Connecting devices to Wi-Fi

Connecting your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV or other device to your Exascale Wi-Fi only takes a few moments. This guide explains how to connect common devices, where to find your Wi-Fi details and what to try if something won’t connect.

Before you start

Make sure your Exascale router is switched on and connected to your broadband service.

You’ll also need your:

• Wi-Fi network name (SSID)
• Wi-Fi password

These are the details your devices use to connect to your wireless network.

If you’ve changed your Wi-Fi name or password since your router was installed, use the new details rather than those originally supplied with the router.

How to connect a phone or tablet to Wi-Fi

iPhone or iPad

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Wi-Fi.
3. Make sure Wi-Fi is switched on.
4. Select your Exascale network from the list.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password.
6. Tap Join.

A Wi-Fi symbol should appear at the top of the screen once you’re connected.

Android phones and tablets

The exact menus vary slightly between manufacturers, but generally:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet, Connections or Wi-Fi.
3. Make sure Wi-Fi is switched on.
4. Select your Exascale network.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password.
6. Tap Connect.

Your device should remember the network and reconnect automatically when you’re within range.

How to connect a Windows PC or laptop

On Windows:

1. Select the Network/Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar.
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is switched on.
3. Select your Exascale Wi-Fi network.
4. Select Connect.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi password.
6. Select Next.

If this is your home network, you can leave Connect automatically enabled so Windows reconnects whenever the network is available.

How to connect a Mac to Wi-Fi

On your Mac:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar or open System Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is switched on.
3. Select your Exascale network.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi password.
5. Select Join.

Your Mac should remember the network for future use.

How to connect a smart TV to Wi-Fi

The exact process varies between television manufacturers, but you’ll normally find the option under:

Settings → Network → Wi-Fi/Wireless Network

Select your Exascale network, enter the Wi-Fi password and allow the television a few moments to establish the connection.

For televisions used heavily for 4K streaming, a wired Ethernet connection can also be worth considering if the television is close to your router.

Connecting games consoles to Wi-Fi

PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo consoles can all connect to your home Wi-Fi.

Open the console’s Network or Internet Settings, select your Exascale Wi-Fi network and enter the password.

For competitive online gaming, downloading very large games or cloud gaming, Ethernet can provide a more consistent connection when it’s practical to run a cable between the console and router.

Connecting smart home devices

Smart speakers, doorbells, cameras, plugs, thermostats and other smart home products normally connect through the manufacturer’s app on your phone.

Follow the instructions in the app and select your home Wi-Fi network when prompted.

Some older smart home equipment supports only the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. If a device refuses to connect, check its specifications to see which Wi-Fi frequencies it supports.

What if my device can’t see my Wi-Fi network?

First, check that Wi-Fi is enabled on the device and that you’re reasonably close to the router.

If other devices can see your Exascale Wi-Fi but one particular device can’t, try switching Wi-Fi off and back on again on that device.

You can also try restarting the device.

If none of your devices can see the Wi-Fi network, check that your router is powered on and has finished starting up.

My device connects to Wi-Fi but there’s no internet

Being connected to Wi-Fi doesn’t necessarily mean your router currently has an internet connection.

If your device says it’s connected but websites aren’t loading:

1. Check whether other devices have internet access.
2. Check that your router is powered on.
3. Check the connection between your router and ONT.
4. Restart the affected device.
5. If necessary, restart the router once and allow it a few minutes to reconnect.

If every device has the same problem, the issue is more likely to be with the router or broadband connection than with an individual device.

Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?

Wireless performance can be affected by distance, walls, floors, neighbouring Wi-Fi networks, electrical interference and the capabilities of the device itself.

If your connection becomes unreliable as you move farther away from the router, Wi-Fi coverage is the likely cause.

For the best coverage, position your router somewhere open and unobstructed rather than hiding it behind furniture, inside a cupboard or close to large electrical appliances.

In larger properties, additional Wi-Fi equipment may be useful where a single router can’t provide adequate coverage throughout the building.

Should I use Wi-Fi or Ethernet?

Wi-Fi is convenient and is ideal for phones, tablets, laptops and most everyday devices.

Ethernet provides a direct wired connection to your router and can be preferable for equipment where maximum stability and consistent performance matter, such as:

• Desktop computers
• Games consoles
• Smart TVs and streaming devices
• Network storage
• Home-office equipment

Ethernet is also the preferred method when testing the speed of your broadband connection because Wi-Fi performance can be affected by many factors unrelated to the broadband service itself.

How many devices can I connect to my Wi-Fi?

Modern routers can support many connected devices, but the experience depends on what those devices are doing.

A smart thermostat uses very little bandwidth, for example, whereas multiple televisions streaming high-resolution video, games consoles downloading large updates and computers transferring files can consume considerably more.

Your broadband speed, Wi-Fi coverage, router capabilities and individual devices all influence performance.

Is it safe to share my Wi-Fi password?

Only give your Wi-Fi password to people and devices you trust.

Use a strong, unique Wi-Fi password rather than something easily guessed. Avoid using personal information such as names, addresses or birthdays as your password.

If you change the Wi-Fi password, remember that devices using the old password will need to be reconnected.

Still having trouble connecting?

If you’ve followed these steps and still can’t get a device connected, Exascale support can help determine whether the problem is with the device, Wi-Fi coverage, router or broadband connection.

Before contacting us, it can be helpful to check whether the problem affects one device or every device in your home, as this can quickly narrow down the cause.