The two ways to connect: Wi-Fi or ethernet cable

Your computer reaches the internet through one of two physical paths. Wi-Fi is wireless — your computer sends and receives data through the air to a router in your home. An ethernet cable is wired — you plug a cable directly from your computer into the router or modem, and data travels through the physical wire. Both methods do the same job. Wi-Fi is more convenient because you can move around. Ethernet is more stable and faster because nothing interferes with the signal.

Before you can use either method, you need two things: a modem (the device that connects to your internet service provider) and a router (the device that broadcasts the signal to your devices). Many internet providers give you a combined modem-router unit, so you may only have one box. If you have two separate boxes, the modem plugs into the wall outlet where your internet line enters, and the router plugs into the modem.

Key Takeaways

  • Wi-Fi connects wirelessly through a router; ethernet connects with a physical cable and is faster and more stable.
  • Your modem connects to your internet provider's line, and your router broadcasts the signal to your devices.
  • To connect via Wi-Fi, find your network name and password (usually on a sticker on the router) and enter them in your computer's network settings.
  • To connect via ethernet, plug the cable into your computer's ethernet port and the router — no password or settings needed.
  • If you cannot see your network or the connection drops, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows

Look for the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, near the clock. Click it. A list of available networks will appear — these are the Wi-Fi signals your computer can detect. Find your network name (called the SSID). It is usually printed on a sticker on your router, along with the password. Click your network name and enter the password exactly as it appears, including capital letters and numbers.

Once you enter the password correctly, Windows will say "Connected" next to your network name. You should now see a globe icon or the Wi-Fi symbol in your taskbar, indicating you are online. If the connection fails, double-check that you typed the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different.

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Mac

Click the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your menu bar (it looks like a fan or curved lines). A dropdown menu shows all available networks. Select your network name from the list. A box will appear asking for your password. Type it exactly as it appears on your router's sticker, then click "Join."

Your Mac will remember this network and connect automatically the next time you are in range. If you need to forget the network later (for example, if you change your password), go to System Settings, click Wi-Fi, select your network, and choose "Forget This Network."

Connecting with an ethernet cable

An ethernet cable looks like a thick phone cord with a plastic connector on each end. One end plugs into your computer's ethernet port (a rectangular slot, usually on the back or side). The other end plugs into an available port on your router or modem. The connection is when ready — no password, no settings, no waiting. Your computer should recognize the wired connection within seconds.

If your computer does not connect automatically, you may need to enable ethernet in your network settings. On Windows, go to Settings, then Network & Internet, and make sure Ethernet is turned on. On Mac, go to System Settings, Network, and check that Ethernet shows "Connected." Most computers handle this automatically, so manual steps are rarely needed.

What to do if you cannot connect

If your network does not appear in the list, or if you enter the password but the connection fails, restart your router. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait another minute for it to fully restart. This fixes most connection problems because it clears temporary errors in the router's memory.

If restarting does not work, check that your router is actually on — look for lights on the front of the device. If there are no lights, the power cable may be loose or the outlet may not be working. Try plugging the router into a different outlet. If you still cannot see your network after these steps, your router may need a factory reset, which erases all settings and returns it to its original state. Look for a small reset button on the back of the router, press it for 10 seconds with a paperclip, and set up the network again using the instructions that came with your router.

Understanding network names and passwords

Your network name (SSID) is the label that appears when you search for Wi-Fi. Your password is the code you enter to connect. Both are usually printed on a sticker attached to your router. The network name can be anything — the default is often something like "NETGEAR-5G" or "TP-Link," but many people change it to something personal. The password is a string of letters, numbers, and sometimes symbols.

If you lose the sticker or cannot read it, you can find both pieces of information by logging into your router's settings page. Open a web browser and type 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 into the address bar. You will be asked for a username and password — these are different from your Wi-Fi password and are usually "admin" and "admin" or "admin" and the password on the sticker. Once logged in, look for a section called Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings, or SSID to find your network name and password.

When to use Wi-Fi versus ethernet

Use Wi-Fi if you move your computer around, use a laptop, or do not want cables running across your room. Use ethernet if your computer stays in one place, you need the fastest possible speed, or your Wi-Fi signal is weak in that location. Ethernet is also more reliable for video calls, online gaming, or uploading large files because the wired connection does not drop or slow down due to interference.

If you have both options available, you can switch between them. Your computer will use whichever connection is plugged in or turned on. If both are active at the same time, Windows and Mac will prefer the ethernet connection because it is faster. You do not need to choose one permanently — you can use Wi-Fi one day and plug in ethernet the next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Wi-Fi password different from my router login password?

Your Wi-Fi password is what you enter to connect devices to the internet. Your router login password is what you enter to change router settings. They are separate for security — someone could know your Wi-Fi password without being able to change your network name or settings. The Wi-Fi password is on the sticker; the login password is usually also on the sticker or in the manual.

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

Yes, but your computer will only use one at a time. If both are connected, your computer automatically uses ethernet because it is faster. You can unplug the ethernet cable and switch back to Wi-Fi without changing any settings. This is useful if you move your computer between locations.

What does it mean if my Wi-Fi shows "connected but no internet"?

This means your computer connected to the router, but the router is not connected to your internet provider. Check that the cable from the wall outlet is plugged into your modem, and that the modem has power. Restart the modem by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, contact your internet provider — the issue is on their end, not your computer.

Do I need a password to use ethernet?

No. Ethernet requires only the physical cable. Once you plug it in, your computer connects when ready without entering any information. This is one reason ethernet is simpler than Wi-Fi.

Why is my ethernet connection faster than Wi-Fi?

Ethernet sends data through a dedicated physical cable, so nothing interferes with the signal. Wi-Fi travels through the air and can be slowed by walls, distance, other devices, and radio interference from microwaves or cordless phones. For the same router, ethernet will always be faster and more stable.