If you are searching for WiFi connections then you should already be in "Settings" as that is where the section to turn on and search for WiFi is located.
If, however, you are trying to just access an app that needs internet access, and didn't turn on the phone's WiFi first, then that would be the issue. Your phone either has to have Data access from your carrier, or WiFi connection for you to access any app that requires the internet.
If you can't get into "Settings" on the phone, try restarting the phone (turn it off and back on) then go directly to "Settings" and see if you can resolve the issue.