How to set up WiFi: A step-by-step guide (with Pictures)

You've moved into a new home and need to install Internet or need help fixing a wired connection?

We get instructions on how to set up WiFi for you here.

In this post, we'll cover how to connect WiFi at home via a wired or wireless network, and check and troubleshoot your Internet connection.

Also, you’ll know how to connect modem as well as get a detailed WiFi simple setup guide.

Let’s dive into the details!

A guide on how to get WiFi hookup

What do you need to set up WiFi?

First, it’s worth looking at what you need to get a WiFi hookup.

What to prepare to set up WiFi?

Broadband Internet connection and modem

A broadband connection provides high-speed Internet access, and cable and DSL are among the most popular types of broadband connectivity.

Getting a broadband WiFi setting is as simple as calling an ISP (ISP).

ISPs that offer cable are often cable TV businesses, whereas ISPs that offer DSL are telephone companies.

The majority of ISPs provide broadband modems.

Additionally, several ISPs sell wireless routers and combo modems.

These are also available online and at electronics or computer stores.

Broadband Internet connection

A wireless router

Of course, you need Wi Fi equipments like a wireless router.

Between your network for WiFi and the Internet, a router transfers information. 

You can avoid using wires to connect WiFi to computer by hooking up wireless router. 

Wireless network technologies come in various forms, including 802.11a, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11ax.

A wireless router

Wireless network adapter

Your PC connects to home wireless network using a wireless network adapter. 

Your desktop or portable PC needs a wireless network adapter to connect to your wireless network. 

Most laptops, tablets, and desktop PCs already have a wireless network adapter installed.

Follow these steps on configuring wireless network adapter in your PC:

Step 1: Choose “Start” => Search and select “Device Manager” in the search bar, and then select it

Step 2: Expand “Network adapters”

Step 3: Search for a network adapter with the word "wireless" in the name

Check the wireless network adapter on a PC

How to set up WiFi?

It's simpler than you would think to get an Internet hook up at your house or place of business. 

Let's go over how to set up WiFi at home.

Find an Internet service provider

Choosing an Internet service provider is the first step.

Take into account the following criteria before making a choice:

• Availability

Your options may quickly become more limited due to availability. 

While there may be several ISPs available in big cities, there may only be one or two in smaller towns and rural areas.

AT&T coverage map

See more: How much is car WiFi?

• Speed

When selecting an Internet plan, most people focus on speed.

However, it's a good idea to examine how much speed you actually need instead of selecting the most costly, quickest plan.

• Reliability

Frequently, reliability is just as crucial as speed. 

Fiber connections, for example, are intrinsically more dependable than other forms of connections. 

While satellite Internet can be interrupted by the weather, cable and DSL frequently give slower speeds than claimed in some circumstances.

• Price

Although the price appears to be quite simple, there are many details that can be missed.

Be sure to account for up-front expenditures, which can add up during a costly move and include installation and equipment fees.

Be aware of plans that have price increases and hidden costs as well.

• Customer service

We all want a problem to be solved as soon as possible, especially with less dependable connection types.

If you're thinking about DSL, for instance, be sure the ISP providing the plan is reputable for fixing issues fast and not allowing their network to deteriorate.

Some popular Internet providers

Get an Internet connection

Once you have everything and choose a suitable ISP, you must get an Internet connection at home. 

You may join up with several providers online or by calling a representative from customer service. 

One benefit of a new Internet connection at setup is that a technician may set up your entire home network for you.

Connect to the Internet

Set up your modem

Your home network cannot function without your modem since it converts the Internet signal your ISP sends to your residence.

If your ISP sends you home networking equipment, you might see two devices—a wireless router and a modem.

Alternatively, you may see a single wireless gateway that combines these two.

Then, it’s vital to know how to setup new modem.

Locate your primary Internet line and use that connecting modem to Internet.

Examine the status lights on your modem after plugging it in and connecting to the Internet provider to configure modem. 

Things may take some time to fully go online. 

To activate the modem, you might need to call your Internet provider (basically to ensure the network recognizes the modem).

You need to set up your modem

Set up and position the wireless router

Your home network is controlled by your wireless router so that you can connect to wireless Internet. 

It establishes your WiFi network, assigns IP addresses, manages traffic, and ensures that all of your data travels to the appropriate locations. 

To get the most out of your Internet service, you need to know how to setup router and ensure that your router complies with specific WiFi standards.

How to set up my router?

To get a WiFi router setup, follow our router hook up instructions:

Step 1: Turn on your wireless router by connecting it with an Ethernet connection to your modem.

Step 2: Watch for the status lights to indicate that it has successfully connected to the Internet and that its WiFi network is active.

Step 3: Locate the default IP address of your wireless router and log in.

Step 4: Set up your WiFi network's name (SSID) and password in your wireless router's user interface or app. 

Do this for each of your router's WiFi bands, which are typically 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Step 5: Set up additional features now if your wireless router has them, such as scheduling, guest networks, or user profiles. 

Set up the wireless router

After building a wireless router, position your wireless router where it will get the best signal strength and the least amount of interference. 

It’s also a method as to how to make WiFi faster.

Consider these tips for better outcomes:

• Put your wireless router centrally

• Place the wireless router off the ground, away from metal items and walls.

• Reduce interference

Placing the router is important

Test your Internet connection

It's time to test your Internet connection to home after your modem and router are operational.

Go to www.google.com or another search engine. 

Congratulations if the web page loads! 

You're connected to the Internet.

But wait...

Is your website still not loading?

Don't worry! 

There are still a few measures you can do to solve the issue.

Tips to solve no Internet connection

Connect your devices

How do I add a device to my WiFi?

Well, you should log on now. 

An ethernet connection or WiFi connection at home are your two choices for connecting your Internet-connected gadgets.

How to connect to WiFi

On almost any gadget, getting WiFi connection in home or connecting to a WiFi is simple.

Below are guidelines on how to join WiFi network step by step:

• iOS 14/iPadOS 14

Step 1: Select “Settings”

Step 2: Select “WiFi”

Step 3: Select the network’s name

Step 4: Enter the password

Connecting to WiFi on iPhone

• Android 

Step 1: On “Settings”, select “Network & Internet”

Step 2: Select “WiFi”

Step 3: Select the network’s name

Step 4: Enter the password

Connecting to WiFi on Android 11

• Windows

Step 1: Select the WiFi icon on the taskbar

Step 2: Select the network’s name shown on the pop-up menu

Step 3: Select the “Connect” button

Step 4: Enter the password

Step 5: Select the box next to the “Connect Automatically” if you need auto-connect

Connecting to WiFi on Windows

• macOS Big Sur

Step 1: Select the WiFi icon on the menu bar

Step 2: Select the network’s name shown on the drop-down menu

Step 3: Enter the password

Step 4: Select “Join” 

Connecting to WiFi on macOS Big Sur

How to connect via Ethernet

For your most crucial connections, such as a home computer or game console, wired connections are best.

To connect to home ethernet networking, plug one end of the cable into a LAN port on your router and the other into a corresponding port on the device.

You may use an adapter if your device lacks an Ethernet port.

Connect the Internet using an Ethernet cable

See more: Backhaul Internet