How to Connect an Ethernet Cable to a PC or Mac Computer

Daryneyan

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posted on 6 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Do you need to connect your Windows or Mac computer to the internet? If your device doesn't have Wi-Fi capabilities, you'll need to plug an Ethernet cable (also known as LAN or CAT5/6 cable) into your computer. This cable connects from your modem or router. This wikiHow will show you how to connect to your router using an Ethernet (wired) connection as well as how to set up your Ethernet settings in Windows and Mac.

Things You Should Know

Connect an Ethernet cable to the modem/router in the port labeled "LAN" or "Ethernet". Connect the other end into your computer.
On Windows, go to "Start" → "Settings" → "Network & Internet" → "Ethernet" → check for "Connected".
On Mac, click the Apple menu → "System Preferences" → "Network" → "Ethernet" → "Advanced" → "TCP/IP" → look for "Using DHCP".

Connecting to Your Modem or Router

Connect your modem to the internet cord. Connect the cable, DSL, or Fiber optic line from the wall to your modem.

Connect your modem to the router. If you are using a separate wireless router, use an Ethernet cable to connect from the modem to the internet port on your router. The internet port may be labeled "Internet", "WAN", "UpLink", or "WLAN". A lot of modern modems act as a wireless router. If you are not using an external wireless router, go ahead and skip this step.

Check to make sure your modem/router is online. Check the lights on the front of the modem/router. The lights labeled "Power", "Internet/Online" and "US/DS" light should be solid. If they are blinking, your modem/router is not connected to the internet. You may need to contact your service provider for assistance or reset your network.

Connect an Ethernet cable to the modem/router. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the port on the modem/router that is labeled "LAN". This may also look like Ethernet followed by numbers.

Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your computer. You computer should have an Ethernet port on it. On laptops, it's usually located on the left side or right side of the keyboard. On towers and all-in-one monitors, the Ethernet port is usually located on the back of the device.

Verifying Connection (Windows)

Click the Windows Start Windows Start menu. It's the icon with the windows logo in the lower-left corner in the task bar.

Click the Settings Windows Settings icon. It's icon that resembles a gear, in the left column.

Click the "Network & Internet" icon. It's the icon that resembles a globe.

Click Ethernet. It's in the column to the left. It should say "Connected" next to the Ethernet icon at the top of the page. If it says "Not connected", try a different LAN port on your router or a different Ethernet cable. If that doesn't work, diagnose the issue and contact your service provider for assistance.

Verifying Connection (Mac)

Click Mac Apple. It's in the apple icon in the upper-left corner in the menu bar at the top of your screen. This opens the Apple menu on your computer.

Click System Settings. On Monterey and earlier, this will be System Preferences.

Click Network. This will be on the sidebar; you may need to scroll down. On Monterey and earlier, this is the icon that resembles a sphere with white lines arcing all over it.

Click Ethernet. It's in the box to the left. If your computer is connected to the internet, it should say "Connected" and have a green dot next to it. If it doesn't, your Ethernet is not connected. Try a different LAN port on your Modem or a different Ethernet cable

Click Advanced. It's in the lower-right corner of the window.

Click TCP/IP. It's the second tap at the top of the Advanced Window.

Verify "Configure IPv4 says "Using DHCP". It's just below the tabs at the top. If it doesn't say "Using DHCP" select "Using DHCP" from the drop-down menu.