The three ways to get online

You connect to the internet through one of three routes: a wired connection plugged directly into your device, a wireless connection through Wi-Fi, or a mobile connection through a cellular network. Most people use Wi-Fi at home and cellular on their phone. Wired connections are fastest and most stable, but require a cable. Wi-Fi is convenient and works across a room. Cellular works anywhere your phone has signal, but uses data from your plan.

All three connect you to the same internet backbone you learned about in the previous guide. The difference is just how your device talks to the modem or router that bridges you to that backbone. Your choice depends on what device you have, where you are, and what speed you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Wi-Fi requires a router connected to your internet service provider, and you join it by finding the network name and entering the password.
  • Wired connections use an Ethernet cable plugged into a modem or router and are the most stable option for desktop computers.
  • Cellular connections work on phones and tablets through your mobile carrier and use data from your monthly plan.
  • If you cannot connect, restart your modem and router first, then check that you are using the correct password and network name.

Connecting through Wi-Fi at home

Wi-Fi is the most common way to connect at home. Your internet service provider (ISP) sends a signal to a device called a modem, which converts that signal into something your devices can use. A separate device called a router takes that signal and broadcasts it wirelessly throughout your home. Some ISPs combine the modem and router into one box.

To connect a device to Wi-Fi, look for the Wi-Fi icon on your screen — it usually looks like curved lines or a fan shape. On a phone or tablet, open Settings and look for Wi-Fi. On a computer, the Wi-Fi icon is usually in the bottom right corner (Windows) or top right corner (Mac). Click it and you will see a list of available networks. Find the name of your network (called the SSID), select it, and enter your Wi-Fi password. Once you enter the password correctly, your device connects and stays connected until you manually disconnect or move out of range.

If you do not know your Wi-Fi network name or password, check the sticker on your modem or router — it is usually printed there. If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the modem and router to factory settings by holding the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds, but this erases all your settings and you will have to set it up again from scratch.

Connecting with an Ethernet cable

An Ethernet cable is a physical wire that plugs directly into your device and into your modem or router. It looks like a thick phone cord with a plastic connector on each end. This connection is faster and more stable than Wi-Fi because the signal travels through a wire instead of through the air, so there is nothing to interfere with it.

Ethernet is the best choice for desktop computers, gaming consoles, or any device that stays in one place and needs the fastest speed. Plug one end of the cable into the port on your device (it is usually labeled "Ethernet" or shows a picture of a cable) and the other end into a port on your modem or router. Your device should connect automatically — you do not need to enter a password. If it does not connect, restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, then plugging them back in.

The main drawback is that you are limited by the length of the cable. Most people run cables along walls or under carpets to reach devices in other rooms, but this is not practical for phones or tablets that move around.

Connecting on a phone or tablet through cellular

Phones and tablets with cellular capability connect to the internet through your mobile carrier — companies like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or regional carriers. This connection works anywhere you have cell signal, not just at home. Your carrier assigns you a monthly data plan that limits how much information you can read and upload.

Cellular is already set up on your phone when you set up it with your carrier. You do not need to do anything to connect — your phone automatically uses cellular data when Wi-Fi is not available. You can see how much data you have used by opening Settings and looking for "Data Usage" or "Cellular Data". If you reach your limit before the month ends, your carrier either slows your speed or charges you extra, depending on your plan.

Most phones and tablets let you turn cellular data on and off in Settings. You might turn it off to save data while traveling, or to force your device to use Wi-Fi instead. Some plans include unlimited data, while others charge per gigabyte. Check your carrier's website or your bill to see what plan you have.

What to do if you cannot connect

The first step is always to restart your modem and router. Unplug them from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug them back in. This clears temporary problems that prevent connection. Wait two to three minutes for them to fully restart — you will see lights on the front stop blinking and settle into a steady pattern.

If you are trying to connect to Wi-Fi, make sure you are using the correct network name and password. The password is case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If you are not sure, check the sticker on your router again. Try typing the password slowly or copying it from the sticker to avoid typos.

If you are using an Ethernet cable, make sure both ends are plugged in firmly. Cables can come loose if they are pulled or stepped on. Try unplugging and replugging both ends. If the cable is damaged or frayed, try a different cable.

If restarting and checking passwords does not work, your internet service may be down. Check your ISP's website or call their customer service number to see if there is an outage in your area. You can also ask neighbors if their internet is working — if theirs is down too, the problem is not your device.

Understanding data limits and overage charges

Cellular plans come with a monthly data limit, usually measured in gigabytes (GB). One gigabyte is roughly enough to stream video for two to three hours, or to browse the web for several hours. Streaming video uses the most data, followed by downloading files and video calls. Sending text messages and browsing text-only websites uses very little.

If you have a limited plan and want to avoid overage charges, use Wi-Fi whenever possible. Disable cellular data in Settings when you are at home or at a place with Wi-Fi. Many carriers offer apps that show you how much data you have used so far this month, so you can track your usage and adjust your habits if you are approaching your limit.

Some carriers offer plans with unlimited data, which means you can use as much as you want without extra charges. These plans cost more per month but remove the worry about overage fees. Compare what you actually use in a month to decide whether unlimited makes sense for you.

Choosing the right connection for your situation

Use Wi-Fi at home if your ISP provides it and your device supports it. It is convenient, does not use cellular data, and works well for most activities. Use an Ethernet cable if you need the fastest speed for gaming, video editing, or large file downloads, and if your device is close enough to your modem or router. Use cellular on your phone or tablet when you are away from home and need to stay connected.

Some people use all three at different times. A laptop might connect through Wi-Fi at home, Ethernet at work, and cellular through a phone hotspot while traveling. A phone uses cellular most of the time but switches to Wi-Fi at home to save data. There is no single right answer — use whatever connection is available and meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?

Wi-Fi can drop if your device is too far from the router, if there are obstacles like walls or metal, or if your router is overheating. Try moving closer to the router, restart it, or make sure it has space around it for air to flow. If disconnections happen at the same time every day, your router may be overheating — try moving it to a cooler spot or adding a small fan nearby.

Can I use Wi-Fi and cellular at the same time?

Your device uses one or the other, not both simultaneously. It automatically prefers Wi-Fi when available because it is usually faster and does not use your data plan. If Wi-Fi is slow or drops, your device switches to cellular. You can manually switch in Settings if you want to force one or the other.

What is a hotspot and how do I use it?

A hotspot turns your phone into a Wi-Fi router by sharing its cellular connection with other devices. Open Settings on your phone, find "Personal Hotspot" or "Mobile Hotspot", turn it on, and other devices will see your phone as a Wi-Fi network. Enter the password shown on your phone to connect. This uses your phone's data plan, so be aware of your limit.

Is Ethernet faster than Wi-Fi?

Yes, Ethernet is typically faster and more stable because the signal travels through a wire instead of through the air. For most everyday activities like browsing and email, you will not notice the difference. For large downloads, video streaming, or online gaming, Ethernet can make a noticeable improvement.

What should I do if my modem keeps overheating?

Make sure your modem has space around it and is not in a closed cabinet or near a heat source. Keep it away from direct sunlight and other electronics that generate heat. If it still overheats, try placing it on a shelf or stand that allows air to flow underneath. If it continues to overheat or shut off, contact your ISP — the modem may be failing.