The basic steps for connecting to Wi-Fi or Ethernet

To connect to a network, you need to find the network name (called an SSID), select it on your device, and enter the password if one exists. On most devices, this takes under a minute. The exact steps depend on whether you are connecting to Wi-Fi or plugging in an Ethernet cable, and what kind of device you have — but the principle is the same across phones, tablets, laptops, and computers.

Wi-Fi is wireless and works from anywhere in range of the router. Ethernet is a cable connection that is faster and more stable, but requires you to be near the router or have a long cable run to your device. Most homes use Wi-Fi for phones and tablets, and either Wi-Fi or Ethernet for computers and streaming devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Wi-Fi networks appear as a list on your device; select the network name and enter the password to connect.
  • Ethernet requires plugging a cable directly into your device and router, and usually connects automatically with no password.
  • If you cannot see your network name, the router may be too far away, turned off, or broadcasting on a frequency your device does not support.
  • Forgetting and reconnecting to a network clears old settings and often fixes connection problems.
  • Most devices remember networks you have connected to before and reconnect automatically when in range.

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android

On Windows: Click the network icon in the bottom right corner of your screen (it looks like a Wi-Fi symbol or bars). A list of nearby networks appears. Click the network you want to join, then click "Connect". If the network requires a password, a box will appear asking for it. Type the password exactly as it was given to you — passwords are case-sensitive — and click "Next".

On Mac: Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your screen. A dropdown menu shows nearby networks. Click the network name, then enter the password in the box that appears. Click "Join".

On iPhone: Go to Settings, then Wi-Fi. Toggle Wi-Fi on if it is off. A list of networks appears. Tap the network name, enter the password, and tap "Join". Your iPhone will remember this network and connect automatically the next time you are in range.

On Android: Go to Settings, then Network & Internet or Connections (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap Wi-Fi and toggle it on. A list of networks appears. Tap the network name, enter the password, and tap "Connect".

Connecting with an Ethernet cable

Ethernet is a wired connection that plugs directly into your device and router. The cable has a connector that looks like a thick phone jack. One end plugs into the Ethernet port on your device (usually on the back or side), and the other end plugs into an Ethernet port on your router or modem.

Most devices recognize an Ethernet connection automatically and connect without any setup. On Windows and Mac, you may see a notification that a wired connection is now active. On phones and tablets, Ethernet requires a USB adapter (since most phones do not have an Ethernet port built in), and you will need to go to Settings to confirm the connection is active.

If your device does not connect automatically after plugging in the cable, restart both the device and the router. Unplug the router's power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Then restart your device.

What to do if you cannot see your network

If the network you are looking for does not appear in the list, the router may be out of range, turned off, or set to hide its name. Move closer to the router and try again. If the list still does not show your network, check that the router is powered on — look for lights on the front of the device.

Some routers broadcast on two frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Older devices may only see the 2.4 GHz network. If your router broadcasts both, try connecting to the 2.4 GHz version, which has a longer range and works with more devices, even though it is slightly slower.

If your network name is hidden, you will need to enter it manually. On Windows, click "Show available networks" at the bottom of the network list, then select "Connect to a network not in the list" and type the network name and password. On Mac, click the Wi-Fi icon, select "Other Networks", and type the name. On iPhone and Android, look for an option to "Add Network Manually" or "Other Network" in the Wi-Fi settings.

Fixing connection problems by forgetting and reconnecting

If you are connected to a network but the internet is not working, or if you keep getting disconnected, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. This clears old settings that may be causing the problem.

On Windows: Go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi. Click "Manage known networks" and find the network you want to forget. Click it, then click "Forget". Go back to the network list, select the network again, and enter the password.

On Mac: Go to System Preferences, then Network, then Wi-Fi. Click "Advanced", find the network in the list, click it, then click the minus sign to remove it. Click "OK", then go back to the Wi-Fi menu and reconnect.

On iPhone: Go to Settings, then Wi-Fi. Find the network, tap the info icon (a circle with an "i"), and tap "Forget This Network". Go back to the Wi-Fi list and reconnect.

On Android: Go to Settings, then Network & Internet or Connections. Tap Wi-Fi, find the network, press and hold it, then tap "Forget" or "Remove". Go back and reconnect.

Understanding network passwords and security

Most home networks are password-protected. The password is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router. If you have changed the password and forgotten it, you can reset the router to its factory settings by holding down a small reset button on the back for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings, so only do this if you cannot recover the password another way.

Network names and passwords are not the same thing. The network name (SSID) is what you see in the list of available networks. The password is what you type to connect. A network can have a name but no password, though this is not recommended for security reasons.

When you type a password to connect to Wi-Fi, your device stores it. The next time you are in range of that network, your device will connect automatically without asking for the password again. If you change the network password, you will need to forget the network on your device and reconnect with the new password.

Connecting to public networks and guest networks

Public networks — at coffee shops, libraries, airports, and hotels — usually have no password, or the password is posted on a sign. Select the network name and click "Connect". Some public networks show a login page in your web browser after you connect; enter any information the business asks for and click the button to proceed.

Many home routers also have a guest network, which is a separate Wi-Fi network that visitors can use without accessing your main network or devices. The guest network name and password are usually different from your main network. Check your router's settings or the sticker on the router to find the guest network details.

Public and guest networks are less secure than your home network. Do not enter passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information on public Wi-Fi unless you are using a VPN (a tool that encrypts your connection). Most phones and computers have a VPN option in their settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my device keep disconnecting from the network?

This usually happens because your device is too far from the router, the router is overloaded with too many connections, or there is interference from other wireless devices. Try moving closer to the router, restarting the router, or forgetting and reconnecting to the network. If the problem continues, restart your device.

Can I connect multiple devices to the same network?

Yes. Most home routers can handle 20 to 50 devices at once, depending on the router model. Each device uses the same network name and password. If you have many devices and the network is slow, try connecting some devices to a guest network instead, or upgrade to a newer router.

What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

2.4 GHz has a longer range and works with older devices, but is slower and more prone to interference. 5 GHz is faster and less crowded, but does not reach as far and does not work with older devices. If your router broadcasts both, use 5 GHz for devices close to the router and 2.4 GHz for devices farther away.

Do I need a password to connect to Ethernet?

No. Ethernet is a direct cable connection, so no password is needed. Your device will connect automatically once the cable is plugged in on both ends.

What should I do if I forgot my Wi-Fi password?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — the default password is usually printed there. If you changed the password and cannot find it, you can reset the router by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all settings and restore the default password, but you will need to set up the network again.