Connecting to Wi-Fi and Networks on Windows Phone 7
Applies To
Windows Phone 7, Windows Phone 7.5, Windows Phone 7.8
This guide shows you how to connect your Windows Phone 7 to Wi-Fi networks and manage your network connections.
✅ Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
- Wi-Fi password (if required)
- Wi-Fi turned ON on your phone
1
Turn On Wi-Fi
- Go to Start screen
- Tap Settings
- Tap Wi-Fi
- Switch Wi-Fi to ON
Wi-Fi Status: Searching for networks...
Your phone will now search for available Wi-Fi networks
2
Select a Network
- Under "Available networks," tap your Wi-Fi network name
- If prompted, enter the Wi-Fi password
- Tap done or checkmark ✓
📝 Note
Hidden networks won't appear in the list. To connect to a hidden network, tap "advanced" and enter the network name manually.
3
Check Connection
- Wait a few seconds for connection
- Look for the Wi-Fi icon 📶 in status bar
- Check if you can access internet
Connected Successfully
Wi-Fi icon will appear in status bar when connected
4
Forget a Network
To remove a saved Wi-Fi network:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap and hold the network name
- Select delete
⚠️ Important
Deleting a network will remove it from your saved networks. You'll need to enter the password again to reconnect.
Quick Tips
Wi-Fi Status Icons
- 📶 Empty bars: Weak signal
- 📶 One bar: Fair signal
- 📶 Two bars: Good signal
- 📶 Three bars: Excellent signal
- 📶 Lock icon: Secure network (requires password)
Save Data with Wi-Fi
- Use Wi-Fi for large downloads
- Wi-Fi doesn't use cellular data
- Better for streaming videos/music
- Faster than cellular data usually
Troubleshooting
Can't Connect to Wi-Fi
If Wi-Fi won't connect:
- Check router is ON
- Move closer to router
- Restart your phone
- Restart your router
- Check password is correct
Wi-Fi Drops Connection
If Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting:
- Forget network and reconnect
- Check for router firmware updates
- Try different Wi-Fi channel on router
- Move closer to router
Slow Wi-Fi Speed
If Wi-Fi is slow:
- Too many devices on network
- Move closer to router
- Restart router
- Check router settings
📱 Cellular Data
To turn cellular data ON/OFF:
- Go to Settings
- Tap cellular
- Switch Data connection ON/OFF
⚠️ Airplane Mode
Airplane Mode turns OFF all wireless connections:
- Go to Settings
- Tap airplane mode
- Switch ON/OFF as needed
Tip: Turn ON Airplane Mode, then turn Wi-Fi back ON to use Wi-Fi only.