Are you hoping to use your phone or tablet to search the web or watch a video? If your Wi-Fi is too slow and cellular data erratic, there’s an alternative: Ethernet. With an Ethernet cable, and the right adapter, you can connect your device to a port on your router for a fast and dependable connection.
Connecting a mobile device via Ethernet may seem odd, especially since Wi-Fi is built-in and easily available, but there are times when it makes sense. Your home network could be weak but your Ethernet connection is strong. You could be staying at a hotel with Ethernet port access and unreliable (or expensive) Wi-Fi. Or you might need a better connection for online mobile gaming.
The main limitation is that you’re tethered to the Ethernet port on your router, so you can’t go too far with your device. You can increase the range with a longer cable, which can stretch up to 300 feet, though you may want to limit yourself to 50 feet to avoid tripping, tangling, and other potential hiccups. Here’s how to get this going.
Buy the Right Adapter
First, you’ll need to pick up the right adapter for your particular phone or tablet. Most Android devices and newer iPhone and iPad models will need a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter, while older Android devices require a micro USB-to-Ethernet adapter. For older Apple devices, you’ll have to get a Lightning-to-Ethernet adapter.
USB-C to Ethernet adapters are the more ubiquitous of the three, so you can find them at physical retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Target, as well as online on Amazon and Newegg. Most of these adapters range in price from $10 to $20.
Anker USB-C-to-Ethernet Adapter (Credit: Anker) (Credit: Anker)
Micro-USB-to-Ethernet adapters are also accessible through online retailers such as Amazon and Newegg with prices ranging from around $8 to $20. Lightning-to-Ethernet adapters are less prominent, so you may have a harder time finding one. For these, Amazon may be the best option with prices ranging from $15 to $20.
While some recognizable brands make these adapters, many of them are produced by companies you might not recognize. Though it shouldn’t matter where you buy the adapter, be sure to read the online reviews to see what other customers have to say. Not all adapters are compatible with every device, so do some research before you make a purchase.
Plugable micro USB-to-Ethernet adapter (Credit: Plugable) (Credit: Plugable)
Get an Ethernet Cable
If you don’t already have an Ethernet cable, you can easily find one online or at physical retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart. Ethernet cables are graded by cable category, with higher numbers offering more bandwidth.
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Cat 7 Ethernet Cable (Credit DanYee) (Credit DanYee)
Prices vary depending on the length and quality of the cable, so you don’t have to spend a lot here, but don’t skimp either. Amazon sells a basic cable for cheap, but if you want something longer or tougher, there are nylon cables at differing price points.
Connect an Android Device
Your Android device must be running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher and be disconnected from Wi-Fi and cellular service to connect via Ethernet. Both can be turned on and off by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping their respective icons.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)
Alternatively, go to Settings > Network & internet (or Connections) and turn off the Wi-Fi switch. Go to Mobile Network and turn off the switches for mobile data and roaming. You can also simply turn on Airplane mode, which automatically disables Wi-Fi and cellular connections for your device. Now open your browser and make sure it can’t access the internet. Your device may even display a notice saying that it can’t connect.
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(Credit: PCMag / Google)
Plug one end of the Ethernet cable in to your router. You can then connect the Ethernet adapter to the cable and then connect the adapter to your phone or tablet. If the adapter has display lights, you should see them flash to indicate a connection. Refresh the current page on your browser, and it should appear. You can now browse the web, use email and messaging, open apps, and run other tasks that require an internet connection.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)
Connect an iPhone or iPad
The process for using your iPhone or iPad is similar to that on Android, which means you’ll need to turn off Wi-Fi and cellular access. Swipe down from the top right of the screen to display the Control Center. Tap the Wi-Fi and Cellular icons to turn off these services.
(Credit: PCMag / Apple)
Alternatively, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn off the switch. Go to Settings > Cellular and turn off Cellular Data. To save time, you can also turn on Airplane mode from Control Center or Settings. Now if you load a website in your browser—preferably one you don’t use often so a cached version of the site doesn’t pop up—you should get a notice that there’s no internet connection.
(Credit: PCMag / Apple)
Connect the Ethernet cable to your router, then connect the Ethernet adapter to the Ethernet cable. Finally, connect the adapter to your phone or tablet. If the adapter has display lights, you should see them flash to indicate a connection. Refresh the current page on your browser, and it should now load.
Note that you should be able to enjoy normal internet service through an Ethernet connection. But some apps and services may not work properly because they expect a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. You’ll have to try different websites and programs to see which ones work over Ethernet and with a faster and more reliable connection that you may get with weak Wi-Fi or spotty cellular service.
(Credit: PCMag / Apple)
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