INTERNAL ONLY: Connect Your X to Wi-Fi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

  • Wireless Network Name (SSID)
  • Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.

Default Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on router/gateway sticker.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

2. Connect X to Wi-Fi

Use this as a template for Connect X to Home Network:
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Use this as a template for Connect X to Wi-Fi:
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Connect X to Home Network GP is a hub that will link off to wired and Wi-Fi connection GPs. Use the GP below as templates. There is no template for wired connection.

Use this as a template for Connect X to Home Network:
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To use:

  1. Open the above GP.
  2. Click Save As New Path.
  3. Rename the newly cloned GP.
  4. Locate the step "Introduction to connecting your X to your home network".
  5. Clone this step. Do not edit it.
  6. Rename the clone.
  7. Replace the original step with the new clone. Connect the dots.
  8. Delete the step "Introduction to connecting your X to your home network".
  9. Delete the step "Connect X to Network Template"



Use this as a template for Connect X to Wi-Fi:
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To use:

  1. Open the above GP.
  2. Click Save As New Path.
  3. Rename the newly cloned GP.
  4. Locate the step "Connect X to Wi-Fi".
  5. Clone this step. Do not edit it.
  6. Rename the clone.
  7. Replace the original step with the new clone. Connect the dots.
  8. Delete the step "Connect X to Wi-Fi".
  9. Delete the step "Connect X to Network Template"

 

 

3. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

4. Check Environment

If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?

5. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

6. Incompatible Routers

Example #1 - Manufacturer has stated incompatible routers:Although <FriendlyDeviceName> is compatible with most networking equipment, some network devices are incompatible. Usually when networking hardware does not work with <FriendlyDeviceName>, it’s because it lacks support for the network protocols that <FriendlyDeviceName> uses to operate.

The tables below cover networking equipment that is incompatible with your <FriendlyDeviceName>. Be aware that the majority of this list is made up of older networking equipment, but may still exist as part of a home network.

We try to keep this list up-to-date, but it is only indicative. If your router is on this list, you will have to replace your router with a more recent product.

MakeModelActiontec12345678123456781234567812345678Alcatel Lucent123456781234567812345678Arcor12345678Test12345678

Example #2 - Manufacturer gives very little or no information on incompatible hardware:

At this time, the manufacturer of <FriendlyDeviceName> has not indicated that there are any compatibility issues with specific models of networking equipment on the market. To ensure that your specific networking equipment and all settings will work properly with your <FriendlyDeviceName>, please reach out to the manufacturer directly for further assistance.

Some wireless routers broadcast a dual-band wireless signal and provide both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks. Your device may not see the 5GHz network, which is completely normal. Not all devices contain the antenna to communicate on the 5GHz band. Also, some routers broadcast guest networks that your device may not be able to connect to depending on your router's settings.

7. What's next?

8. Make Sure the Android Device is in Range

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

  • In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
  • From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
  • Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

9. What's next?

10. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the center of a house will provide better coverage to reach all devices. Diagram.

Bad Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the corner of the house can cause some devices to not have a Wi-Fi signal. Diagram.

11. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

12. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.

13. What's next?