What you need before you start

To connect to the internet, you need three things: a device (computer, phone, or tablet), an internet service provider in your area, and a way to reach their network. Most homes use either a modem and router combination that connects through a cable or phone line, or they use a mobile hotspot from a phone plan. The device itself needs to have either an ethernet port (a cable jack) or wireless capability (Wi-Fi or cellular).

If you already have a modem and router set up at home, you likely just need to connect your device to the Wi-Fi network. If you are starting from scratch — moving to a new place or setting up your first connection — you will need to contact an internet service provider first. They will send you equipment and instructions for installation.

Key Takeaways

  • Most home internet connections use a modem (which connects to your service provider) and a router (which broadcasts Wi-Fi to your devices).
  • To connect a device to Wi-Fi, find the network name in your settings, select it, and enter the password printed on your router.
  • If you do not have home internet yet, contact an internet service provider in your area to order service and receive equipment.
  • Mobile hotspots from your phone plan are a backup option when Wi-Fi is not available, though they use your phone's data allowance.
  • If your device will not connect, restart your router, move closer to it, and check that you are using the correct password.

Connecting to Wi-Fi on your device

If you already have a working Wi-Fi network at home, connecting is straightforward. On a Windows computer, click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen (it looks like curved lines). On a Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner. On a phone or tablet, go to Settings, then Wi-Fi or Network Settings.

You will see a list of available networks. Find the name of your network — this is called the SSID, and it is usually printed on a sticker on your router. Click or tap that network name. A box will appear asking for a password. Type the password exactly as it appears on your router's sticker. Spaces and capital letters matter. Once you enter the password correctly, your device will connect and show a checkmark or "Connected" label next to the network name.

After you connect once, your device will remember that network and connect automatically the next time you are in range. If you forget your password, you can find it on the router itself, or you can reset the router to its factory settings (though this will erase your custom password and require you to set it up again).

Setting up a modem and router for the first time

When your internet service provider sends you a modem and router, they usually arrive with instructions. The basic steps are the same across most providers: plug the modem into a power outlet and into the cable or phone jack on your wall, then plug the router into a power outlet and connect it to the modem with an ethernet cable (a thin cable with plastic connectors on each end).

Wait about five minutes for both devices to fully start up. You will see lights turn on — usually green means working correctly, red or orange means there is a problem. Check your provider's instruction sheet to see what each light means. Once the lights stabilize, open your device's Wi-Fi settings and look for your network name. It is usually printed on a sticker on the router, along with the default password. Connect using those credentials.

If the lights do not turn green or you cannot see your network name, restart both devices by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. If that does not work, contact your internet service provider's support line — they can check whether the service is active on their end and walk you through troubleshooting.

Using mobile hotspot when Wi-Fi is not available

A mobile hotspot is a way to share your phone's internet connection with other devices. This is useful when you are away from home or when your home Wi-Fi is not working. To turn on your phone's hotspot, go to Settings, then look for "Hotspot," "Personal Hotspot," or "Mobile Hotspot" (the exact name varies by phone type). Turn it on, and your phone will broadcast a Wi-Fi network that other devices can connect to.

Your phone will show a network name and password on the hotspot screen. Other devices connect to this network the same way they connect to home Wi-Fi — find the network name in Wi-Fi settings, select it, and enter the password. Keep in mind that using a hotspot uses your phone's data allowance. If you have a limited data plan, heavy use can cause you to run out of data before your billing cycle ends.

Some phones also allow you to connect other devices using a USB cable or Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi, which can be more stable and use less battery. Check your phone's hotspot settings to see these options.

Troubleshooting when your device will not connect

If your device finds the network but will not connect, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Double-check that you are typing it exactly as it appears on your router — including capital letters, numbers, and special characters. If you are not sure, look at the router itself or check your service provider's account page online.

If the password is correct but the connection still fails, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. While you wait for it to restart, also restart your device. Once both are back on, try connecting again. If your device still will not connect, move it closer to the router — thick walls and distance can weaken the signal enough to prevent connection.

If you can see the network but it does not appear in your list at all, your router may not be broadcasting its name. Check your router's settings (usually by typing the router's IP address into a web browser — this is printed on the router) and make sure the SSID broadcast is turned on. If you cannot access the router settings, restart it and wait a few minutes for the network name to appear.

When you do not have internet service yet

If you are in a new home or setting up internet for the first time, you will need to contact an internet service provider. Search online for "internet providers near me" or call your local city or county office to ask which providers serve your address. Different providers use different types of connections — cable, fiber, DSL, or satellite — and not all are available everywhere.

Once you choose a provider, they will walk you through ordering service. They will ask for your address, what type of connection is available there, and what speed you need. They will then schedule an installation date and send you a modem and router (or you may need to pick them up). Installation usually takes a technician one to two hours. After that, you can connect your devices using the steps described above.

If you need internet right away and cannot wait for installation, a mobile hotspot from your phone plan is a temporary option. You can also visit a library, coffee shop, or community center that offers free Wi-Fi while you wait for your home service to be set up.

Understanding ethernet cables as an alternative to Wi-Fi

Some devices — usually desktop computers — can connect to the internet using an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. This is a thin cable with plastic connectors that plugs into a port on your device and into your router. Ethernet connections are faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, and they do not require a password.

To use ethernet, plug one end into your device's ethernet port and the other end into one of the ports on the back of your router (usually labeled "LAN" or "Ethernet"). Your device should recognize the connection automatically within a few seconds. You will see a wired connection icon in your network settings instead of a Wi-Fi icon. Ethernet is especially useful if you are doing things that need a fast, stable connection, like video calls or online gaming.

The main drawback is that you can only use ethernet if your device has an ethernet port and if you are close enough to your router to run a cable. Phones and tablets usually do not have ethernet ports. If your device does not have one, you can buy a USB adapter that adds an ethernet port, though this is less common.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a modem and a router?

A modem connects your home to your internet service provider's network — it is the device that receives the internet signal from outside. A router takes that signal and broadcasts it as Wi-Fi so multiple devices can connect wirelessly. Many modern setups combine both into one device, but they serve different purposes.

Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?

Common causes are a weak signal (move closer to the router), interference from other devices (microwaves and cordless phones can interfere), or a router that needs restarting. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If disconnections continue, move your router to a central location in your home, away from walls and metal objects.

Can I use the same Wi-Fi password on multiple devices?

Yes. Once you connect one device to your network, you can connect as many other devices as you want using the same password. There is no limit to how many devices can use the same Wi-Fi network, though connecting too many at once can slow down your speed.

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi at coffee shops?

Public Wi-Fi is less secure than home Wi-Fi because anyone on the network can potentially see your activity. Avoid entering passwords, credit card numbers, or sensitive information on public networks. If you must do these things, use a VPN (virtual private network) app, which encrypts your connection.

What should I do if I lost my router's password?

You can reset your router to factory settings by holding down the reset button (usually a small hole on the back) for 10 to 15 seconds. This erases your custom password and returns the router to its default settings. You will then need to set up a new password. Check your router's manual for the default network name and password to use during setup.