How to Connect to a Wi-Fi Network in Windows Phone 8

Whenever you do anything on your phone that requires a network connection, such as send and receive email, get social networking feeds, visit websites, or download apps, your phone automatically connects to a cellular data network to transmit the information. If you're connected to a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi network connection is used instead.
Whether you're at home, work, or out and about, chances are you'll find Wi-Fi networks your phone can connect to. Some are open to everyone and some are secured, requiring a password to connect. Using a Wi-Fi connection can help reduce your cellular data usage to save on costs, and it's usually faster than a cellular connection.
This tutorial will show you how to add a hidden Wi-Fi network and connect to a Wi-Fi network on your Windows Phone 8.
Whether you're at home, work, or out and about, chances are you'll find Wi-Fi networks your phone can connect to. Some are open to everyone and some are secured, requiring a password to connect. Using a Wi-Fi connection can help reduce your cellular data usage to save on costs, and it's usually faster than a cellular connection.
This tutorial will show you how to add a hidden Wi-Fi network and connect to a Wi-Fi network on your Windows Phone 8.
Here's How:
1. On your Windows Phone 8, open the app list, and tap on Settings. (see screenshot below)

If you see a notification at the top of your screen when Wi-Fi networks are available, then you could also tap on it to go to Wi-Fi settings at step 4 below instead. If you want to see your status bar or dismiss the notification, flick it to the right.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi in system settings. (see screenshot below)
3. If not already, you will need to turn on Wi-Fi networking, and do step 4 or 5 below for if you are connecting to a hidden network or not.

When Wi-Fi is on, your phone will search for available Wi-Fi networks in the area. If a network is found, you'll see its name listed, along with whether it's an open or secure network.
By default, your phone's Wi-Fi connectivity is turned on and ready to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
By default, your phone's Wi-Fi connectivity is turned on and ready to connect to a Wi-Fi network.
4. If you want to connect to a non-hidden Wi-Fi network, then tap on the Wi-Fi network (ex: Brink-Router) you want to connect to, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below)
5. If you want to add and connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network, then tap on the advanced button. (see screenshot below)

When you add a hidden Wi-Fi network to connect your phone to it, the network will remain listed in Wi-Fi settings until you delete it.
B) Type in the name of the Wi-Fi network (ex: Brink-Router) in the Network name box, tap on Add, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below)

The network name is case sensitive.

If you are connecting to a wireless router, then the SSID of the router will be the name of the Wi-Fi network. See also the yellow tip box here: How to Connect To or Disconnect from a Wireless Network in Windows 8 and 8.1
6. If this is a secured network, then you will be asked to enter a user name and/or password. When finished, tap on done. (see screenshot below)

See also the yellow tip box here: How to Connect To or Disconnect from a Wireless Network in Windows 8 and 8.1
If this is an open network, then your would go straight to step 7 instead.
If this is an open network, then your would go straight to step 7 instead.
7. Your phone will now attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi network. (see screenshot below)
8. When your phone is connected to the Wi-Fi network, it will show as connected in your Wi-Fi settings. (see screenshot below)
9. When finished, you can return to your Start screen if you like.
That's it,
Shawn
Related Tutorials
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- How to Turn On or Off Wi-Fi Network Connection in Windows Phone 8
- How to Connect To or Disconnect from a Wireless Network in Windows 8 and 8.1
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