How to Change from Ethernet to WiFi

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Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: September 14, 2024

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• Switch from Ethernet to Wi-Fi
|
• Changing Priority Order in Windows 10
|
• Changing Priority Order in Mac
|
• Video

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This wikiHow will teach you how to switch from an Ethernet connection to a Wi-Fi connection by unplugging your Ethernet cable or changing the priority order for network adapters in Control Panel (Windows 10) or System Preferences (macOS) if you want to continue with an Ethernet cable plugged in but want to use Wi-Fi instead.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Switch from Ethernet to Wi-Fi

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1. 1
   Make sure you have a Wi-Fi network set up. In order to connect to a Wi-Fi network, you need to have access to one. You can either create your own with the help of How to Set up a Wireless Network (WiFi) Connection or use one that's available to you (like the free Wi-Fi at Starbucks).
2. 2
   Connect to the Wi-Fi network (without your Ethernet plugged in). If you want to make the switch from your Ethernet cord to Wi-Fi a little more seamless, then connecting to your Wi-Fi network at least once will make the process for your computer automatic when the Ethernet cable is removed (your network will become a network that your computer can remember and connect to again without you needing to turn on your Wi-Fi, click your network name from the list of available networks, then enter the network password).

   • Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. You can do this by clicking the network icon
     
     or
     
     in the system tray along the bottom or top of your screen.
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3. 3
   Plug in the Ethernet cable. When you're stationary, for example, at your desk, an Ethernet connection tends to be more reliable than a wireless connection.
4. 4
   Unplug the Ethernet cable. With the Ethernet connection unavailable, your computer's Wi-Fi should begin scanning for available networks. If you've already connected to the local Wi-Fi, you shouldn't have to do anything as the connection should be automatic.

   • If you haven't previously connected to the Wi-Fi network, you'll need to open a list of all the available networks (click the network or Wi-Fi icons in your system trays either at the top or bottom of your screen), click your network, and enter your password (if your network has one).
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing Priority Order in Windows 10

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1. 1
   Open Settings. Click the Start Menu icon

   

   and click the Settings icon

   

   .

   • If you don't have system administrative permissions, you will not be able to continue with this method.
2. 2
   Click Network & Internet. You'll see this next to the network icon

   

   .
3. 3
   Click Change adapter options. You'll see this under the "Change your network settings" header.

   • If you don't see this option, you might need to click Status from the menu on the left side of the window.
4. 4
   Right-click the adapter you want to prioritize. In this instance, you want to right-click the Wi-Fi adapter.
5. 5
   Click Properties. You'll see this at the bottom of the menu.

   • A new window will pop-up.
6. 6
   Click to select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). You'll see this in the list below "This connection uses the following items:"

   • The row will highlight blue to indicate that it is selected.
7. 7
   Click Properties. You'll see this under the box inside which you selected "Internet Protocol Version 4" in the middle of the window.

   • Another window will pop-up.
8. 8
   Click Advanced. You'll see this at the bottom of the window on the right side.

   • An "Advanced TCP/IP Settings" window will pop-up.
9. 9
   Click to uncheck the box next to "Automatic Metric." The automatic metric box will automatically assign this network adapter's priorities.

   • The text field underneath switches from inactive (greyed out) to active (dark grey).
10. 10
    Enter a number in the "Interface Metric" field. The lower the number, the higher the priority. For example, if you set your Wi-Fi interface metric to 1, your Wi-Fi will be the default internet connection no matter what you have connected.
11. 11
    Click OK. The "Advanced TCP/IP Settings" window will close.
12. 12
    Click OK. The "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" window will close.
13. 13
    Click OK. The "Wi-Fi Properties" window will close.

    • If you set the Wi-Fi network adapter to 1, your computer will automatically use Wi-Fi instead of a plugged-in Ethernet cord to connect to the internet.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Changing Priority Order in Mac

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1. 1
   Open System Preferences. You'll find this by clicking on the Apple logo (

   

   ) in the top left corner of your screen and then clicking "System Preferences."
2. 2
   Click Network. You'll find this next to a globe with lines on it.
3. 3
   Click the cog

   

   . You'll see this at the bottom of the pane on the left side of the window.
4. 4
   Click Set Service Order. You'll see this in the second grouping of the drop-down menu.

   • A new window will pop up that shows you every network connection type available to you, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
5. 5
   Drag and drop Wi-Fi to the top of the list. If you want to connect to Wi-Fi even if you have an Ethernet cable plugged in, make sure Wi-Fi is higher on that list than Ethernet.
6. 6
   Click OK. You'll see this blue button in the bottom right corner of the window.
7. 7
   Click Apply. When you're ready to apply the changes, you can click "Apply."
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