How to Set Up an Internet Connection

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References Tested

Are you setting up internet access in your home for the first time? Whether you're switching providers or moving to a new place, it's easier than ever to connect to the internet. Most internet providers offer quick connection kits (and/or free installation) and Wi-Fi routers that can get every device in your home online in minutes. We'll help you set up your new broadband, DSL, or satellite internet connection, and get your PC, Mac, phones, and tablets online with Wi-Fi or ethernet.

Things You Should Know

Choose an Internet Provider and acquire a modem and a router (sometimes these will come together in one device called a "wireless gateway").
Plug the modem into your wall jack and into a power outlet. Give it a few minutes to boot up. Then, if separate, connect your router and modem with an ethernet cable.
Follow your internet provider's instructions to connect. During this process, you will set a network name and password for your wifi connection.
Look for your newly set up wifi network on your computer, phone or tablet. Tap the network name and enter the password to connect.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Getting Internet Access at Home

1
Sign up for internet service that meets your needs. Connectivity options and service providers vary by area, but you'll usually find options for broadband cable, DSL, as well as satellite and fiber (FIOS). It's best to contact the providers directly to find out about services available to your address.
- Companies that offer cable and satellite television services typically offer internet services as well.
- DSL services are often provided through telephone companies.
2
Set up professional installation if necessary. If your home isn't properly equipped for the type of internet service you're signing up for, the ISP will need to come prepare your home.
- For example, if you don't have cable coaxial jacks but want broadband internet, you'll need a technician to come out and install a jack and prepare cable service.
- In many cases, the technician who comes out can also install all of the equipment necessary to get you online.
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3
Gather your equipment. Most ISPs (internet providers) provide all of the hardware you'll need to set up your internet connection in your home, including a modem and any necessary cables. If you choose a professional installation from the provider, they'll bring the equipment to your home and set it up for you. If you want to do it yourself, the ISP will either mail you the equipment, or allow you to come pick it up.
- A modem is the device that connects to the jack in your wall and essentially connects your house to the internet. A router is a secondary device that allows multiple devices to connect to the internet through the router.
- It's very common to receive a device that's both a modem and a router (often called a "wireless gateway," which makes setup especially easy.
- Some ISPs offer a modem for free (you'll need to return it if you cancel service) but offer a wireless router at a small rental fee. If you want to avoid renting hardware, you can always purchase your own router, but it'll always be easiest to set up (and get tech support) if you use the equipment from your ISP.
4
Grab your ISP's setup instructions. Setting up internet access is going to be a little different for everyone, as all ISPs, modems, and routers vary. Your provider will give you all of the information you'll need to get started, including any required usernames and passwords for your router, web addresses for setup, and even phone or tablet apps you can install for quick modem and router setup. Follow your ISP's instructions exactly for best results.
5
Connect your modem to the wall jack. If you're using a DSL modem (or modem/router combo), you'll need to connect it to the telephone jack using the telephone cable that came with your modem. If you're using broadband or satellite, connect your modem (or modem/router combo) to the cable jack with a coaxial cable.
- If you already have a device connected to the jack, you can use a splitter, which will allow you to plug two different devices into a single jack. Many providers include a splitter in their self-installation kits.
6
Plug the modem into a power source and turn it on. The modem needs power to work, so make sure it's securely plugged in. As most modems don't have on/off switches, connecting the modem to an outlet will automatically power it on.
- When the modem is turned on, it will go through a boot process that can take up to a minute. Several lights may flash during this process.
7
Connect your wireless router to your modem and turn it on (if separate). If you have a separate router that isn't combined with your modem into a single wireless gateway, you'll need to plug it into a power source and connect it to your modem using an Ethernet cable. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable into the available port on the back of the modem, and the other end into your router's "INTERNET" or "WAN" port.
8
Follow your internet provider's instructions to connect. Once your modem and/or router is up and running, the remaining steps will vary depending on your internet provider and equipment. Many major providers now offer easy setup using mobile apps you can install on your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
- If no mobile app is available, you'll need to connect your computer to the router or modem with an Ethernet cable, and then follow your provider's instructions to configure your router through your web browser.
- During the setup process, you'll usually be able to create (or at least write down) your Wi-Fi access point name and password. To connect to Wi-Fi on your computer, phone, or tablet, you'll need to know which network and password to use.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Get Your Windows PC Online

1
Click the Network icon on the Windows taskbar. This icon changes depending on whether you're connected to the internet or not. When you're not connected to the internet, the icon will usually be a globe.^{[1]
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- If you don't see the network icon, click the up-arrow to the left of the icons near the clock and date on your desktop—it'll be in that overflow section.
2
Select a wireless network. If you're using Windows 10, click the name of the Wi-Fi network you want to join. If you're using Windows 11, click the right-arrow next to the Wi-Fi tile, and then choose a Wi-Fi network.
- If your PC doesn't have Wi-Fi support or you don't have a Wi-Fi router, you can connect your computer to your gateway with an ethernet cable. Just plug one end of an ethernet cable into the ethernet port on your computer, and the other end into any of the LAN or numbered ports on the router or modem. This is usually all you'll need to do to get online. If you're not able to browse the web, there's usually an easy fix.
3
Enter the Wi-Fi network password. If you're not sure of the Wi-Fi password, check the back of your wireless router or your documentation.
4
Click Next. As long as the password is correct, the network icon should change to a Wi-Fi symbol (several curved lines in a cone) to indicate that you're connected.
- If you're having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, we can help!

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Get Your Mac Online

1
Click the Wi-Fi network icon in the menu bar. You should see an icon that looks like three curved lines near the top-right corner of your Mac's screen, usually with an X or ! when not connected.^{[2]
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- If you don't see the icon, click the Apple menu, select System Preferences, choose Wi-Fi, and then click Show Wi-Fi status in menu bar.
- If you don't have a Wi-Fi router, you can connect your Mac to the internet with an ethernet cable. If your Mac doesn't have an ethernet port, you can use an ethernet to USB-C or Ethernet to Thunderbolt adapter. Once you connect the adapter to the Mac, connect an ethernet cable to the adapter, and plug the other end into one of your router or gateway's LAN or numbered ports. Your Mac should instantly detect the connection.^{[3]
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2
Click the network you want to join. If a password is required, you'll be asked to enter it now.
- If you don't see the Wi-Fi network you want to join, click Other Networks to show additional access points.^{[4]
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- If the network you want join is hidden, select Other Networks, click Other, and type the network name into the field. Then, click the Security menu to choose the security type and enter the password.
3
Enter the Wi-Fi password. If you're not sure of the Wi-Fi password, check the back of your wireless router or your documentation.
4
Click Join. You should now be able to browse the internet.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Get Your Android Online

1
Open your Android's Settings
. You can do so by tapping Settings in your app list or by swiping down from the top of the Home screen and tapping the gear icon.
- Because your Android doesn't have an ethernet port, you'll need to connect to wireless access point instead of using an ethernet cable.
2
Tap Network & internet or Connections. The option you see will vary by Android.
3
Tap Wi-Fi. If the "Wi-Fi" slider is not enabled, you can tap the slider to turn it on now.
4
Tap the network you want to connect to. You'll be asked to enter a password (if required).
5
Enter the password and tap Connect. If you're not sure of the Wi-Fi password, check the back of your wireless router or your documentation. Once you're connected, your Android will automatically connect to this network any time it's in range.^{[5]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Get Your iPhone or iPad Online

1
Open your iPhone's Settings
. This is the gear icon in your app list.
- Because your phone or tablet doesn't have an ethernet port, you'll need to connect to wireless access point instead of using an ethernet cable.
2
Tap Wi-Fi. It's near the top of the menu. If the Wi-Fi switch is not turned on, tap it to turn it on now.^{[6]
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3
Tap the Wi-Fi network you want to join. If required, you'll be prompted to enter a password.
4
Enter the password and tap Join. If you're not sure of the Wi-Fi password, check the back of your wireless router or your documentation. Once you're connected, you'll see the Wi-Fi icon at the top-left corner of your screen—it looks like a cone made of curved lines.

Expert Q&A

Question

What do you recommend doing when you set up your Internet for the first time?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

If you have a router, go into the settings and make the 2.4 and 5.0 ranges available so you can get a more reliable connection.
Question

How can I access the Internet on my iPad?

Community Answer

Go in your settings and click "connect to a wireless network" and choose one to connect to.
Question

How do I set up the internet with a wireless modem?

Community Answer

Connect the modem to the internet as usual, then use your computer's WiFi to connect to the wireless modem.