Configure WiFi on the iPod Touch

The iPod touch is the music player that offers it all—mail, Internet access, weather, YouTube, games, connection to iCloud, and more. To get the most out of your iPod, you'll want to set it up for Wi-Fi access. It can be done in a few simple steps, and we'll show you how to do it.

Steps

Choose From A List

  1. Turn on your iPod. Click the Home button, and slide to unlock.
    • If your iPod is shut down, hold the power-on button down for a few seconds, and then release.
  2. If not at the home screen, press home button.
    • Locate the Settings app, tap it, then tap Wi-Fi.
  3. Verify Wi-Fi is enabled. Make sure the switch is flipped to the On position, and that your network is listed under Choose a Network...
  4. Choose a network. There may be more than one listed—make sure you are choose one that you have access to.
    • If you are on your home network, and your router is broadcasting your SSID (the default behavior), choose it from the list.
    • Note: if you're accessing a Wi-Fi network at your coffee shop or another location, you may need to enter a password. Ask the proprietor if they have free Wi-Fi, and if they do, they'll be happy to give you the password.

Manual Entry

  1. Choose another network. If the router is not broadcasting an SSID, choose Other... under Choose a Network...
    • Under Name, type the router's SSID (eg., MyHomeRouter).
    • Tap Security if needed, and select the security type.
    • Tap the Other Network button at the top of the screen to get back to the Other Network screen.
  2. Enter your password. This is the key in your wireless modem setting.
  3. Click Join. After you have typed in your security password, click Join and you should be connected. The network name (SSID) should show in 'choose a network' with a check mark next to it.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Networks and Connections

  1. Determine the problem. When using your iPod Touch, you may occasionally run into problems:
    • Unable to locate or join a nearby Wi-Fi network
    • The Wi-Fi signal strength is weak or low
    • You are connected to the Wi-Fi network, but are not able to access the internet.
  2. Try basic troubleshooting. Many Wi-Fi issues can be fixed with a few simple steps. Try these things:
    • Tap Settings > Wi-Fi and turn off Wi-Fi, then turn it back on.
    • Verify you are in your Wi-Fi station's signal range.
    • Confirm your Wi-Fi router and cable/DLS modem are connected and powered on.
    • Check to see of other network-aware devices (laptops, phones, tablets, etc.) are able to access Wi-Fi and the Internet.
    • Update your Wi-Fi router to the latest firmware.
    • Restart your iPod Touch.
    • If you are still experiencing a Wi-Fi problem after trying these steps, continue reading.
  3. Connect to a nearby Wi-Fi network. Check to see if the network is available by tapping Settings > Wi-Fi and choose from the available networks listed there. Note: It may take a few seconds for the Wi-Fi network name to appear.
    • Wi-Fi networks configured as closed or private do not broadcast the network name to Wi-Fi devices.
      • Join a closed or private network by tapping Settings > Wi-Fi > Other and entering the Wi-Fi network name, security, and password.
    • Restart your Wi-Fi router by turning it off and then on again. Note: If your ISP also provides cable or phone service, check with them before attempting this step to avoid interruption of service.
    • When joining an 802.11n Wi-Fi network, ensure your router is properly configured.
    • Reset network settings by tapping Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note: This will reset all network settings, including passwords, VPN, and APN settings.
  4. Improve weak or fluctuating signal strength.
    • Move closer to the Wi-Fi router or base station to see if the Wi-Fi signal improves. You may need to adjust the antenna direction to improve transmission and signal strength.
    • Check for sources of potential interference. Microwave ovens, satellite dishes, power stations, monitors, wireless speakers, or any devices that operate in the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands, all can reduce signal strength. Moving either the offending device or moving your Wi-Fi transmitter may help.
    • Remove your iOS device from any case, stand, or other attachment to see if the Wi-Fi signal improves. While unlikely, the stand may contribute to the interference of the Wi-Fi signal.
  5. Reconnect to the Internet. If you are unable to access the Internet while connected to a Wi-Fi network, try these steps:
    • Verify that you are selecting the correct network if you are in a location with multiple Wi-Fi networks.
    • Verify that the Wi-Fi network settings are correct. You can view and configure Wi-Fi settings using the following steps:
      • Tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
      • Locate the Wi-Fi network you are currently using and tap the > button.
    • If you've verified that your settings are correct and the issue persists, try the following:
      • Tap "Forget this Network" to reset settings for this Wi-Fi network, including the password. Then try connecting to the network again.
      • Note: This can be useful if you identify a network issue and want to prevent the device from automatically using this network in the future.
    • Reset network settings by tapping Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
    • Note: This will reset all network settings, including passwords, VPN, and APN settings.
    • If the Wi-Fi network uses MAC address filtering, you will need to add the MAC address to the access list for the Wi-Fi router. The MAC address for your device is listed as the Wi-Fi address in Settings > General > About.

Tips

  • Always use security with your home Wi-Fi connection.
  • For WEP security, use the first key password in your wireless modem setup screen
  • Be sure to use exact upper and lowercase of the SSID name if you are going to use a hidden SSID

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