Finding and Setting Up Wi-Fi on the Nokia Lumia 720: A Complete Guide

Smartphone Nokia Lumia 720, released in 2013 based on Windows Phone 8, remains popular among users due to its reliability and simple interface. However, over the years, owners have encountered difficulties setting up wireless networks, especially if the phone has been sitting idle for a long time or has been reset to factory settings. Unlike modern Android-devices where the Wi-Fi menu is usually located in a visible place, Lumia 720 The path to settings is not always intuitive.

This article will help you figure it out, How to find and turn on Wi-Fi on Nokia Lumia 720, even if you haven't used your smartphone in a while or are experiencing connection errors. We'll cover not only the standard method via the settings menu, but also alternative methods (for example, via the notification panel or voice assistant), and we'll also address common issues—from a missing network in the list to an error message. "Unable to connect"We will pay special attention to the nuances Windows Phone 8, which distinguish this smartphone from newer models.

Where is the Wi-Fi menu on Nokia Lumia 720?

IN Lumia 720 Wireless network management is implemented differently than in Android or iOSThere's no dedicated "control center" with quick toggles—all settings are hidden in the classic menu. ParametersTo open it:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
2. Click on the gear All parameters (or Settings, depending on the firmware version).
3. Select a section from the list Wi-Fi - it is located at the top of the menu, next to Airplane mode And Bluetooth.

If the icon Wi-Fi is missing from the main settings menu, try:

• 🔍 Scroll down the list - sometimes items are grouped into categories (for example, Network + Wireless).
• 📱 Use the settings search: there is a search bar (magnifying glass) at the top of the screen, enter your query "Wi-Fi".
• 🔄 Restart your phone - it's rare, but it can happen that the menu doesn't display due to a system crash.

IN Lumia 720 there is also fast Wi-Fi access via the notification panel, but it works differently than in modern smartphones. To enable or disable the adapter:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen.
2. Click on the tile Wi-Fi (if it is not there, add it via Change in the upper right corner).
3. To connect to the network, you will still have to go to full settings.

Step-by-step instructions: how to connect to Wi-Fi

When you found the menu Wi-Fi, follow these instructions to connect to the network:

Turn on the Wi-Fi adapter (slider at the top of the screen)

Wait for the list of available networks to appear.

Select your network and enter the password

Confirm the connection by clicking the "Done" button.

Check the Wi-Fi icon in the status bar-->

1. Activate Wi-Fi: move the slider to the position On (at the top of the screen). After a few seconds, a list of available networks will appear.
2. Select a network: Tap on the name of your network. If it's not listed, click Add below and enter the name (SSID) manually.
3. Enter your password: in the field Network security key Enter your router password. Be careful - in Windows Phone 8 The keyboard can automatically switch to capital letters.
4. Connect: click ReadyIf the password is correct, the following message will appear next to the network name: "Connected".

If the network requires additional parameters (for example, IP address or DNS manually), click on the network name in the list and select AdditionallyHere you can:

• 📡 Change security type (WPA2-PSK, WEP and others).
• 🔢 Specify static IP address (if the router does not issue it automatically).
• 🔒 Enable a proxy server (rarely required for home networks).

Once successfully connected, a Wi-Fi icon will appear in the status bar (at the top of the screen) arcs of pointsIf the icon flashes or disappears, this indicates problems with the signal or router settings.

What to do if Wi-Fi doesn't turn on?

If the slider Wi-Fi If the network is inactive or not detected, the problem could be with either the phone or the router. Start by checking the obvious:

⚠️ Attention: Before diagnosing, make sure that the phone is airplane mode is disabled (Airplane mode). IN Lumia 720 It blocks all wireless modules, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

• 🔋 Check it out battery charge: When the level is below 5%, some functions (including Wi-Fi) may be disabled automatically.
• 🔄 Restart your phone: Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds, then turn on the device again.
• 📶 Make sure your router turned on and distributing the network: Check the indicators on the router body.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: go to Settings → System → Reset + Uninstall → Reset Network Settings.

If Wi-Fi still doesn't work, try update firmware:

1. Go to Settings → Phone update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If an update is available, install it (you will need an internet connection via a mobile network or PC).

For Lumia 720 the latest official version Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2If your phone isn't updating, it might be blocked by your carrier. In this case, this will help. factory reset (but all data will be deleted!).

How to reset Lumia 720 to factory settings?

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset + Uninstall.

2. Select Reset your phone.

3. Confirm the action (you will be asked to enter your PIN code, if one is set).

4. After rebooting, the phone will be as good as new – you will have to set up Wi-Fi and accounts again.

Common connection errors and their solutions

Even if Wi-Fi turns on, connecting to the network may fail. Let's look at the most common issues and how to fix them:

If the error persists, try connect to another network (For example, to a mobile hotspot from another phone). If the problem persists, the phone's Wi-Fi module is faulty. In this case, the only solution is to repair or replace the antenna.

⚠️ Attention: IN Lumia 720 There's no hardware network reset button, so all settings must be reset using software. If the phone doesn't respond to touch in the Wi-Fi menu, the touchscreen may be damaged or the firmware may need to be updated.

Alternative ways to enable Wi-Fi

If the standard methods don't work, you can try turning on Wi-Fi via voice assistant Cortana or command line (for advanced users).

Method 1: Voice command

1. Hold the button Search (magnifying glass) on your phone to activate Cortana.
2. Tell: Turn on Wi-Fi or Open Wi-Fi settings.
3. If the assistant doesn't recognize the command, check if the microphone is enabled in the settings. Cortana.

Method 2: Via PC (if the phone is not responding)

If your phone screen is not working, but it is detected by the computer, you can try turning on Wi-Fi via Windows Device Portal (required) Windows 10/11 and installed software Windows Phone SDK). Instructions:

1. Connect Lumia 720 to PC via USB.
2. Open the command prompt and enter:
adb shell "echo 1 > /data/.wifi_enabled"
3. Restart your phone.

This method does not work on all firmware versions and requires developer rights.

How to improve Wi-Fi signal on Lumia 720?

Weak signal is a common problem for Lumia 720, especially if the router is in another room. Here are some ways to boost the connection:

• 📶 Change the position of the router: Place it on a raised surface (such as a cabinet) and away from metal objects.
• 🔄 Change Wi-Fi channel: in the router settings, select the channel 1, 6 or 11 - they are less susceptible to interference.
• 🔌 Use a repeater: If the distance to the router is more than 10 meters, install a signal amplifier (for example, TP-Link RE200).
• 📱 Turn off power saving: V Settings → Battery Saver uncheck the box "Limit background activity".

If the signal disappears when you move around the apartment, try change the router's operating mode:

1. Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. In the wireless network settings (Wireless) set the mode 802.11b/g/n (and not 802.11n only).
3. Save the settings and reboot the router.

IN Lumia 720 no standard support 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5), so connecting to modern routers may be slower than on newer smartphones. If the speed is critically low, try limiting the channel width in the router to 20 MHz instead of 40 MHz.

Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi on the Nokia Lumia 720

Can I use the Lumia 720 as a Wi-Fi hotspot?

Yes, but with restrictions. Lumia 720 there is a function Internet Sharing (on the menu Settings → Internet Sharing). However, it only works when connected to a mobile network (3G/4G), not via Wi-Fi. This means you can share your phone's internet connection with other devices, but the phone itself must be connected to mobile data, not a router.

Why does my phone connect to Wi-Fi, but the internet doesn't work?

This is a typical problem if the router does not issue IP address automatically. Try:

1. Go to the Wi-Fi network settings on your phone.
2. Check the box "Manually" next to IP address.
3. Enter data:
   • IP address: 192.168.1.X (where X is a number from 2 to 254, not occupied by other devices).
   • Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (or your router's address).
   • DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

If that doesn't help, reboot your router.

How to reset network settings if the phone is locked?

If you have forgotten your phone password and cannot access the menu, the only way to reset the network settings is to full reset via hardware buttons:

1. Turn off your phone.
2. Press and hold the buttons Volume Down + Power + Camera within 10–15 seconds.
3. When vibration appears, release the buttons - the reset will begin.

⚠️ All data will be deleted, including photos and contacts!

Does Lumia 720 support 5GHz networks?

No, Nokia Lumia 720 equipped with a Wi-Fi module Single-band, which only works on frequency 2.4 GHzIf your router is configured to 5 GHz, the phone won't see the network. Solution:

• In the router settings, enable broadcasting on 2.4 GHz.
• Or set up your router to dual mode (2.4 and 5 GHz at the same time), but give the networks different names (SSID).

Is it possible to flash Lumia 720 to improve Wi-Fi?

Technically yes, but there are no official firmware versions with improved Wi-Fi support. Unofficial firmware versions (for example, Custom ROM at the base Windows 10 Mobile) may add new features, but:

• This will void the warranty (if it is still valid).
• There is a risk of bricking the phone due to a firmware error.
• The Wi-Fi module will still remain hardware limited (no support for 5 GHz or 802.11ac).

If you're critically interested in improving your Wi-Fi, it's easier to buy a cheap one. Android- smartphone with support for modern standards.