Your phone gets to the internet two ways. Understanding them keeps things working and can save you money.

The two connections:

• Wi-Fi: the internet in your home (or a library, cafe, or clinic). It is usually free to use once connected and does not count against your phone plan. Best for video calls and updates.
• Cellular (mobile data): the internet from your phone company that works almost anywhere. It uses your monthly plan’s data, so heavy use away from Wi-Fi can add up on some plans.

How to connect to Wi-Fi (do this once per place):

• Open Settings (the gear icon).
• Tap Wi-Fi. Make sure the switch is on (green or blue).
• Tap the name of your home network from the list.
• Type the Wi-Fi password (it is often on a sticker on your router, or ask whoever set it up). Tap Join.

Once you join a network, your phone remembers it and reconnects automatically every time you are home. You only do this the first time.

A safety note: free public Wi-Fi (a mall, an airport) is fine for browsing, but avoid logging into your bank or entering card numbers on it. Use your cellular connection for anything private.

A quick example. At home your video calls keep stopping. You open Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and see your phone was not connected. You tap your home network, type the password once, and now everything is fast and smooth, and it will stay connected from now on.

What to do:

• Connect your phone to your home Wi-Fi in Settings.
• Use Wi-Fi at home for video calls and updates.
• Avoid banking or entering card numbers on public Wi-Fi.