How to set up new home internet
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Find the right internet service provider
Before you can hook up your internet modem and get internet at home, you must sign up with a provider. The first step is to find the internet service providers (ISPs) that offer service at your address. Enter your address on this page to discover internet offers in your area.
After you find the available providers at your locations, you can research more about the options available. Consider speed and your budget when shopping for your best option. The internet speed you need will depend on what you do online and how many devices you connect. Learn more about good internet speeds so you only pay for what you need.
If you need help researching your options, we’ve done the work for you. Check out these guides to learn more about what internet provider to choose:
- Best internet providers 2025
- Best fiber internet providers
- Best cable internet providers
- Best 5G internet providers
- Best cheap internet providers
- Fastest internet providers
When you’ve settled on the provider you want to go with, contact the provider via phone or online to confirm that service is available at your address and ask about current deals and packages. You will get an install date when you sign up for the service. Most providers will mail you the equipment or have a local technician drop it off at your home.
Installing your internet equipment
Once your equipment is at your home, you can start the internet setup. The equipment you receive from your provider will be either an all-in-one gateway, a combination modem and router, or separate modem and router units. Some providers, like Spectrum, only provide the modem, and you provide the router, although this is rarer. Other providers, like AT&T and Verizon Fios, do not charge extra for equipment.
If your provider has a monthly fee for the modem and router, like Xfinity and CenturyLink, you may be able to opt out of payments by supplying your own equipment. If you choose to do so, make sure you get equipment that adheres to the specifications of your internet connection; otherwise, it may not work. Another caveat of using your own modem and router is that your ISP may not provide technical support on third-party equipment.
Internet installation can be slightly different for various types of internet connections. Your equipment should come with instructions, and many providers also use a proprietary app to walk you through the process and set up your Wi-Fi password.
Installation for different internet technology types
- 5G is typically the simplest internet setup, as it is essentially plug-and-play. You only need to plug in the gateway to an electrical outlet.
- Cable, fiber and DSL internet installation can be similar, especially if your home has previously had cable or fiber services installed. You plug your modem into the ethernet outlet on your wall and plug your router into the modem. Both devices will have a separate cord to plug into an electrical outlet. The router broadcasts the Wi-Fi signal throughout the home. If you have a gateway, you just need to plug that into the ethernet port.
- Satellite has essentially the same interior process as cable and fiber. For satellite internet, you must first ensure that your satellite is installed correctly on your property. Satellite installation is usually done by a professional installer.
How to set up Wi-Fi at home
Here’s how to start your internet hook-up.
1. Install your internet modem
Find the best location for your gateway. The optimal spot can vary depending on the type of internet connection. If you are using cable or fiber, you will want to find a location in your home that is central in relation to your connected devices. For fixed wireless or 5G internet, you will need your gateway plugged in near a wall. DSL internet will benefit from a central location but must also be near a phone jack.
Connect your gateway. Again, specific steps can vary based on your internet provider and type of equipment. For a cable gateway (combination modem and router), connect the coaxial cable (the cord you screw in) and the ethernet cable (this looks like a larger version of a phone jack) to the device and the coordinating wall outlets. Then, plug the gateway into an electrical outlet.
For a fiber gateway, connect the included cable to your device’s ONT (Optical Network Terminal) port and into the coordinating outlet on the fiber service box. The fiber service box is usually mounted on the wall or in a closet. Setting up internet in a new home or one that has never had fiber internet before may require professional installation.
2. Install your router and connect to your Wi-Fi
If you have a gateway device, then your router and modem are one combined unit, and you can skip this step. Without a router, your internet will still work for hardwired devices plugged directly into the modem with an ethernet cable. However, the router provides a Wi-Fi signal for wireless devices like cell phones and tablets. For separate routers, follow these instructions:
Connect your router to your modem. After you connect and turn on your modem, you can set up your router by connecting an ethernet cord to your modem and into the router. You should hear or feel a snap when connecting these cables. The ports for the ethernet cable should appear the same on both devices. The correct port may be labeled “WAN” (for Wide Area Network) on the router. Finally, plug your router into an electrical outlet.
Set up your network name and password. Many ISPs have a free app that assists with Wi-Fi setup. Download the coordinating app to your cell phone if you haven’t already done so. Log in with your account information, and the program will automatically assist you with naming your network and setting up a Wi-Fi password to keep your network secure.
On your router label, SSID is your wireless network’s default name until you change it, and the “Key” or “Passphrase” is the default password to log in to your Wi-Fi network. You do not necessarily need to change the default settings, but it is recommended to update the password occasionally to keep your network as secure as possible.
3. Test the Wi-Fi connection
The final step in setting up your internet is to test the Wi-Fi to ensure it is working by connecting a device. Follow these steps to connect to your Wi-Fi from an iPhone or laptop.
- Connect to Wi-Fi from an iPhone: Go to Settings>Wi-Fi. Select your network name, enter the password and hit “Join.”
- Connect to Wi-Fi from a laptop: Go to Settings>Network & internet>Wi-Fi. Select your network name and enter the password.
Once you are connected to your Wi-Fi network, ensure that you can navigate to a webpage. If you are having trouble connecting at this point, double-check that the modem and router are plugged in and the lights are green (on some devices, the lights will be white). If no lights are on or you see red lights, there could be a connection issue.
How to set up Wi-Fi without an ISP app
Using the ISP app to set up your Wi-Fi is the easiest way to connect and test your wireless network. If you don’t want to download the app or don’t have a compatible cell phone, you can also set up your Wi-Fi using a computer. Here’s how to set up internet without an ISP:
Start your web browser. In the address bar, enter the IP address found on the label on your router. You’ll be taken to a page where you enter your network name and password. Alternatively, your router label may provide a router login website with a username and password instead of an IP address.
What to do if you don’t have an internet connection
If you’re experiencing connection issues after you’ve connected your equipment and set up the Wi-Fi, here are some troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure all cables are connected and necessary devices are plugged into electrical outlets.
- Try restarting the modem and router by unplugging them. Wait about 60 seconds, then plug everything back in.
- Double-check that you are connected to the correct wireless network and have entered your password correctly on your wireless device.
- Try connecting with a hardwired device, like a computer connected to the modem with an Ethernet cable. If your internet works when you hardwire a device, then you know that only your Wi-Fi is not working.
- Try connecting to your Wi-Fi with a different wireless device to ensure your device is not the problem.
- If your internet is not working at all, you may need to contact your ISP or check if there is an outage in your area. If you consistently have trouble connecting to your home internet or maintaining a reliable Wi-Fi connection, you may consider switching providers. Enter your address on this page to find high-speed internet deals in your area.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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