Wi-Fi (Samsung t709)
Introducing your T-Mobile Wi-Fi capable phone ›
Connecting to Wi-Fi for the first time ›
Using Wi-Fi ›
Setting up your phone to connect to Wi-Fi ›
Connecting to Wi-Fi for the first time ›
Using Wi-Fi ›
Setting up your phone to connect to Wi-Fi ›
Capability
Your phone is capable of connecting to T-Mobile via Wi-Fi (wireless Internet broadband) and GSM (cellular towers). When making voice calls, your phone will seamlessly transfer between Wi-Fi and GSM connections, always using the network with the best signal strength.
Your T-Mobile Wi-Fi compatible phone is capable of the following:
- Connect to Wi-Fi at home: Connect to T-Mobile through Wi-Fi if you have a wireless router set up in your home. See the Get Started Poster (provided with your phone) and the User Guide for your wireless router for more information.
- Connect to Wi-Fi while you’re on the go (HotSpots): Connect to T-Mobile HotSpot locations all across the US without needing a T-Mobile HotSpot username and password. You can also use open Wi-Fi wireless Internet connections.
- Connect to GSM: Connects to the GSM network when Wi-Fi is not available or if you are not interested in connecting to Wi-Fi.
Here's how it works:
Rather than using GSM radio as your phone normally would to connect your phone to cellular towers, your T-Mobile Wi-Fi compatible phone uses unlicensed mobile access (UMA) technology that lets you use a wireless broadband Internet connection for your mobile phone services. This includes voice calls, mobile browsing, e-mail, picture messaging, text messaging, and basically any mobile service for which your phone uses a network connection.
UMA technology offers fast, reliable, and affordable connectivity for your life using your mobile phone for virtually all of your communications. UMA connects your mobile phone to your GSM/GPRS services through wireless local area network (WLAN) (802.11) and this allows you to handle calls, send and receive messages, and check your e-mail. This technology allows you to use your mobile phone in all of the ways you normally do. The only difference with using UMA technology is that you are connecting through a wireless broadband Internet connection (Wi-Fi).
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, is a term that is used generically to refer to any product or service using any type of 802.11 technology. Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a) data rate.
Wi-Fi enabled devices (laptops and PDAs as well as UMA phones) can send and receive data wirelessly from any location equipped with Wi-Fi access. This is accomplished using wireless routers, installed within a Wi-Fi location. A wireless router transmits an RF signal to Wi-Fi enabled devices that are within range of the router. Depending on the particular router, its range is usually about 300 feet. The speed of the transmission is governed by the speed of the pipeline fed into the wireless router.
What this means to you:
When you're not in range of a Wi-Fi connection, your normal cellular network takes over and keeps you connected. Your phone switches automatically from Wi-Fi to cellular whenever it’s necessary to maintain your connection, whether your phone is idle mode or in the middle of an active call. The switching process is virtually unnoticeable.
IMPORTANT: The 9-1-1 Emergency Service for your Wi-Fi compatible phone is somewhat more limited than a traditional wireless or wireline 911 service (for example, the service will not function during electrical power or broadband outages). Before using this service, you MUST provide us with the primary street address where you will use it, and you must furnish us with any address changes. See T-Mobile's Terms and Conditions for other limitations and information.
Connecting to Wi-Fi for the first time
IMPORTANT: You must set up your wireless router first before using your phone to connect to Wi-Fi. For T-Mobile routers, run the CD that comes with the router and follow its instructions. If you have a different router, follow its installation procedures and confirm the router is set up properly.
To connect to Wi-Fi for the first time, perform the following steps:
| 1. | Press and hold the End  key to power on your phone. |
| 2. | Your phone will show a tutorial prompt. Select Yes to run the brief tutorial. |
| 3. | At the end of the tutorial, your phone will detect a Wi-Fi network and attempt to connect to it. |
- If your router requires a security key, it will prompt you to type it. For T-Mobile routers, select Get Security Key, which automatically provides security keys for T-Mobile routers. For more information about acquiring a security key, go to Setting up your phone to connect to Wi-Fi (Samsung t709).
- If you have a T-Mobile router, select Yes. This will acquire the security key or password so that you do not have to manually type it into your phone. Follow the steps on the phone, which include pressing the router secure button with this icon
. If you do not have a T-Mobile router, select No. It will then require you to type your key or password. - If you are not sure what your key or password (WEP or WPA encryption) is, please refer to your router documentation.
| 4. | Save the network when prompted. After the network is saved to your Saved Networks list, you will automatically connect to that network each time you are within range. For more information about saved networks, go to Setting up your phone to connect to Wi-Fi (Samsung t709). |
NOTE: You have connected to your first Wi-Fi network and can begin making calls using Wi-Fi or your regular T-Mobile GSM network.
NOTE: To access all of the Wi-Fi features on your phone, select Menu, then select Settings, and then select Wi-Fi.
NOTE: If the Tutorial does not appear on your phone, go to Setting up your phone to connect to Wi-Fi (Samsung t709), for more information.
Using Wi-Fi
Once set up for Wi-Fi connectivity, your phone will automatically use Wi-Fi, when available, for all your mobile phone services. You can simply use your phone in a normal manner; there is nothing special you need to do. Your phone will switch automatically between Wi-Fi and cellular whenever it’s necessary to maintain your connection, whether your phone is idle or on an active call. When connected to Wi-Fi, the signal bars will change and the wireless network name will display in the upper left of the idle screen.
You will always see the signal bars when on a call. They will change correctly when you are on a call to indicate what network you are on. The name of your network will show when on the idle screen as seen here.
Setting up your phone to connect to Wi-Fi
Connecting to Wi-Fi networks with your phone is what allows you to make calls using Wi-Fi. The following features were designed to keep you connected to the networks you want:
- View available networks
- View saved networks that you use often
- Find open networks quickly
Available Networks ›
Saved Networks ›
Quick Connect ›
Turn Wi-Fi On or Off ›
Get Security Key ›
Add New Network ›
Saved Networks ›
Quick Connect ›
Turn Wi-Fi On or Off ›
Get Security Key ›
Add New Network ›
Available Networks
The list of available networks displays all the available Wi-Fi networks to which you can connect. The networks are listed in the order of their signal strength, from the strongest signal to the weakest.
NOTE: If you want to connect to a secure network (marked by a key icon), you will be prompted to provide the security key for that network. If you change the router settings, you can edit the phone's profile with the new setting or you can create a new phone profile.
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Indicates that a network is connected.
Indicates that a network has been saved to your Saved Networks List.
Indicates that a network is protected with a security key.
Indicates the strength of your signal. NOTE: Set up your wireless router first. For T-Mobile routers, run the CD that comes with the router and follow its instructions. If you have a different router, follow its installation procedures and confirm the router is set up properly.
To connect to Wi-Fi from the Available Networks list, perform the following steps:
| 1. | From the idle screen, press the Menu soft key to access Menu mode. |
| 2. | Using the Navigation keys, scroll to the Settings icon and press the Select soft key to access the menu. |
| 3. | Highlight the Wi-Fi option and press the Select soft key. |
| 4. | Highlight the Available Networks option and press the Select soft key. |
| 5. | The phone searches for all available networks and then displays a list of available networks. |
| 6. | Highlight the network to which you want to connect and select Options and then select Connect. |
| 7. | When prompted, press the Yes soft key to save the network to your Saved Networks List. |
| 8. | Create a profile name for your network and press the OK soft key. |
NOTE: After the network is saved to your Saved Networks List, you will automatically connect to that network each time you are within range. For more information about saved networks, go to Saved Networks. On the Available Networks list, a checkmark indicates a network to which you are currently connected, a star indicates that a network is saved, and a key indicates a network is protected with a security key.
NOTE: On the Available Networks list, a checkmark indicates a network to which you are currently connected, a star indicates that a network is saved, and a key indicates a network is protected with a security key.
| 9. | To return to the Wi-Fi menu, press the Back soft key from the Available networks list. |
Available Networks Options
From the Available Networks menu, press the Options soft key to use the following options:
- Connect/Disconnect: Connects or disconnects your phone to or from the currently highlighted network. This option changes dynamically, depending on whether or not your phone is currently connected to a Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, you can connect to a network on the Available Networks List by highlighting the network and pressing the Select soft key.
- Refresh: Refreshes the list of available networks to include any recent changes, for example new Wi-Fi networks recently set up or others that have been removed from service.
- View Details: Displays the details for the currently highlighted Wi-Fi network. This also includes the MAC address of the phone if needed for MAC address filtering.
- Save: Saves the selected network to your Saved Networks List. This option appears only if the network is not already saved.
Saved Networks
The Saved Networks List displays all of the Wi-Fi networks you have saved on your phone. If you set up your phone for automatic connections, you will automatically be connected to a Wi-Fi network on your Saved Networks List each time you are within range of that network. On the Saved Networks List, a checkmark indicates a network to which you are currently connected.
IMPORTANT: Networks displayed on the Saved Networks List are networks that are saved and not necessarily those that are in range and available. Editing a saved network's profile name will not affect the ability to connect to that network. However, changing the SSID field or security settings will impact the ability to connect. If you change the router settings, you can edit the phone's profile with the new setting or you can create a new phone profile.
To connect to a specific saved network, perform the following steps:
| 1. | From the idle screen, press the Menu soft key to access Menu mode. |
| 2. | Using the Navigation keys, scroll to the Settings icon, and then press the Select soft key to access the menu. |
| 3. | Highlight the Wi-Fi option and press the Select soft key. |
| 4. | Highlight the Saved Networks option and press the Select soft key. |
NOTE: The phone displays your Saved Networks List.
| 5. | Highlight the network to which you want to connect and select Options, and then select Connect. |
NOTE: Your phone will connect to the Wi-Fi network if it is available.
| 6. | On the Saved Networks List, a checkmark indicates a network to which you are currently connected. |
NOTE: To return to the Wi-Fi menu, press the Back soft key from the Available Networks List.
Saved Networks Options
In the Saved Networks menu, press the Options soft key to use the following options:
- Edit Details: Allows you to edit the highlighted Wi-Fi network’s parameters: Name, SSID, Security Type, Security Key, Connection Setting, Non-Broadcast SSID, Inter AP handovers, IP setting. Note that this option is not available for your T-Mobile-designated Wi-Fi network profiles.
- Connect/Disconnect: Connects or disconnects your phone to or from the currently highlighted network. This option changes dynamically, depending on whether or not your phone is currently connected to a Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, you can connect to a network on the Saved Networks List by highlighting the network and pressing the center OK key.
- Delete: Deletes the selected network from the Saved Networks List. Note that this option is not available for your T-Mobile-designated Wi-Fi network profiles.
- Forward Settings: Sends the highlighted network’s settings to another user. Note that this option is not available for your T-Mobile designated Wi-Fi network profiles.
- Priority: Lets you change the order of the Wi-Fi networks to which your phone will attempt to connect. Connections to networks with a higher priority are tried first.
- Add New Network: Adds a new network to your Saved Networks List. This option also allows you to manually add settings for the new network. The submenu items for the Add New menu are as follows:
- From Available Networks: Allows you to add a new network from the list of Available Networks.
- Create Manually: Allows you to manually type the new network’s settings.
Quick Connect
Select the Quick Connect option from the Wi-Fi menu to scan for any available preferred or open Wi-Fi network and connect to the network with the best signal strength. This feature allows you to make a quick Wi-Fi connection in instances where you know you are within range of an open Wi-Fi network.
NOTE: Quick Connect will not attempt to connect to closed or secured wireless networks that are not part of the Saved Networks List.
To use the Quick Connect feature, perform the following steps:
From the idle screen, press and hold the Cancel 
key. Your phone connects to the strongest Wi-Fi network within range.
key. Your phone connects to the strongest Wi-Fi network within range. OR
| 1. | From the idle screen, press the Menu soft key to access Menu mode. |
| 2. | Using the Navigation keys, scroll to the Settings icon and press the Select soft key to access the menu. |
| 3. | Highlight the Wi-Fi option and press the Select soft key. |
| 4. | Highlight the Quick Connect option and press the Select soft key. |
NOTE: Your phone will connect to the strongest Wi-Fi network available.
NOTE: If the Quick Connect option is selected when your phone is in Sleep mode (Wi-Fi OFF), the phone automatically switches to Active Mode (Wi-Fi ON) before attempting to make the connection. During the Quick Connect process, the phone will not display any error messages if it fails to connect to a network.
Turn Wi-Fi On or Off
Select the Turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF option from the Wi-Fi menu to activate or deactivate the Wi-Fi feature. Your phone’s default state is Wi-Fi On (Active Mode). Wi-Fi should be left on to take advantage of the seamless transfer between regular cellular networks.
To turn Wi-Fi on or off, perform the following steps:
| 1. | In Idle mode, press the Menu soft key to access Menu mode. |
| 2. | Using the Navigation keys, scroll to the Settings icon, and then press the Select soft key to access the menu. |
| 3. | Highlight the Wi-Fi option and press the Select soft key. |
| 4. | Highlight the Turn Wi-Fi ON/OFF option and press the Select soft key. |
NOTE: If the Quick Connect option is selected when your phone is in Sleep mode (Wi-Fi OFF), the phone automatically switches to Active Mode (Wi-Fi ON) before attempting to make the connection.
Get Security Key
The Get Security Key option can only be used with a T-Mobile wireless router. Select the Get Security Key option from the Wi-Fi menu to acquire the security key for a T-Mobile Wi-Fi compatible phone from a T-Mobile wireless router. This feature is about exchanging security information between a T-Mobile router and a T-Mobile WI-Fi phone.
When used with an open network, the Get Security Key process will create a WPA key on the router. This key is automatically transferred to the phone. All laptops and devices connected wirelessly will need to be manually configured for the new security. When used on an already secured network, the key configured on the router will be transferred to the phone. For the duration of the process (for example, while the on the router is blinking), all laptops and devices using the wireless network will lose their connection.
For T-Mobile routers without encryption enabled, following this sequence will turn on WPA and send the security key to your T-Mobile phone. If you already have encryption enabled, the light will be steadily lit on the T-Mobile router, and the current router settings will be sent to the phone.
NOTE: If you change the router settings, you can edit the phone's profile with the new setting or you can create a new phone profile.
To use the Get Security Key feature, perform the following steps:
| 1. | From the idle screen, press the Menu soft key to access Menu mode. |
| 2. | Using the Navigation keys, scroll to the Settings icon, and then press the Select soft key to access the menu. |
| 3. | Highlight the Wi-Fi option and press the Select soft key. |
| 4. | Highlight the Get Security Key option and press the Select soft key. |
| 5. | Follow the on-screen prompts to step through the process of acquiring security keys. |
This process involves pressing and holding the secure button on the front of the router. You can identify the secure button by the 
on, or adjacent to the button. The key/password will be stored with the profile on your Saved Networks list. The phone will try to connect to a network after successfully securing.
on, or adjacent to the button. The key/password will be stored with the profile on your Saved Networks list. The phone will try to connect to a network after successfully securing.You can also type a security key manually in the phone. If connecting via available networks, the phone will prompt you to type the key for WEP or password for WPA. You can also follow the steps for manually adding a network seen in a subsequent section of the manual. When typing a security key, if numbers are part of the key, press and hold the desired key to quickly access the number, this bypasses the multi-tap text entry mode.
In order to view the security key, you may need to log into your wireless router's administrative site. If you printed or saved your settings when setting up your router, you may reference this as well.
Add New Network
By adding a network to your phone, you can automatically connect to the network when you are in range. If it requires a security key or password, you can type the key and the phone stores the key or password with the profile. You can add a new network using one of the following methods:
- When connecting to a network from Available Networks, select to save when prompted.
- Select Add New Network from the Available Networks List.
- Select Add New Network, and then select Create Manually.
- Select Saved Networks, and then select Create Manually.
From Available Networks ›
Create Manually ›
Create Manually ›
From Available Networks
To add a new network to your Saved Networks List, using your list of available networks, perform the following steps:
| 1. | From the idle screen, press the Menu soft key to access Menu mode. |
| 2. | Using the Navigation keys, scroll to the Settings icon, and then press the Select soft key to access the menu. |
| 3. | Highlight the Wi-Fi option and press the Select soft key. |
| 4. | Highlight the Add New Network option and press the Select soft key. |
| 5. | Highlight the From Available Networks option and press the Select soft key. |
NOTE: The phone searches for available networks and displays a list of networks in signal-strength order.
| 6. | Highlight the network you want and press the Save soft key. To give the network a new name before saving it, use the Cancel key to delete the name and then type a new network name. |
| 7. | Press the center OK key to save the new network. |
Create Manually
To manually add a new network to your Saved Networks List, perform the following steps:
| 1. | From the idle screen, press the Menu soft key to access Menu mode. |
| 2. | Using the Navigation keys, scroll to the Settings icon, and then press the Select soft key to access the menu. |
| 3. | Highlight the Wi-Fi option and press the Select soft key. |
| 4. | Highlight the Add New Network option and press the Select soft key. |
| 5. | Highlight the Create Manually option and press the Select soft key. |
| 6. | Type your desired profile name for the network. |
| 7. | Press the Down key to highlight the SSID option. Type the new network’s Service Set Identifier (SSID). The SSID is the actual name of the wireless network, not the profile name you entered. The profile name is simply a name to help you keep track of which network is which. The SSID is a key piece of information needed to locate and connect to a wireless network. |
| 8. | Press the Down key to highlight the Security Type option. Press the Left or Right key to set to KEY NONE, WEP 64 KEY, WEP 128 KEY, WPA KEY, or WPA2 KEY. |
NOTE: The Security Type refers to the particular security protocol being used for a specific wireless network. WPA is the current security standard for wireless networks and is recommended by T-Mobile. WEP is an older, and less robust security standard, but it provides wider compatibility.
| 9. | Press the Down key to highlight the Key option, and then type the security key. |
| 10. | Press the Down key to highlight the Connection Setting option, and then press the Left or Right key to set to Automatically Connect, Don’t Automatically Connect, or Ask Before Connecting. |
| 11. | Press the Down key to highlight the Non-Broadcast SSID option. Press the center OK key to place a checkmark in this box if your router does no broadcast its SSID. In general, the default setting for most routers will broadcast the SSID. |
| 12. | Press the Down key to highlight the Inter AP handovers option. Press the center OK key to place a checkmark in this box if you can connect to multiple Wi-Fi access points (AP) and would like your phone to switch automatically (while on a call) when leaving one Wi-Fi zone and accessing another nearby Wi-Fi zone. |
| 13. | Press the Down key to highlight the IP setting option. Press the Left or Right key to set to Dynamic or Static. Dynamic is the standard and recommended setting. |
NOTE: If you select Static in this step, press the Down key to highlight the IP address option. Press the center OK key to access the IP address menu. If you are using a T-Mobile Router, copy the information regarding the Subnet Mask, DSN Server, and Gateway from your router into your phone. The IP address you input must be different from the one you use to access the router. If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network that requires Static IP addresses (usually in a corporate environment), please see your System Administrator to get the required information.
| 14. | Press the Save soft key. |
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