Connect via WiFi or Ethernet — Choose Based on Your Device

Most devices connect to your router wirelessly through WiFi. A smaller number of devices — like desktop computers, printers, or streaming boxes — connect with an ethernet cable plugged directly into the router's back panel. WiFi is easier for phones and laptops that move around your home. Ethernet is faster and more stable for devices that stay in one place, and it keeps your WiFi network less crowded.

Your router broadcasts a WiFi signal with a name (called the SSID) and a password. When you connect a device, you are telling it to use that specific router to reach the internet. The connection happens between your device and the router, not between your device and your internet provider — the router handles talking to the provider on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • WiFi connections require you to find your router's network name and password, usually printed on a sticker on the router itself.
  • Ethernet cables plugged into the router's numbered ports provide faster, more stable connections for stationary devices.
  • Your router has one internet port (usually labeled WAN or Internet) and several numbered ports for devices — do not plug your modem into a numbered port.
  • If your device does not see your router's network name, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
  • Change your WiFi password from the default one printed on the router by logging into the router's settings page through a web browser.

Connect a Phone or Laptop to WiFi

Open your device's WiFi settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi. On a Windows computer, click the WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of the taskbar. On a Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of the menu bar. Your device will show a list of available networks.

Look for your router's network name in that list. The name is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, usually next to "SSID" or "Network Name". It might say something like "TP-Link-5G" or "Netgear-Guest". Tap or click on it. Your device will ask for the password. The password is also on the sticker, usually next to "WiFi Password" or "Key". Type it exactly as shown — it is case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter.

Once you enter the password correctly, your device will connect and show a checkmark or "Connected" status next to the network name. You should now be able to open a web browser and load a website. If the password does not work, check that you typed it correctly, including any numbers or special characters. If you still cannot connect, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in, and try again.

Connect a Device Using an Ethernet Cable

An ethernet cable looks like a thick phone cord with a plastic connector on each end. One end plugs into your device (a desktop computer, printer, or streaming device) and the other end plugs into one of the numbered ports on the back of your router. The ports are usually labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4. Do not use the port labeled WAN, Internet, or Uplink — that port is for the cable coming from your modem.

Push the cable in firmly until you hear a small click. A light on the router next to that port should turn on or blink. On your device, open a web browser and try to load a website. If the connection works, you are done — the device will stay connected as long as the cable remains plugged in. Ethernet connections do not require a password and are not affected by WiFi interference or distance from the router.

If the connection does not work, try a different numbered port on the router. If none of the ports work, the cable may be damaged. Ethernet cables are inexpensive and widely available — a new one usually costs between five and fifteen dollars. You can buy them at any electronics store or online.

Understand Your Router's Ports and Connections

The back of your router has several ports. One is labeled WAN, Internet, or Uplink — this is where the cable from your modem plugs in. This cable brings the internet signal into your router. The other ports, usually numbered 1 through 4, are for devices in your home. These are called LAN ports (Local Area Network). Plugging a device into a numbered port connects it to your home network and to the internet through the WAN port.

Your router also has a power port where the power adapter plugs in. Some routers have a reset button, usually recessed so you cannot press it by accident. Do not press the reset button unless you want to erase all your settings and start over — if you do press it, you will need to set up the router again from scratch.

Most modern routers also have a WiFi button on the front or back. Pressing it turns the WiFi signal on or off without affecting ethernet connections. This is useful if you want to disable WiFi temporarily for security reasons or to reduce interference, but it does not affect devices plugged in with ethernet cables.

Fix Connection Problems

If a device cannot find your router's network name, restart the router. Unplug the power cable from the back, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The router will take one to two minutes to fully restart. Once the lights on the front stop blinking and settle into a steady pattern, try connecting again. This fixes most connection problems because it clears the router's memory and resets its radio.

If a device connects but cannot reach the internet, check that the cable from your modem is plugged into the WAN or Internet port on the router, not into one of the numbered ports. If it is in the wrong port, unplug it and move it to the correct port. Wait 30 seconds for the connection to re-establish, then try again.

If you are far from the router — more than 50 feet away or through multiple walls — the WiFi signal may be too weak. Move closer to the router to test. If the connection works when you are close, you may need to move the router to a more central location in your home, or consider adding a WiFi extender or mesh system to reach distant areas. Ethernet cables do not have this problem, so if you need a stable connection far from the router, running an ethernet cable is the most reliable solution.

Change Your WiFi Password

The password printed on your router's sticker is the default password set by the manufacturer. You should change it to something only you know. To do this, you need to log into your router's settings page. Open a web browser on any device connected to your router (WiFi or ethernet). Type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar and press Enter. One of these addresses will load your router's login page.

The login page will ask for a username and password. These are different from your WiFi password — they control access to the router's settings. The default username is usually "admin" and the default password is usually "admin" or "password", but check your router's manual or the sticker on the router to be sure. Once you log in, look for a section called WiFi Settings, Wireless, or Network. Find the field labeled "WiFi Password", "Pre-Shared Key", or "Passphrase". Delete the old password and type a new one. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols if possible.

Click Save or explore. The router will restart, and your WiFi will briefly disconnect. Reconnect using the new password. All your devices will need to forget the old network and reconnect with the new password. On most devices, go back to WiFi settings, find your router's network name, and select "Forget" or "Remove". Then reconnect and enter the new password.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the WiFi password and the router login password?

The WiFi password is what you type on your phone or laptop to connect to the internet. The router login password is what you type into a web browser to access the router's settings page. They are separate and can be different. You only need the login password if you want to change settings like the WiFi name or password.

Can I connect multiple devices to the same router?

Yes. Most home routers can handle 20 to 50 devices at once, though performance may slow if many devices are actively using the internet simultaneously. Each device connects independently — connecting one device does not affect the others.

Why does my device keep disconnecting from WiFi?

This usually means the signal is weak or there is interference. Move closer to the router, or move the router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and metal objects. If the problem persists, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If only one device disconnects repeatedly, restart that device instead.

Do I need a password for ethernet connections?

No. Ethernet connections do not use passwords. Once you plug in the cable, the device connects automatically. This is one reason ethernet is more find for stationary devices — there is no password to guess or intercept.

What should I do if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on the back of your router — the default password is printed there. If you changed the password and forgot it, you can reset the router to factory settings by pressing and holding the reset button for 10 seconds. This erases all your settings, so you will need to set up the router again, but you can then use the default password from the sticker.