How to Make a Wired Internet Connection to Phone, Tablet, Laptop

Find out how to create a wired internet connection for your phone, tablet, and laptop. This is how we use our favorite devices and avoid EMFs!

How to set up wired internet

Are you looking to reduce your exposure to wireless technology while still staying connected? Keeping your family’s tech use safe and low-EMF is easier than you might think. Setting up wired internet connections for laptops, phones, and tablets is a simple switch that can make a big difference, without giving up the convenience of modern devices. Beyond how to make a wired internet connection, I’ll also share a few tips on how I practice EMF safety.

If you’re curious to learn more, I have another post where I share what we do to reduce EMF exposure at our home.

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How to make a wired internet connection for laptop, phone, tablet

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Using an Ethernet adapter to hardwire your smartphone, tablet, or laptop

I wanted to share some safe options for avoiding wireless technology, but still getting the most out of your favorite tech devices. Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are all around us (source). They come from things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular signals, and while they make our tech work, I limit our exposure to them as much as possible. Wired connections are one of the easiest ways to cut back on unnecessary EMF exposure.

You can still enjoy full internet access with a few adapters and a standard Ethernet cable. A wired connection lets you use your regular devices just like you usually would, but without all the wireless signals constantly around you. Most desktops already have a built-in Ethernet port, so all you really need is an Ethernet cable. Just plug one end into your router and the other into your computer.

Additional tips to cut down EMF exposure

Make sure the Bluetooth is turned off on your devices
Turn off the Wi-Fi
Flip your devices to airplane mode whenever possible
Keep all of your tech devices in one spot in your home
Avoid leaving your devices in your bedroom
Use SafeSleeve protective cases for laptops and tablets
Attach SmartDOT stickers to any device to neutralize energy fields

How to hardwire a smartphone, tablet, or laptop for internet access

If you’re ready to try this, here’s a breakdown of how I set up wired connections for my devices. Please keep in mind I use Apple devices, but you can do something similar with Android or any other phone or tablet. You’ll just need compatible adapters for your specific device.

What you need to switch to wired internet:

How to set it all up:

Start with your Ethernet cable. Plug one end into your router.
Connect it to your adapter. For laptops, use a USB-C or USB adapter with an Ethernet port. For phones or tablets, plug the Ethernet cable into a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
Add the camera adapter for iPhones/iPads that have a lighting port. Plug the USB end of the Ethernet adapter into Apple’s Lightning-to-USB camera adapter.
If you have a newer smartphone with a USB-C port, you can follow the same setup but with a USB-C to ethernet adapter, making sure it has its own power supply.
Plug in the power. Connect a charger to the power input on the camera adapter—this step is important for Apple devices to recognize the connection.
Plug it into your device. Then, once everything is connected, plug the Lightning end into your iPhone or iPad.
Turn on airplane mode. Switch your device to airplane mode and make sure Bluetooth is off.
You’re connected! You can now access the internet, browse, shop online, check emails, and use apps without Wi-Fi or cell data.

Creating a designated tech area to reduce EMF exposure at home

One thing that’s helped our family is keeping most of our technology in one area of the house. Nowadays, we’re so used to having devices at our fingertips all the time, but I’ve started to question how healthy that is. We keep our modem and router tucked into one corner of our home, along with our desktop computer. That’s where we also plug in our laptops using wired Ethernet adapters. When we want to use a device with a wired internet connection, we go to that space, connect, and do what we need to do.

Having that physical separation from our devices makes a big difference. It keeps screens from creeping into every room and helps us be more intentional about how and when we use them. It also reduces the amount of wireless technology floating around the house.

How do I share an Ethernet connection with a phone or tablet?

Plug your Ethernet cable into your router. Then, connect it to a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. After that, plug the adapter into a Lightning-to-USB camera adapter (for iPhones/iPads) or a USB-C hub (for newer devices). Make sure the adapter is also plugged into power. Then plug it into your phone or tablet. Put the device in airplane mode and turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Can you hardwire a tablet to the internet?

Yes, you’ll need an Ethernet cable, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, and a camera adapter (for iPads) or a USB-C hub (for tablets with USB-C). Plug everything in, connect your tablet, and make sure the adapter has power. Then, turn on airplane mode and turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

What it’s like to switch from Wi-Fi to wired internet

If you’re used to having wireless internet everywhere, switching to wired connections might feel like a big change at first, but adjusting doesn’t take long. Here’s what to expect once you know how to make a wired internet connection.

Ethernet is sometimes faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, especially in busy homes or thick-walled buildings. It can also be more secure! Data theft is real.
Keeping devices in one area of the house can help set healthy boundaries with screen time.
You might need longer Ethernet cables if you want to connect a device to the main tech area in your home. For example, if you want to use a laptop in the living room.
On iPads or MacBooks, iMessages can still come through. But you might be unable to send or receive messages on iPhones in airplane mode.
I love knowing my devices are not constantly sending and receiving wireless signals around my family.