- Most of the features that the Apple iPhone has are easy to figure out, but getting the Wi-Fi to work properly can be frustrating, especially for people who don't have much experience in figuring out network technology. Most Wi-Fi networks are encrypted, including those in home networks. In order to use an encrypted network, the iPhone user needs to input all relevant passwords when connecting. Ask the person who owns the wireless router or check your router documentation for more information.
- If your iPhone is still not connecting to the Wi-Fi network even with the proper password information, you may need to try some further steps to get it working properly. Try going to "Network" and selecting the problematic network and then selecting "Forget this Network." Then, go to "Wi-Fi Settings" and toggle the button to "Off." Then, reboot the wireless router by unplugging it and plugging it back in again. Re-enable Wi-Fi on the iPhone and connect to the network once again, entering all relevant passwords. In most cases, this should get the connection working properly.
- Just about any Wi-Fi connection will be faster than the one offered through the iPhone 3G or Edge Networks. This makes it useful when an iPhone user wants to do some extensive web browsing or application downloading. The iPhone is one of the first telephones released in the United States that also has Wi-Fi access--other carriers often prevent the feature from being included on their hardware.
- Use the AT&T Hotspot Locator linked in the references below to find a hotspot near you. When you get to the hotspot, you activate Wi-Fi through the iPhone menu and select "attwifi" from the list of networks. Then, you input your mobile phone number into the box and accept the terms of use presented to you. Then, a text message comes in through the phone which includes a link that authorizes you to use the connection for 24 hours.
- The iPhone's Wi-Fi feature drains power when it is turned on at a high rate. However, it takes up less energy to browse the Internet in Wi-Fi than it does to use 3G. According to Apple, the iPhone at full battery can browse the Internet for six hours on Wi-Fi without needing a recharge. Turning off 3G can increase the phone's battery life while browsing the Internet over Wi-Fi.
