The three ways to get online

You connect to the internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) — a company that runs the cables or signals into your home or business. That provider gives you a modem (the device that receives the signal) and usually a router (the device that shares that signal to your other devices). You then connect your phone, computer, or tablet to that router, either by plugging in a cable or by joining its wireless network.

Most homes use one of three connection types: cable internet (delivered through the same lines as cable TV), fiber optic (a newer, faster technology using glass cables), or DSL (delivered through telephone lines). Some areas also have fixed wireless, where a small antenna on your roof receives signal from a tower. Which one you can get depends on what your ISP offers in your neighborhood.

Once you have a modem and router in your home, connecting individual devices is straightforward. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you are using a wired connection (a cable plugged directly into your device) or a wireless connection (Wi-Fi).

Key Takeaways

  • You need an Internet Service Provider, a modem, and a router to get internet into your home, though your ISP usually provides the modem and router.
  • Wired connections (using an ethernet cable) are more stable and faster, while wireless (Wi-Fi) is more convenient and works from anywhere in your home.
  • To connect wirelessly, you find your router's network name and password, usually printed on a sticker on the router itself.
  • If you cannot connect, restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in.

Connecting with a cable (wired connection)

A wired connection uses an ethernet cable — a thin cord that looks similar to a phone cord but slightly thicker. One end plugs into your modem or router, and the other end plugs into the ethernet port on your computer or device. This connection is faster and more reliable than wireless, and it does not depend on signal strength.

To set up a wired connection, locate the ethernet port on your device. On most computers, it is on the back or side of the machine. On some newer laptops, you may need a small adapter. Plug one end of the ethernet cable into that port and the other end into one of the ethernet ports on the back of your router (the ports are usually labeled and may be a different color than the other ports). Your device should recognize the connection within a few seconds, and you will see an internet icon appear on your screen.

If your device does not connect automatically, go to your network settings and look for the wired connection. On Windows, this is under Settings > Network & Internet. On Mac, it is under System Settings > Network. The connection should appear in the list — select it and it should activate.

Connecting wirelessly (Wi-Fi)

Wireless connection is more convenient because you can move around your home without unplugging cables. To connect wirelessly, you need to find your router's network name (also called the SSID) and its password. Both are usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your router.

On your device, open the Wi-Fi settings. On Windows, click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. On Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner. On a phone or tablet, go to Settings and look for Wi-Fi. You will see a list of available networks — find the one that matches the name on your router sticker and tap or click it. A box will appear asking for the password. Type the password exactly as it appears on the sticker (it is case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter), then select Connect.

Your device will take a few seconds to connect. Once it does, you should see a checkmark next to the network name, and an internet icon will appear on your screen. You are now online. The next time you turn on your device near that router, it will connect automatically without asking for the password again.

What to do if you cannot connect

The most common reason a device will not connect is that the modem or router has lost power or encountered a temporary problem. The fix is simple: unplug your modem and router from the wall outlet, wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This is called a restart or power cycle. Wait another 30 seconds for them to fully boot up — you will see lights on the front of the devices turn on and stabilize.

If restarting does not work, check that you are using the correct password. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you have forgotten the password, look at the router sticker again — it should be printed there. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can reset the router to its factory settings by holding down a small reset button (usually recessed, so you need a paperclip) for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase your custom password and return the router to its default settings, which are also printed in the router's manual or on the manufacturer's website.

If your device connects to the router but still has no internet, the problem is likely with your modem or your ISP's service. Restart the modem first. If that does not work, check your ISP's website or call their customer service number to see if there is an outage in your area. You can usually find the outage map on their website.

Understanding router placement and signal strength

Your router broadcasts a wireless signal in all directions, but walls, metal, and distance weaken that signal. If you are far from your router or have many walls between you and it, your connection will be slower or may drop. For the best coverage, place your router in a central location in your home, elevated off the ground (on a shelf rather than on the floor), and away from metal objects like filing cabinets or microwave ovens.

If you have a large home or thick walls and your signal does not reach everywhere, you have two options. The first is to use a Wi-Fi extender, a device that picks up your router's signal and rebroadcasts it to reach farther. The second is to use a mesh network, which is a system of multiple small routers that work together to cover your entire home. Mesh networks are more expensive but provide more reliable coverage.

Wired versus wireless: which should you use

Wired connections are faster, more stable, and not affected by distance or obstacles. Use a wired connection for devices that stay in one place and need the best performance, such as a desktop computer, a gaming console, or a streaming device. Wired is also the better choice if you are downloading large files or doing video calls.

Wireless is more convenient because you can move around and use your device anywhere in your home. Use wireless for phones, tablets, and laptops that you carry from room to room. The trade-off is that wireless can be slower and may drop if you move too far from the router or if there are many obstacles in the way.

Many people use both: a wired connection for their main computer and wireless for their phone and tablet. There is no reason to choose one or the other exclusively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a modem and a router?

A modem receives the internet signal from your ISP and converts it into data your devices can use. A router takes that data from the modem and shares it wirelessly to multiple devices. Many modern devices combine both functions into one box, but they are still two separate things doing two separate jobs.

Do I need a password to connect to the internet?

You need a password to connect to your home Wi-Fi network, which protects your network from neighbors or passersby using your internet. You do not need a password to connect to a wired ethernet cable — just plug it in. Public Wi-Fi networks (like at a coffee shop) usually do not require a password, though some ask you to agree to terms first.

Why does my internet work sometimes but not always?

This usually means your device is at the edge of your router's range, so the signal is weak and drops in and out. Move closer to the router or restart your modem and router. If it keeps happening, your ISP may have an unstable connection — call them to report the problem and ask if they can send a technician to check your modem.

Can I connect more than one device to the same router?

Yes. A typical home router can handle 20 to 50 devices at once, though the more devices connected, the slower each one may be. If you have many devices and notice slow speeds, restart your router or move some devices to a wired connection to free up wireless bandwidth.

What should I do if my ISP gives me a new modem or router?

Unplug your old modem and router, then plug in the new ones and wait for the lights to stabilize. Find the network name and password on the sticker of the new router and connect your devices the same way you did before. You may need to forget the old network name in your device's Wi-Fi settings first.