topic Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi in Electronics

Need Help Connecting to WiFi

meezercats — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 22:37:52 GMT

I'm not having any luck trying to connect my Smartphone to a WiFi network. I followed the instructions (step by step) but when it asks me to enter a password, I'm not sure WHICH password is required. I've tried the one I use for our PC, but it doesn't accept it. Any suggestions???

I was hoping to get an answer here from a tech savvy person, without having to contact Verizon, as there's always a long wait for a CSR.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

lolakimono — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 22:39:35 GMT

Does it want the key off the router? It is a long sequence of letters and numbers.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

Helen852 — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 22:39:47 GMT

All the info you need should be on your router. The password should be the wep key#. Good luck.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

lolakimono — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 22:40:36 GMT

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

meezercats — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 23:24:49 GMT

lolakimono & Helen 852,

I checked the label on my router and it only has a Serial #, MAC address # and another 8 digit # below that, but nothing that says WEP KEY.

I've tried each one without success. Thanks anyway, I appreciate your effort.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

glb613 — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 23:38:18 GMT

Unless you know the security key number, you will NOT be able to connect.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

ChynnaBlue — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 23:40:09 GMT

I never use a number off the router and choose my own WEP key when I set my router up. Everything from my computers and phone to my Kindle use the same password to log into my WIFI network, so I don't know why you're not able to get into your phone with the same code as your computer.

Some things to consider:

Are you entering it correctly? (Seems routine, but I always check - my dad had to call me because his Apple ID password wasn't working and it was because he wasn't using a capital letter where he needed to.)

Does your service have a device maximum? Most don't now, but some services tried to charge you more per device and would only allow a set number of devices to register on your home wireless network. That was before people revolted because it's YOUR data line and you're already paying for it to come into your house, they shouldn't be charging you per device. You may need to call you internet service provider and ask them about that.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

glb613 — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 23:52:02 GMT

The other devices are connecting because someone entered the correct security number. If the computer connects via a Cat5 cable, you don't need to know the number. My bet is the OP didn't set up the router or connect any of the devices and that's why she doesn't know what the security number is. Many wireless routers now have a default security number and it's located on the bottom of the router.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

Nuttmeg — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 00:00:59 GMT

The OP needs to call Verizon for help.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

chickenbutt — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 00:50:34 GMT

Do you keep a file for your network? It should have everything in it, including your network key. It won't necessarily say 'WEP key' as WEP is kind of an outdated level of security.

Hopefully, you have a newer router with a higher level of security.

Once you figure out what it is, you should write it down and keep it in your file for your current network set up, with the booklet, receipt for your router, and all other pertinent info.

If you didn't make your own password/key then, as already mentioned, the one that came with the router is indicated on the bottom of the router.

I don't think your ISP can help with this, as it's info that YOU should have. I cannot imagine that they would know the key for your router unless, possibly, if you purchased it from them (i.e. it's their branded router).

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

glb613 — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 01:23:17 GMT

Chances are, you will need to reset the router and start over. That involves choosing a new security number and re-connecting all of your devices.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

gailcoco — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 01:35:20 GMT

Go to the computer that the router is physically attached to and open the router software program. It should give you the password somewhere on the program. My router software has options to view # of computers attached, WI-FI info and speed and network password. Once you enter the correct password on your cell phone it will automatically connect. You only have to enter it once on you phone.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

glb613 — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 02:11:03 GMT

I've owned several Linksys routers and none had a software program. One thing to do, go to the router's website and see what is advised to do.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

jackthebear — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 02:29:14 GMT

On 3/4/2014 glb613 said:
I've owned several Linksys routers and none had a software program. One thing to do, go to the router's website and see what is advised to do.

ITA

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

Nuttmeg — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 02:40:39 GMT

This is setting up a smartphone using Verizon DSL. There are links for different phones.

http://www.verizon.com/support/residential/internet/highspeed/networking/setup/otherdevices/126740.htm#samsunggalaxys3

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

TootyJane — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 03:23:40 GMT

On 3/4/2014 glb613 said:
Chances are, you will need to reset the router and start over. That involves choosing a new security number and re-connecting all of your devices.

This is exactly what we had to do when my son got his new Galaxy phone. For some reason his cell phone wasn't able to connect using our secured WiFi even though we all know the password. All of our computers, laptops, iPads and other cell phones were able to connect. It was frustrating to say the least. Try entering "password" for the password. If you had someone else set up your router it is common to use the word, password, for the initial set up. You're then supposed to change your password to one you know/like later. Good luck and HTH.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

glb613 — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 13:50:37 GMT

One thing that seems to be confusing to a lot of people is, a router has a name, user name and password plus a network security number. The router user name and password allows you to get into the router settings. With Linksys, you type 192.168.1.1 in your browser's address bar and it will take you to a page where you enter the user name and password. The default for both is admin.

The browser settings is where you can change the network security key number along with other things. You can set parental controls, Mac address access, etc. If your child has his/her own computer, you can restrict access to the internet for only certain hours.

If you need to reset the router, there is a pin hold or button on the back of the router. Press the button or use a paper clip and hold for 10 seconds. You will need to go through the setup by getting into the router settings as described above or use the setup CD that came with the router. This is not difficult and there is no need to pay someone. Once the new security number is set, either write it down or print the page and keep in a safe place.

One thing I did when I bought a new router, I set the router/network name and network security number the same as the old router. The reason? I didn't need to reconnect all of my devices.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

chickenbutt — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 22:38:15 GMT

GLB - That is the best advice ever (using the same network name & network password).

I wish I had thought of that the first time I replaced my router. It didn't occur to me and it was a major pain to get everything back on my network. I had to re-install my printers and I had to call Tivo to get help getting my Tivos back on the network., as well as going into all the computers in the house, my iPod Touch, and my husband's phone, to get them on again. Lesson learned!

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

ChynnaBlue — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 23:00:37 GMT

On 3/5/2014 glb613 said:
One thing that seems to be confusing to a lot of people is, a router has a name, user name and password plus a network security number. The router user name and password allows you to get into the router settings. With Linksys, you type 192.168.1.1 in your browser's address bar and it will take you to a page where you enter the user name and password. The default for both is admin.

The browser settings is where you can change the network security key number along with other things. You can set parental controls, Mac address access, etc. If your child has his/her own computer, you can restrict access to the internet for only certain hours.

If you need to reset the router, there is a pin hold or button on the back of the router. Press the button or use a paper clip and hold for 10 seconds. You will need to go through the setup by getting into the router settings as described above or use the setup CD that came with the router. This is not difficult and there is no need to pay someone. Once the new security number is set, either write it down or print the page and keep in a safe place.

One thing I did when I bought a new router, I set the router/network name and network security number the same as the old router. The reason? I didn't need to reconnect all of my devices.

I did the same thing, but some still needed to be reconnected. My Kindle and iPhone reconnected immediately, but both my laptops (running Windows 7) made me delete the old network and then add the network again.

Re: Need Help Connecting to WiFi

glb613 — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 23:03:26 GMT

That's odd since they look for the network name then connect.