The two ways to connect: WiFi or ethernet cable
You connect to your router either wirelessly through WiFi or by plugging an ethernet cable directly into one of the ports on the back. WiFi is convenient—you can move around your home and connect multiple devices at once. Ethernet is faster and more stable, but ties you to a cable length and requires a device with an ethernet port.
Most people use WiFi for phones, tablets, and laptops. Ethernet works best for devices that stay in one place and need the fastest speeds: desktop computers, gaming consoles, or streaming boxes. You can also use both at the same time—plug your desktop in with ethernet while your phone connects wirelessly.
Key Takeaways
- WiFi networks broadcast from your router and appear in your device's network list; you select the network name and enter the password to connect.
- The WiFi network name and password are printed on a sticker on your router, or you can change them in the router's settings page.
- Ethernet cables plug into the numbered ports on the back of your router and provide a faster, more stable connection than WiFi.
- If your device does not show your network in the list, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
- You can test your connection speed using free tools like Speedtest.net to see if you are getting the speeds your internet plan includes.
Connecting to WiFi on your phone or laptop
Open your device's WiFi settings and look for a list of available networks. Your router broadcasts a network name—called the SSID—that appears in this list. The network name is printed on a sticker attached to your router, usually on the bottom or back. It often looks like "NETGEAR-5G" or "TP-Link-Guest" or something your internet provider set up for you.
Tap or click the network name to connect. Your device will ask for the WiFi password. This password is also on the sticker on your router. Type it exactly as shown—it is case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Once you enter the password correctly, your device connects and remembers that network, so you will not need to enter the password again the next time you are in range.
If the network name does not appear in your list, the router may not be powered on, or it may be too far away. Move closer to the router and wait a few seconds. If it still does not appear, restart the router by unplugging it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The lights on the front will blink while it starts up—wait until they stop blinking before trying to connect again.
Changing your WiFi network name and password
The default network name and password on your router's sticker work fine, but you may want to change them to something easier to remember or more private. To do this, you log into your router's settings page using a web browser on any device already connected to the network.
Open a browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will see a login page asking for a username and password. These are different from your WiFi password—they control access to the router itself. The default username is often "admin" and the default password is printed on the sticker or in your router's manual. Once you log in, look for a section called "WiFi Settings" or "Wireless Settings" and change the network name and password to whatever you want.
Write down your new password somewhere safe. If you forget it, you can reset the router to factory defaults by holding a small reset button on the back for 10 seconds, but this erases all your custom settings.
Using an ethernet cable for a wired connection
Ethernet cables look like thick phone cords with plastic connectors on each end. One end plugs into your device—a desktop computer, gaming console, or streaming box—and the other end plugs into one of the numbered ports on the back of your router. These ports are usually labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4. Any of them will work; the router treats them the same.
Ethernet provides faster speeds than WiFi because the cable carries the signal directly without wireless interference. The difference is most noticeable when you are downloading large files, streaming video in high quality, or playing online games. If your device is in the same room as your router, ethernet is worth using.
Ethernet cables come in different lengths—25 feet, 50 feet, or longer. They are inexpensive and available at any electronics store or online. If you need to run a cable through walls or across rooms, you can buy flat cables that fit under baseboards or through doorways.
Troubleshooting a connection that keeps dropping
If your WiFi disconnects frequently or your ethernet connection is unstable, the first step is to restart your router. Unplug it from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears the router's memory and often fixes temporary problems.
If the problem continues, check how far you are from the router. WiFi signal weakens through walls and distance. If you are far away or separated by many walls, move closer or consider adding a WiFi extender—a device that picks up your router's signal and rebroadcasts it to reach farther corners of your home.
For ethernet connections, try a different cable. Cables can wear out or get damaged, especially if they are pinched under furniture or run through high-traffic areas. If a new cable fixes the problem, the old one was faulty.
If restarting and moving closer do not help, log into your router's settings page and check that the WiFi is actually turned on. Some routers have a physical button or switch to disable WiFi, and it is straightforward to accidentally flip it. Look for a button labeled "WiFi" or "Wireless" on the front or back of the router.
Testing your connection speed
Once you are connected, you can check whether you are getting the speeds your internet plan includes. Visit Speedtest.net in a web browser and click the "Go" button. The test measures your read speed, upload speed, and ping time. read speed is what matters most for everyday use—it determines how fast web pages load and how smoothly videos stream.
Run the test a few times at different times of day. Your speed will vary depending on how many devices are using the network and what they are doing. If your speed is consistently much lower than what your plan promises, restart your modem and router, then test again. If it is still low, contact your internet provider—the problem may be on their end.
For reference, most people need at least 25 Mbps read speed for smooth streaming and web browsing. Online gaming and video calls work better with 50 Mbps or higher. If you have multiple people using the network at once, higher speeds help everything run smoother.
Connecting devices that do not have WiFi or ethernet
Some older devices—printers, smart home gadgets, or specialized equipment—may not have built-in WiFi. For these, you have two options: buy a USB WiFi adapter that plugs into the device, or use a powerline adapter that sends your internet signal through your home's electrical wiring.
A USB WiFi adapter is a small dongle that plugs into a USB port and gives the device wireless capability. They are inexpensive and work with most devices, though you may need to install a driver from the manufacturer's website.
A powerline adapter is a pair of devices: one plugs into an outlet near your router and connects to it with ethernet, and the other plugs into an outlet near your device and connects to it with ethernet. The two adapters communicate through your home's electrical wiring. This works well if running a long ethernet cable is not practical, though it is slightly slower than a direct cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my device show my WiFi network but will not connect?
The password you entered is probably incorrect. Check the sticker on your router and try again, making sure capital and lowercase letters match exactly. If you have changed the password and forgotten it, restart the router by holding the reset button for 10 seconds to restore the default password on the sticker.
Can I connect to my router from outside my home?
No, WiFi only reaches a certain distance—typically 100 to 150 feet in open space, less through walls. Ethernet requires a physical cable, so it only works within cable length. Some routers have a feature to access them remotely over the internet, but this requires special setup and is not the same as connecting to WiFi from outside.
Is ethernet faster than WiFi?
Yes, ethernet is typically faster and more stable. WiFi speed depends on distance, obstacles, and interference from other devices. Ethernet provides a direct connection with no interference. For activities like large file transfers or online gaming, the difference is noticeable.
What if I have two routers in my home?
Each router broadcasts its own network name and requires its own password. You can connect to either one, but you will need to manually switch between them as you move around your home. Some routers support a feature called "mesh" that lets multiple routers work together as one network, so your device stays connected as you move.
Do I need to restart my router regularly?
Most routers work fine without regular restarts. Restart it only if you notice slow speeds or dropped connections. If you need to restart it more than once a month, the router may be overheating or failing—check that it has good airflow and is not in a hot closet or cabinet.