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 sending a signal to your home, and the password or login details for that signal. Most people already have the first two. This guide covers the third — finding that password and using it to actually connect.

Your internet service provider is the company you pay each month for internet. Common ones are Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Charter, and local providers. If you are not sure who yours is, check your monthly bill or look for a router (a box with antennas or lights) in your home — the brand name on it is often your provider.

The signal your provider sends is called WiFi when it is wireless (no cable plugged into your device) or ethernet when you plug a cable directly into your device. WiFi is easier for phones and tablets. Ethernet is more reliable for computers that stay in one place.

Key Takeaways

  • Your WiFi password is usually printed on a sticker on your router, the box with lights or antennas that your internet provider installed.
  • On phones and tablets, go to Settings, find WiFi, select your network name, and type in the password.
  • On computers, the process is the same: find WiFi in your system settings, pick your network, and enter the password.
  • If you cannot find the password, you can reset your router to its factory settings, but this will disconnect all your other devices temporarily.
  • If you have no router or no signal at all, contact your internet service provider to check whether service is active at your address.

Finding your WiFi network name and password

Your router is a box, usually rectangular, with lights on the front and sometimes antennas sticking out. It sits near where the cable comes into your home — often in a closet, on a shelf, or under a TV. Look for a sticker on the bottom or back of the router. That sticker has two things you need: the network name (sometimes called SSID) and the WiFi password (sometimes called the passphrase or security key).

The network name is what you will see when you search for WiFi on your phone or computer. The password is what you type in to connect. Write both down or take a photo of the sticker so you have them handy. If the sticker is worn off or missing, you can still reset the router — see the section below on resetting your router.

If you do not have a router at all, or if you see no lights on it and no signal coming through, your internet service may not be active. Call your provider and tell them you cannot see a signal. They can check whether service is turned on at your address and send a technician if needed.

Connecting on a phone or tablet

On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap WiFi. You will see a list of network names nearby. Find the name that matches your router's sticker and tap it. A box will pop up asking for the password. Type it in exactly as it appears on the sticker — capital letters, numbers, and special characters all matter. Tap Join. Your phone will connect and show a WiFi symbol at the top of the screen.

On an Android phone or tablet, open Settings and look for WiFi or Wireless. Tap it to turn WiFi on. You will see a list of networks. Tap the one that matches your router. Type in the password and tap Connect. You should see the WiFi symbol appear at the top of your screen.

If the password does not work, double-check that you typed it correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital A is different from lowercase a. If you are still stuck, try resetting your router — see the section below.

Connecting on a Windows or Mac computer

On a Windows computer, click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen (it looks like radio waves). You will see a list of networks. Click the one that matches your router's sticker. Click Connect. A box will ask for the password. Type it in and click Next. Windows will connect and the WiFi icon will change to show you are connected.

On a Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of your screen. You will see a dropdown list of networks. Click the one that matches your router. A box will ask for the password. Type it in and click Join. The WiFi icon will show you are connected.

If you are using an older computer and cannot find the WiFi icon, open your network settings by searching for "network" in your computer's search box. From there you can see available networks and connect the same way — select the network, enter the password, and click connect.

Connecting with an ethernet cable

Ethernet is a cable that plugs directly into your computer and your router. It is faster and more stable than WiFi, but only works if your device is close enough to the router. One end of the cable plugs into your router (look for a port labeled Ethernet or a picture of a cable). The other end plugs into your computer (look for the same kind of port on the side or back).

Once the cable is plugged in, your computer will recognize it automatically. You do not need to enter a password. Your computer will show you are connected within a few seconds. Ethernet is especially useful if you are downloading large files, streaming video, or doing video calls, because it is more reliable than WiFi.

If you do not have an ethernet cable, you can buy one at any electronics store for under ten dollars. They come in different lengths, so measure the distance from your router to your computer before you buy.

Resetting your router if you forgot the password

If you cannot find the password sticker or it is worn off, you can reset your router to its factory settings. This will erase the current password and set it back to the default one printed in the router's manual or on a label inside the box. Warning: resetting will disconnect all your other devices, and you will have to reconnect them afterward.

To reset, look for a small button on the back or bottom of your router labeled Reset. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for ten to fifteen seconds. The lights on the router will blink and go dark. Wait two minutes for it to restart. The network name and password will be back to the factory defaults, which are usually printed on the router itself or in the documentation that came with it.

After resetting, connect to the network using the default password. Once you are connected, log into your router's settings (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser) and create a new password that is easier for you to remember. Your internet provider can walk you through this if you get stuck.

What to do if you still cannot connect

If you have tried all the steps above and still cannot connect, check these things in order. First, make sure WiFi is turned on on your device — sometimes it gets turned off accidentally. Second, make sure you are typing the password correctly, including capital letters and numbers. Third, restart your router by unplugging it for thirty seconds and plugging it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart.

If the router still shows no lights or signal, the problem may be with your internet service itself. Call your internet service provider and tell them you cannot see a WiFi signal from your router. They can check whether service is active at your address and may send a technician to fix the problem. Have your account number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my password keep saying it is wrong when I know it is right?

Passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter. Check the sticker again and make sure you are typing uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as they appear. Also check for spaces — some passwords have spaces in them. If you are still stuck, try resetting your router to the factory default password.

Can I change my WiFi password to something easier to remember?

Yes. Log into your router by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser on a connected device. You will need the router's admin password, which is different from your WiFi password — it is usually printed on the router or in the manual. Once logged in, look for WiFi settings or Security settings and change the password there. Your internet provider can walk you through this if you get stuck.

What is the difference between WiFi and ethernet?

WiFi is wireless — your device connects without a cable. Ethernet uses a cable plugged directly into your router and computer. Ethernet is faster and more reliable, but only works if your device is close to the router. WiFi is more convenient for phones, tablets, and devices that move around.

Do I need a password to connect with ethernet?

No. Ethernet cables do not require a password. Once you plug the cable in, your device will connect automatically. This is one reason ethernet is useful for devices that stay in one place.

What if my router is in another room and the WiFi signal is weak?

Move the router to a more central location in your home, away from walls and metal objects. You can also buy a WiFi extender, which is a device that picks up your WiFi signal and rebroadcasts it to reach farther. If the signal is still weak, your router may be old — most routers work best for five to seven years before they need replacing.