What You Need Before You Start
To connect any device to the internet, you need three things: a device with wireless or wired capability, an internet service from a provider (the company that runs the cables or signals to your home), and a router or modem that receives that signal and broadcasts it to your devices. Most homes have one device that does both jobs — called a modem-router combo — sitting in a closet or on a shelf.
Before you try to connect, find out what type of internet service you have. Call your provider or check your bill. The type matters because it determines what equipment you need and how you connect. The three main types are cable (delivered through TV cables), fiber (through dedicated fiber-optic lines), and DSL (through phone lines). Wireless services like satellite or 5G home internet work differently but follow the same basic steps once the equipment is installed.
If you do not yet have a modem or router, your provider will either send you one or tell you to buy one. Some providers charge a monthly rental fee for their equipment; others let you own it outright. Ask your provider which modems they support before you buy, because not all modems work with all services.
Key Takeaways
- You connect to the internet through a modem (which receives the signal from your provider) and a router (which broadcasts it wirelessly to your devices), often combined into one box.
- Wired connections through an ethernet cable are faster and more stable than wireless, and are the best choice for computers that stay in one place.
- Wireless connections require you to find your network name and password, usually printed on the router itself or in your provider's welcome materials.
- If your device connects but has no internet, restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then the router, then your device.
- Your router broadcasts a signal only so far — walls, distance, and interference from other devices all weaken the signal, so placement matters.
Connecting With an Ethernet Cable (Wired)
A wired connection is the fastest and most reliable way to connect a computer, printer, or streaming device. You run an ethernet cable (a thin cord with plastic connectors on each end, usually blue or gray) from a port on the back of your modem or router directly into the device. The cable looks similar to a phone cord but is slightly wider.
Plug one end into any available ethernet port on your modem or router — they are usually labeled with a small icon that looks like two connected boxes. Plug the other end into the ethernet port on your device. Most computers and printers have one; some tablets and phones do not. Once plugged in, the device should recognize the connection within a few seconds. You will see a wired connection icon appear in your network settings, and you should have internet access when ready without entering any password.
If the connection does not appear, check that both ends of the cable are fully inserted — they should click into place. If it still does not work, try a different ethernet port on the modem or router, or test the cable on another device to confirm the cable itself is not damaged.
Connecting Wirelessly to Your Network
Wireless connection is how most phones, tablets, and laptops connect. Your router broadcasts a wireless signal with a network name (called an SSID) and a password. To connect, you tell your device to join that network and enter the password.
First, find your network name and password. They are usually printed on a sticker on the bottom or back of your modem or router. The network name might be something like "Netgear-5G" or "Xfinity-Home-2024". The password is often a long string of letters and numbers. If you cannot find the sticker, check your provider's welcome materials or log into your router through a web browser (your provider's instructions will show you how).
On your device, open the network settings. On a phone or tablet, this is usually called "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless" in your settings menu. On a computer, look for a network icon in the bottom right corner (Windows) or top right corner (Mac). You will see a list of available networks. Find yours and tap or click it. A password field will appear. Type the password exactly as it appears on the sticker — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. Once you enter it correctly, your device will connect and remember that network for future use.
Troubleshooting When Connection Fails
If your device connects to the network but has no internet, or if the connection keeps dropping, the problem is usually with the modem or router, not your device. The fastest fix is to restart both devices in order.
Unplug the modem (the device that connects directly to your provider's cable or line) and wait 30 seconds. This clears its memory and forces it to reconnect to your provider's network. Plug it back in and wait two to three minutes for all the lights to stabilize — usually you will see a solid green or blue light when it is ready. Then unplug the router and wait 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait another minute. Finally, restart your device itself — turn it off and back on, or disconnect and reconnect to the network.
If you still have no internet after restarting, check that the cable from your wall (or from outside your home) is plugged firmly into the modem. If it is loose, push it in until it clicks. If the modem has a light that indicates internet connection — often labeled "Internet" or "WAN" — check whether it is lit. If it is not lit or is red, the problem is between your home and your provider, and you will need to contact them.
If the modem light is green but your device still has no internet, try connecting a different device to the same network. If the second device also has no internet, the problem is the router or the connection between the modem and router. If the second device works fine, the problem is with your first device's network settings, and you may need to "forget" the network and reconnect.
Improving Wireless Signal Strength
Wireless signals weaken with distance and are blocked by walls, metal, and water. If your device shows a weak signal or keeps disconnecting, placement of your router matters more than you might think.
Place your router in a central, elevated location — on a shelf or table in the middle of your home rather than in a corner or closet. Keep it away from the microwave, cordless phones, and baby monitors, which broadcast on the same frequency and cause interference. If your router has external antennas, position one vertically and one horizontally to cover different areas. Avoid placing it inside a cabinet or behind a TV, even if it looks neater.
If you have a large home or thick walls and the signal does not reach everywhere, you have two options. A mesh system uses multiple smaller routers that talk to each other and provide coverage across a wider area — these are more expensive but work well for large homes. A wireless extender is a smaller device that picks up your existing signal and rebroadcasts it to reach dead zones — these are cheaper but slower because they use the same channel as your main router.
Understanding Network Names and Passwords
Your router broadcasts both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network (or sometimes just one). The 2.4 GHz network reaches farther but is slower; the 5 GHz network is faster but does not go through walls as well. Many modern routers combine both into a single network name that your device automatically picks the best one from. Some routers broadcast them separately so you can choose.
If you want to change your network name or password, you will need to log into your router's settings. This usually means opening a web browser and typing an address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1, then entering a username and password (often "admin" and "admin" by default, though your provider may have changed this). Your router's manual or your provider's website will have the exact steps. After you change the password, all your devices will disconnect and you will need to reconnect them using the new password.
Keep your password strong — use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols if your router allows it. A strong password prevents neighbors or passersby from connecting to your network and using your internet without permission.
When to Contact Your Internet Provider
If you have restarted both the modem and router, checked all cable connections, and still have no internet, the problem is likely between your home and your provider's network. Contact your provider's support line — the number is on your bill or their website. Have the following information ready: your account number, the modem model number (usually on the sticker), and a description of what you have already tried.
Your provider can check from their end whether the modem is connecting properly. They may ask you to restart the modem again while they watch, or they may send a technician to your home if the problem is with the line itself. If your modem is old or damaged, they may send you a replacement.
If you are moving to a new home and need to set up internet for the first time, contact your provider before your move date. They will schedule an installation appointment and send a technician to install the modem and run any necessary cables. This usually takes one to two hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my device show the network but says "no internet" even though it is connected?
Your device is talking to the router, but the router is not talking to your provider. Restart the modem first (unplug for 30 seconds), then the router, then your device. If that does not work, check that the cable from your wall is plugged firmly into the modem. If the modem's internet light is not lit, contact your provider.
Can I use the same password for my wireless network as my provider account password?
You can, but it is not recommended. Your wireless password is shared with anyone you give it to, while your account password should stay private. Use a different, strong password for your wireless network.
What is the difference between a modem and a router?
A modem receives the internet signal from your provider and converts it into a form your devices can use. A router takes that signal and broadcasts it wirelessly to your devices. Most homes have a single device that does both jobs, called a modem-router combo.
Why is my wired connection faster than my wireless connection?
Ethernet cables carry data directly without interference from walls, distance, or other wireless devices. Wireless signals weaken over distance and are blocked by obstacles, so the speed drops. For devices that stay in one place, like a desktop computer or printer, wired is always faster and more reliable.
Do I need to restart my modem and router regularly?
Most people do not need to restart them regularly. Restart only when you have connection problems. If you find yourself restarting more than once a month, contact your provider — it may indicate a problem with the modem or the line itself.