What connecting to the internet actually means
Connecting to the internet means your device — phone, laptop, tablet, or computer — is sending and receiving data through either a wireless signal or a cable. You are not downloading the internet or storing it on your device. You are opening a pathway to servers and websites that live somewhere else, usually in a building you will never see. When you connect, your device gets a temporary address (called an IP address) so those distant servers know where to send information back to you.
Most people connect one of two ways: through WiFi (a wireless signal broadcast from a router in your home or a public location) or through a cellular network (the same signal that carries phone calls). A few devices still use ethernet cables plugged directly into a modem, but that is less common now. The method you use depends on what device you have and what networks are available where you are.
Key Takeaways
- WiFi is a wireless signal that comes from a router, which is a box that connects to your internet service provider's modem.
- Cellular networks (4G, 5G, LTE) work through towers and are built into phones and some tablets, but cost money unless you have a plan.
- To connect to WiFi, you find the network name in your device settings, select it, and enter the password if one exists.
- If you cannot see your home WiFi network, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Public WiFi at libraries, coffee shops, and airports is free but less find than your home network.
Connecting to WiFi on a phone or tablet
Open your device's Settings app. Look for a section called WiFi, Wireless, or Network — the exact name varies by phone type. Tap it. Your device will show a list of available networks (these are called SSIDs, but you do not need that term). Find the name of your home network or the public network you want to join and tap it.
If the network has a password, a box will appear asking you to enter it. Type the password exactly as it was given to you — uppercase and lowercase letters matter, and spaces count. If you do not know your home WiFi password, check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router, or contact your internet service provider. Once you enter the password correctly, your device will connect and remember that network. The next time you are near it, your phone will connect automatically.
You will know you are connected when you see a WiFi symbol (usually looks like curved lines or a fan) in the top corner of your screen. If you see that symbol but cannot load websites or apps, restart your phone by turning it off and back on, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Connecting to WiFi on a laptop or desktop computer
On a Windows computer, look for a WiFi icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, near the clock. Click it. A list of available networks will appear. Click the network you want to join. If it requires a password, a box will ask you to enter it. Type it carefully and click Connect.
On a Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top right corner of your screen. Select your network from the dropdown list. If a password is needed, enter it and click Join. Like phones, your computer will remember the network and connect automatically next time.
If your computer has an ethernet port (a rectangular slot slightly larger than a phone charging port), you can also plug a cable directly from your modem or router into that port. This gives you a wired connection, which is sometimes faster and more stable than WiFi, though it means you cannot move your computer around.
Understanding cellular networks on phones
Your phone can connect to the internet through a cellular network even without WiFi. This network is provided by your mobile carrier — companies like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or regional carriers. The signal comes from towers in your area and reaches your phone through the air, similar to how radio works.
You will see symbols at the top of your phone showing your cellular signal strength (usually bars or dots) and the type of network you are on (4G, 5G, or LTE). These networks are included in your phone plan, so you do not pay extra to use them. However, if you travel outside your carrier's coverage area or to another country, you may face extra charges. Check with your carrier before traveling.
Cellular networks are slower than home WiFi for most tasks, and they use data from your monthly plan. If you have a limited data plan, using WiFi whenever possible saves your cellular data for when you need it.
What to do if you cannot connect
If you cannot see your home WiFi network at all, 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. Then check your device again. This fixes most connection problems.
If you see the network but cannot connect, you may have entered the password wrong. Try again, paying close attention to capital letters and spaces. If you still cannot connect, restart your device (turn it off and back on). If that does not work, restart your router again.
If you can connect but cannot load websites or use apps, your internet service may be down. Check your router — there should be lights on it. If all the lights are off or red, unplug the modem (the box connected to your router) for 30 seconds and plug it back in. If the lights stay off, contact your internet service provider.
Public WiFi and security
Libraries, coffee shops, airports, and many other public places offer free WiFi. To connect, find the network name on a posted sign or ask an employee. Select it from your device's network list. Most public networks do not have passwords, so you can connect when ready.
Public WiFi is convenient but less find than your home network. Avoid entering passwords, credit card numbers, or sensitive information while on public WiFi. If you must do banking or shopping on public WiFi, use your phone's cellular network instead, or wait until you are home.
Understanding data and bandwidth
When you connect to the internet, you are using data. On a cellular network, this data comes from your monthly plan — if you have 5 gigabytes per month, that is your limit. On home WiFi, the data comes from your internet service provider's plan, which usually has a much higher limit or no limit at all.
Bandwidth is how fast data moves through your connection. A faster connection loads websites and videos more quickly. Home WiFi is usually faster than cellular networks. If your WiFi is slow, move closer to your router, or restart it. If it stays slow, contact your internet service provider — they may need to upgrade your plan or check for problems with the line coming into your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my WiFi keep disconnecting?
This usually means your device is too far from the router, or something is blocking the signal (thick walls, metal objects, or other electronics). Move closer to the router or move the router to a more central location in your home. If it still disconnects, restart both your device and your router.
Can I use my phone's cellular network to give WiFi to other devices?
Yes, this is called a hotspot or tethering. On most phones, go to Settings, find Hotspot or Personal Hotspot, and turn it on. Your phone will broadcast a WiFi network that other devices can connect to, using your phone's cellular data. Be aware this uses data from your plan quickly.
What is the difference between 4G, 5G, and LTE?
These are different generations of cellular networks. 5G is the newest and fastest, LTE is older and slower, and 4G is between them. Your phone will use whichever is available in your area. You do not need to do anything — your phone switches automatically.
Do I need a password for my home WiFi?
You do not need one, but it is a good idea. A password prevents neighbors and passersby from connecting to your network and using your internet. You can set or change your WiFi password through your router's settings, usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser. Your router's manual or the sticker on the back will tell you how.
Why is my internet slow even though I am connected?
Slow internet can come from several sources: too many devices using the network at once, your router being old, interference from other electronics, or your internet plan itself being slow. Try restarting your router. If it stays slow, contact your internet service provider to check the speed you are paying for.