GHz vs 2.4GHz bands: Many small business routers broadcast two bands. The 5GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference but has a shorter range. The 2.4GHz band covers a wider area and penetrates walls better but is more prone to congestion. If your router supports both, use 5GHz when working close to the access point and 2.4GHz if you are further away or experiencing dropouts.

Still Having Issues?