The Three Ways to Connect Your Computer
You can connect your computer to the internet in three ways: Wi-Fi (wireless, the most common), Ethernet cable (wired, faster and more stable), or mobile hotspot (using your phone's data plan). Which one works depends on what equipment you have nearby and how fast you need the connection to be.
Wi-Fi is easiest if your home or office already has a router—the box that broadcasts the wireless signal. Ethernet requires a cable running from your router to your computer, but gives you a stronger, more reliable connection. A mobile hotspot works anywhere but uses your phone's data and is slower than either of the other two.
Before you start, you'll need to know your internet service provider's name (the company you pay for internet), your Wi-Fi network name if you're using wireless, and your Wi-Fi password if one is set. If you don't have internet yet, you'll need to contact an internet service provider in your area and have them install a modem and router first.
Key Takeaways
- Wi-Fi connects wirelessly through a router and works from anywhere in range, but is slower than a wired connection.
- Ethernet cables plug directly into your computer and router, giving you the fastest and most stable connection.
- Mobile hotspot uses your phone's data plan and works anywhere, but is the slowest option and uses up your phone's data.
- You'll need your Wi-Fi network name and password to connect wirelessly, or a physical Ethernet cable to connect with a wire.
- If your connection doesn't work, restart your router, move closer to it, or check that your password is typed correctly.
Connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows
Click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, next to the clock. It looks like a fan or radio waves. A list of available networks will appear—find your network name (also called the SSID) and click it.
A box will ask for your Wi-Fi password. Type it exactly as it was given to you—passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different. If you don't know your password, check the back or bottom of your router; it's often printed there. Once you've entered the password, click "Connect."
Windows will show a checkmark next to your network name when you're connected. Open a web browser and try visiting a website to confirm the connection is working. If the page loads, you're online.
Connecting to Wi-Fi on Mac
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your menu bar—it looks like a fan or radio waves. A dropdown menu will show all available networks. Find your network name and click it.
Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted. Type it carefully, as passwords are case-sensitive. Once you've entered it, click "Join." The Wi-Fi icon will change to show you're connected—it will look solid or filled in rather than empty.
Open a web browser and visit any website to test your connection. If the page loads, your computer is online.
Connecting with an Ethernet Cable
Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the port on the back of your router labeled "Ethernet," "LAN," or with a number like "1," "2," "3," or "4." Plug the other end into the Ethernet port on your computer. The port looks like a phone jack but slightly wider.
Your computer should recognize the connection automatically within a few seconds. You may see a notification that a wired connection is active. Open a web browser and visit a website to confirm you're online. Ethernet connections are usually faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, so this is a good choice if your computer is near your router.
If your computer doesn't connect, try unplugging the cable and plugging it back in. Make sure both ends are pushed in firmly—you should hear a small click when the connector locks into place.
Using Your Phone as a Mobile Hotspot
On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Cellular, then Personal Hotspot, and toggle it on. You'll see a Wi-Fi network name and password appear on the screen. On an Android phone, go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then Hotspot & Tethering, and toggle on Mobile Hotspot.
On your computer, connect to the Wi-Fi network name shown on your phone using the password provided. Your computer will now use your phone's data plan to access the internet. This works anywhere your phone has signal, but it's slower than home internet and uses up your phone's data allowance quickly.
Be aware that using a mobile hotspot drains your phone's battery faster than normal. If you're going to use this for more than a few minutes, plug your phone in to charge while you use it.
Troubleshooting When Your Connection Doesn't Work
If your computer won't connect to Wi-Fi, first restart your router. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait another 30 seconds for it to fully restart. Then try connecting again.
If that doesn't work, move your computer closer to the router. Wi-Fi signal gets weaker the farther away you are, and walls, metal, and water can block it. If you're in a different room from the router, try moving to the same room and see if the connection works.
Check that you're typing your Wi-Fi password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If you're not sure of the password, look on the back or bottom of your router—it's usually printed there. If you've forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down a small reset button for 10 seconds, but this will erase your settings and you'll need to set it up again from scratch.
If you're using an Ethernet cable and it's not working, unplug both ends and plug them back in firmly. Make sure you're plugging into the correct port on the router—avoid the port labeled "Internet" or "WAN," which is where the cable from your modem plugs in. Use one of the numbered ports instead.
If none of these steps work, restart your computer. Many connection problems clear up after a restart. If the problem persists, contact your internet service provider to check whether there's an outage in your area or a problem with your account.
When to Call Your Internet Service Provider
If you've restarted your router and computer, moved closer to the router, and checked your password, but still can't connect, your internet service provider may need to help. Call the number on your bill or visit their website to report the problem.
You should also contact them if your internet was working but suddenly stopped, if your connection is extremely slow, or if you're getting error messages you don't understand. Have your account number ready when you call—it's usually on your bill.
If you don't have internet service yet, contact an internet service provider in your area. They'll send a technician to install a modem and router, and walk you through the initial setup. This usually takes a few hours and may cost a setup fee depending on the provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Wi-Fi password different from my router's admin password?
Your Wi-Fi password is what you use to connect devices to the internet. Your router's admin password is a separate password that lets you change router settings. They're different for security—someone who knows your Wi-Fi password can use your internet, but they can't change your router's settings. You only need the Wi-Fi password to connect your computer.
Is Ethernet faster than Wi-Fi?
Yes, Ethernet is typically faster and more stable than Wi-Fi. Ethernet cables can deliver speeds up to 1 gigabit per second, while Wi-Fi speeds vary depending on your router and how far away you are from it. If you're doing things that need a lot of speed—like video calls, online gaming, or large file downloads—Ethernet is the better choice.
Can I use both Wi-Fi and Ethernet at the same time?
You can plug in an Ethernet cable while connected to Wi-Fi, but your computer will usually use only one connection at a time. Windows and Mac both prefer Ethernet when both are available, so plugging in a cable will typically switch you from Wi-Fi to wired. You don't need to disconnect Wi-Fi first.
What should I do if my router doesn't have an Ethernet port?
Most routers have at least one Ethernet port, but if yours doesn't, you can only use Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot. Check the back and sides of your router carefully—Ethernet ports look like phone jacks but slightly wider. If you truly have no Ethernet ports, consider upgrading to a newer router that does, or use Wi-Fi instead.
How do I know if my computer has an Ethernet port?
Look at the sides and back of your computer for a port that looks like a phone jack but slightly wider. Most desktop computers have one on the back. Laptops usually have one on the side, though very thin laptops may not have one. If you're not sure, check your computer's manual or search for your model number plus "Ethernet port" online.