What Is Wi-Fi? A Plain-English Guide for Seniors
You hear the word Wi-Fi everywhere, but it is rarely explained simply. In short, Wi-Fi is the way your devices connect to the internet at home without any cables. It lets your phone, tablet, laptop and smart TV get online from anywhere in the house.
This guide explains what Wi-Fi is, how to connect to it, and how it differs from the mobile data on your phone, all in plain English. If you are helping an older parent get online, see our wider guide to helping a parent go online.
Quick answer
Wi-Fi is a wireless connection to the internet inside your home. A small box called a router, supplied by your internet provider, sends out the signal. Your devices connect to it once using a password, then join automatically after that.
What Wi-Fi actually is
Wi-Fi is simply a wireless link between your devices and the internet. In most Australian homes, an internet provider such as Telstra, Optus or TPG supplies a small box called a router or modem. It plugs into your phone line or fibre connection and broadcasts the internet around your home as a wireless signal. Anything nearby, like your tablet or smart TV, can then connect to it without wires.
How to connect a device to Wi-Fi
You only need to do this once per device. Open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and turn it on. You will see a list of nearby networks. Tap the name of your home network, which is usually printed on a sticker on the router. Enter the password, also on that sticker, and tap Join. After this, the device remembers your Wi-Fi and connects on its own whenever you are home.
Wi-Fi versus mobile data
These are two ways of getting online, and it helps to know the difference. Wi-Fi is the internet in your home, and using it does not cost extra no matter how much you use. Mobile data comes through your phone’s SIM card and works when you are out and about, but it is limited by your phone plan. At home, your phone should use Wi-Fi, which saves your mobile data for when you are out.
Staying safe on Wi-Fi
Your home Wi-Fi is private and protected by its password, so it is safe for everyday use, including banking. Public Wi-Fi, such as in a cafe or airport, is shared and less private. It is fine for browsing, but avoid logging into your bank on it. For more, see our guide on online banking safety.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
FAQ: Wi-Fi
Do I need Wi-Fi if I have mobile data?
For a single phone you can manage on mobile data, but Wi-Fi is better at home. It does not count against your phone plan and is needed for devices without a SIM card, like most tablets and smart TVs.
Where do I find my Wi-Fi password?
It is usually printed on a sticker on the router, the box from your internet provider. It may be called the network key or password.
Why is my Wi-Fi slow or not working?
Often, turning the router off, waiting ten seconds, and turning it back on fixes it. Being far from the router can also weaken the signal.
Does Wi-Fi cost money?
You pay a monthly fee to your internet provider for the connection. After that, using your home Wi-Fi does not cost extra, however much you use it.
Is my home Wi-Fi safe for banking?
Yes. Your home Wi-Fi is protected by a password and is private. Just avoid banking on public Wi-Fi in cafes or airports.
