How to Connect a Phone or Tablet to the Internet Using an Ethernet Cable

If your Wi-Fi is too slow and cellular data is erratic, there is an alternative. With an Ethernet cable, and the right adapter, you can connect your phone or tablet to an Ethernet port on your router for a fast and dependable connection. 

It may seem odd to connect a mobile device via Ethernet, 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 Ethernet cable, which can stretch up to 300 feet, though you may want to limit yourself to 50 feet to avoid tripping on the cable and other potential hiccups.

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 iPad models will need a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter, while older Android phones and tablets require a micro USB-to-Ethernet adapter. If you have an iPhone or older iPad, you’ll need 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.

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. The prices range from $15 to $20.

While some recognizable brands make these adapters, many of them are made by companies you might not recognize. It shouldn’t matter who you buy from, but your best bet is to read the 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.

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.

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. 

Alternatively, go to Settings > Network & internet (or Connections) and turn off the switch for Wi-Fi. Go to Mobile Network and turn off the switches for mobile data and roaming. You can also simply turn on the switch for 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. 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 the lights 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.

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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. 

Alternatively, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn off the switch. Go to Settings > Cellular and turn off the switch for 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.

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 the lights 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, some apps and services may not work properly because they expect a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

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