While connecting to the internet may seem like a very simple action to you, it can be challenging for people who are unfamiliar with the network or the type of connection they are trying to use. However, given the widespread presence of the internet in today's world, it is important to know how to connect. Whether you are using Wi-Fi, an ethernet cable or the less and less popular dial-up modems, connecting to the internet is a simple action that is important to learn.
Steps
Step 1. Make sure your internet connection is active
It may seem obvious to you, but often the mistake is made of not checking that the connection is available. Especially if you have just installed a router or a modem, check that it is turned on, connected correctly and that there are no LEDs lit to indicate problems. Also check the cables, which may be disconnected or slightly detached from the wall. Before you begin, take a look at all the components and make sure everything is in order.
Step 2. Be aware that almost all mobile devices can only connect to wireless networks
Smartphones, tablets, iPods, portable consoles and other similar devices can only connect to Wi-Fi services, due to their portable nature, so you won't be able to use them to connect via ethernet or dial-up. These connection types are reserved for non-portable computers and consoles (which are not covered in this article).
Step 3. Learn what "path" you need to follow to get to the network settings
Regardless of what operating system or device you are using, you will likely need to access your network settings in the process. The procedure for doing this is slightly different for each system, but the general path is usually the same. Below you will find paths for some of the more common devices or operating systems.
- Windows XP: Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Internet Connections.
- Windows Vista: Start -> Network -> Sharing Center and Network Connections.
- Windows 7: Start -> Control Panel -> Network and internet.
- Windows 8: Start -> Search for "View Network Connections" -> View Network Connections.
- Windows 10: Search for "View Network Connections" -> View Network Connections.
- Mac OS X Jaguar and later: System Preferences -> Network.
- Ubuntu and Fedora: Network Management.
- iOS (iPhone, iPad, etc.): Settings -> Wi-Fi.
- Android: Settings -> Wi-Fi (or Wireless & Networks).
- Windows phone: Settings -> Wi-Fi.
Method 1 of 3: Wireless Connection
Step 1. Make sure your device's Wi-Fi connection is turned on
Regardless of the system, the Wi-Fi antenna can be turned off. Some devices have a physical button to do this, while others have this setting in their configuration options. Before continuing, make sure Wi-Fi connectivity is not disabled.
Step 2. Access the device settings
Open the settings page and go to the section dedicated to the network. You can also click on the Wi-Fi icon in the computer toolbar: this will open a menu where you will see the names of the connections available in the area.
Step 3. Find the name of your Wi-Fi network
You should find it written on the broadband router. The name of a hotspot network is usually inherited from that of the mobile phone (for example "iPhone of [your name]"). Find the network you are looking for and select it.
The names of hotspots and Wi-Fi networks can be changed, but if you did, you probably know them. If you didn't change them, or you don't remember what the name is, ask the person in charge of the network
Step 4. Enter the network or hotspot password
Some networks are public, but most are private. If the one you are trying to connect to is protected by a password, you must enter the passkey before browsing the internet. Usually the default password is written on the router, but if you don't know it, ask the person in charge of the network.
Some secure public networks may support different passwords on a per-user basis. Universities, for example, can allow students to log in using their matriculation number, instead of a one-size-fits-all password
Step 5. Wait for the computer to connect
It often takes a few seconds, but if the computer fails to establish a connection with the router, the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted. In this case, move closer to the signal source, or turn the system's Wi-Fi antenna off and on again.
Step 6. Test the internet connection
Once connected, open a page on a browser and wait for it to load. Since some pages may not work, try loading a reputable site, such as google.com or the home page of an online newspaper, to ensure that the site is not having problems.
Step 7. Troubleshoot if your computer won't connect to the internet
In many cases the Wi-Fi works smoothly; in others it is not. There can be many reasons why a computer is unable to connect to a wireless network; fortunately, almost all systems have a program that can automatically detect the problem. Here are some of the most common unexpected events:
- Some older computers are unable to connect to wireless networks. In this case you may need to use an ethernet cable to get on the internet.
- If your internet connection doesn't work or is slow, you may be out of range of the router or hotspot. Try to get closer to the source of the signal.
- If the network does not appear, you may be out of range of the router or the network may not be available. Try moving closer to the router or restarting it.
Method 2 of 3: Connect with an Ethernet Cable
Step 1. Get an ethernet cable and any adapters
Many state-of-the-art devices can be connected directly to the router with an ethernet cable. However, not all of them are already prepared to connect. Laptops, for example, often don't have an ethernet port. For this reason, make sure you buy all the adapters you need to use ethernet cables.
- There are several types of ethernet cables; Cat-5 or Cat-5e models, for example, carry data at slower speeds than Cat-6 models. However, the most suitable type of cable varies depending on the router connection and the number of people connected to the network. If you don't have to upload a lot of data over the network, you probably won't need a Cat-6 cable if you're the only person connected.
- It is not possible to connect a mobile device (such as a smartphone) via ethernet with an adapter.
Step 2. Connect one end of the ethernet cable to the data line source
This is usually a router, but in some cases it can be a modem. In both circumstances, you need to connect one end of the ethernet cable to the device so that the computer can connect to the internet.
Step 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the computer
Find your computer's ethernet port and plug the cable into it. Usually the port is on the back, where the other cables connect as well.
If your computer doesn't support ethernet connection, you need to make sure the adapter is plugged in, then connect the cable to the adapter
Step 4. Access the computer settings
You need to make sure your computer recognizes ethernet connections instead of wireless ones. In most cases, you will need to turn off Wi-Fi connectivity so that the system switches to the wired network.
Step 5. Test the internet connection
Once connected, open a page on a browser and wait for it to load. Since some pages may not work, try loading a reputable site, such as google.com or the home page of an online newspaper, to ensure that the site is not having problems.
Step 6. If you can't connect, troubleshoot
Connections via ethernet are more reliable than Wi-Fi ones, but this does not mean that unexpected events cannot arise. The origins of the problem can be many, but to fix it, start from the basics by making sure your router is connected and that your computer is working properly.
- Make sure there are no problems with the ethernet cable (which can range from "the cable is not inserted correctly" to "the cable is broken / defective and needs to be replaced").
- Check if the router is having problems and then restart it. Contact your internet service provider if the device still doesn't work after rebooting, but you are certain that the cable and computer are in perfect condition.
- In rare cases, your computer's ethernet card may be faulty. In this case, contact the person who sold you the computer or its manufacturer.
Method 3 of 3: Dial-Up Connection
Step 1. Be aware that dial-up internet connection is no longer very popular
It has largely been replaced by broadband, so it's not easy to find instructions on how to use it. However, it is still present in some rural areas and so you may need to use it.
Step 2. Make sure you can connect via dial-up
This type of internet connection requires a telephone line and only one person per line can connect. If someone is already connected to the network, or the phone line is being used to make a phone call, you will not be able to connect until the other person hangs up or disconnects. Furthermore, almost all modern computers do not have the components required to connect via dial-up; to do this you may need to purchase an external USB modem.
Step 3. Connect the modem to the telephone line
Often homes with a dial-up connection have two telephone lines: one for the telephone and the other for the modem. However, if the modem is not used often, it may be disconnected, or there may be only a telephone line. Make sure the phone cable is plugged into the wall jack and the modem.
Step 4. Connect the modem to the computer
Using another telephone cable, plug one end into the modem and the other into the telephone port on your computer (or converter).
Make sure you don't accidentally plug the phone cable into the ethernet port. The phone port on the computer should be indicated by a small phone icon
Step 5. Access the computer's network settings
You need to manually set up the dial-up connection on your computer. At that point you can customize the modem settings. If this is your first time connecting to a dial-up network, you will probably need to manually enter the necessary data for the modem. Although the operation is slightly different depending on the operating system, the information to be entered is always the same: the telephone number for the connection, the username and the password. Below you will find the paths to follow to get to the network settings page:
- Windows XP: Network and internet connections -> Create or modify your internet connection -> Configure.
- Windows Vista: Sharing Center and Network Connections -> Create a connection or network -> Create a dial-up connection.
- Windows 7 and 8: Network and internet -> Sharing center and network connections -> Create a new connection or network -> Connect to the internet -> Dial-up.
- Windows 10: Network -> Dial-up connection.
- Mac OS X: Network -> Internal / External Modem -> Configuration.
- Ubuntu or Fedora: Network Management -> Connections -> Modem Connections -> Properties.
Step 6. Connect the computer to the modem
If the dial-up settings are already configured, just open the network settings and connect to the modem instead of looking for a wireless network. However, you need to enter your phone number, username and password.
Step 7. Test the internet connection
To make sure the link is working properly, open a web page and wait for it to load. Dial-up is much slower than broadband, so don't be surprised if it takes some time. Try loading sites that contain only (or almost) text, so that loading is faster and you can check if the internet is working.
Step 8. If you can't connect, troubleshoot
Even though dial-up is no longer widespread, problems continue to arise. Make sure the phone cable is properly connected and that the system can take advantage of this type of connection.
- Windows 10 has been shown to have problems with dial-up connections in some cases. If you can, try using a computer with an older operating system.
- Make sure you have not accidentally plugged the phone cable into the computer's ethernet port. The telephone connector is smaller and is often identified by the telephone symbol.
Advice
- On wikiHow you will find other guides for connecting to the internet specific to each operating system, including Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Mac.
- If you're using a mobile hotspot, you can connect your phone directly to your computer with a USB cable. This is a kind of hotspot ethernet cable, even if you use a USB cable and a phone.
