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Connect an Ethernet cable from a LAN/Ethernet port on your router to your computer, confirm that the computer reports a wired connection, and then turn off Wi-Fi if you want to use Ethernet only. If your computer has no Ethernet port, use a compatible adapter for an available USB or Thunderbolt port.
What you need before connecting
- A powered router, modem/router, switch, or wall jack with an available Ethernet connection.
- An Ethernet cable long enough to reach the computer.
- An Ethernet port on the computer, or a compatible USB-to-Ethernet adapter. For Macs without Ethernet, Apple also documents Thunderbolt-to-Gigabit Ethernet adapters.
Choose an adapter that matches a port available on your computer; check compatibility for your specific computer before buying one. Microsoft and Apple document these connection options, but their setup guidance does not establish a particular cable category, adapter model, speed, or performance gain.
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Connect the computer to the router
- Find an available LAN or Ethernet port on the router. Plug the cable into that port—not the router’s Internet or WAN port, which is used for the modem connection.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the computer’s Ethernet port. If the computer lacks one, connect a compatible USB-to-Ethernet adapter or, for a Mac, a supported Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter, then connect the cable to the adapter.
- Wait for the computer to recognize the wired network. Many Macs connect automatically after the cable is connected.
Apple says a Mac’s wired connection can also run through a modem, switch, or wall jack. For Windows setup and port guidance, see Microsoft’s Ethernet connection troubleshooting instructions; for Mac connections, see Apple’s instructions for connecting a Mac to the internet using Ethernet.
Confirm Ethernet is active
Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open Settings > Network & internet and check Ethernet. Microsoft says the status should show “Connected.” If it does not, leave Wi-Fi on while you troubleshoot so you retain a way to connect.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - UE306 is a USB 3.0 Type-A to RJ45 Ethernet adapter that adds a reliable wired network port to your laptop, tablet, or Ultrabook. It delivers fast and stable 10/100/1000 Mbps wired connections to your computer or tablet via a router or network switch, making it ideal for file transfers, HD video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing.
- 𝐔𝐒𝐁 𝟑.𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬- Powered via USB 3.0, this adapter provides high-speed Gigabit Ethernet without the need for external power(10/100/1000Mbps). Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1, it ensures reliable performance across a wide range of devices.
- 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡- Easily connect your Nintendo Switch to a wired network for faster downloads and a more stable online gaming experience compared to Wi-Fi.
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲- No driver required for Nintendo Switch, Windows 11/10/8.1/8, and Linux. Simply connect and enjoy instant wired internet access without complicated setup.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲- Supports Nintendo Switch, PCs, laptops, Ultrabooks, tablets, and other USB-powered web devices; works with network equipment including modems, routers, and switches.
Mac
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Network, then select the Ethernet service to check its status. If Ethernet is not listed or does not connect, check the cable, port, and adapter before changing network settings.
Turn off Wi-Fi after the wired connection works
Windows
Use the Wi-Fi controls in Windows network settings or Quick Settings to turn Wi-Fi off. Avoid using Airplane mode just to disable Wi-Fi: it turns off wireless communications and may disable other wireless features too. Microsoft documents network settings for changing TCP/IP settings in Windows.
Rank #2
- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
Mac
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi off. The Ethernet service remains the wired connection.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Keeping Wi-Fi enabled is also an option; the key check is that Ethernet reports connected before you rely on it as your only network path.
Rank #3
- [Expansion Ports] The USB C to Ethernet Adapter expands the device to three USB 3.0 ports and one Gigabit Ethernet port. Provides you more peripheral ports while maintaining a stable network connection, plug and play, no driver required.
- [Gigabit Network Port] ALL-LUCKY USB Ethernet Adapter transmission rate up to 1000Mbps, also compatible with 10/100Mbps bandwidth. It allows you to enjoy a smooth and stable network connection and avoid too much lag. (Note: To reach 1Gbps, please use CAT6 or above Ethernet cable connection)
- [Convertible Connector]This usb hub with ethernet not only has USB-A connector, but also can be converted to USB-C connector, so that you can easily convert the connector according to the device port, improve the convenience of use.
- [High-Speed Data Transfer] The usb to ethernet adapter adopts USB 3.0 transmission technology, supports up to 5Gbps transmission rate, and is compatible with USB 2.0(480Gbps),USB 1.0(12Mbps), easily transfer video, files and other data for you in seconds. (Note: Maximum output current is 900mA, does not support charging devices.)
- [Widely Compatible]The usb c ethernet adapter for iMac, MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, XPS and many other devices. Compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8, Mac OS, iPad OS, Chrome OS.（Note: Driver is required on Win 7） It can be used in office, school, library and other occasions, compact and portable, easy to carry around.
Keep IP and DNS settings on automatic unless your network administrator says otherwise
On Windows, use Automatic (DHCP) when the network supports it. DHCP lets the router or access point assign IP and DNS settings, so you do not need to guess values. On a Mac, use the configuration recommended by your internet provider or network administrator. If you were not given manual settings, ask them rather than entering arbitrary addresses. Apple’s Mac network settings guidance explains where to review the connection configuration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot a wired connection that will not connect
- Check the router socket. Make sure the cable is in a LAN/Ethernet port, not the Internet/WAN port.
- Reseat both ends. Unplug and reconnect the cable at the router and computer or adapter.
- Try another cable or port. If available, test with a different Ethernet cable or another LAN port.
- Check the computer’s status. In Windows, revisit Settings > Network & internet and check Ethernet. On a Mac, return to Apple menu > System Settings > Network and select Ethernet.
- Test another computer if possible. If another computer also cannot connect, the router, internet service, or adapter may be involved.
- Restart the modem and router if needed. This can establish a new connection to the internet provider, but temporarily disconnects devices using Wi-Fi.
For Windows 10 users, Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025; Microsoft says the operating system no longer receives free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes after that date. The Ethernet steps above also apply to Windows 11, though labels can vary by release.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fk9DHmdwL._SL160_.jpg)
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable BENFEI USB A/C to Ethernet adapter connects your computer or tablet to a router,modem or network switch for network connection. It adds a standard RJ45 port to your Ultrabook, notebook or Macbook Air for file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming.
- SUPERIOR STABILITY - Built-in advanced IC chip works as the bridge between RJ45 Ethernet cable and your USB A/C devices. The driver-free installation with native driver support in Chrome, Mac, and Windows OS; The USB A/C Ethernet adapter dongle supports important performance features including Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Full-Duplex (FDX) and Half-Duplex (HDX) Ethernet, Crossover Detection, Backpressure Routing, Auto-Correction (Auto MDIX).
- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - Supports full 10/100/1000Mbps gigabit ethernet performance over USB A/C's 5Gbps bus, faster and more reliable than most wireless connections. Link and Activity LEDs. USB powered, no external power required. Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1.✅ To reach 1Gbps, make sure to use CAT6 & up Ethernet cables.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The USB A/C-Ethernet adapter is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OSX 10.6/10.7/10.8/10.9/10.10/10.11/10.12, Linux kernel 3.x/2.6, Android and Chrome OS.Compatible with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab. Supports IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet).❌Do Not Support Windows RT. (NOT compatible with Nintendo Switch.)
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Rank #4
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 65 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Instant Internet: Connect to the internet instantly from virtually any USB-C 3.0 device, and enjoy stable connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
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- Premium Build: Features a sleek aluminum exterior and braided-nylon cable to complement the design of high-end devices.
- What You Get: PowerExpand USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, welcome guide, 18-month worry-free warranty, and friendly customer service.
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