How to Switch from Ethernet to Wi-Fi

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to convert an Ethernet connection to Wi-Fi, either by disconnecting the Ethernet cable or adjusting the priority of network adapters in the Control Panel (on Windows 10) or System Preferences (on macOS), if you want to continue using Wi-Fi while keeping your Ethernet cable plugged in.

Ensure you have access to a Wi-Fi network. You need a Wi-Fi connection to stay online. You can either set up your own Wi-Fi hotspot by following the guide to set up a wireless network (Wi-Fi), or you can use a public hotspot (like Wi-Fi at a coffee shop).

Connect the Ethernet cable. When you're stationary, like at your desk, an Ethernet connection is typically more stable than a wireless one.

Unplug the Ethernet cable. Without an Ethernet connection, your computer will immediately begin searching for available Wi-Fi networks. If you've already connected to a Wi-Fi network, the transition will occur automatically.

• If you haven’t connected to Wi-Fi before, open the list of available networks (click on the network or Wi-Fi icon in the system tray at the top or bottom of the screen), select the network name, and enter the password (if required).

Nhấp vào Change adapter options (Thay đổi tùy chọn bộ chuyển đổi). Đây là lựa chọn bên dưới tiêu đề "Change your network settings" (Thay đổi cài đặt mạng).

• Nếu không thấy lựa chọn này, bạn cần nhấp vào Status (Trạng thái) trong trình đơn bên trái cửa sổ.

Nhấp phải vào bộ chuyển đổi mà bạn muốn ưu tiên. Trong trường hợp này, bạn cần nhấp phải vào bộ chuyển đổi Wi-Fi.

Nhấp vào Properties (Thuộc tính). Bạn sẽ thấy lựa chọn này ở bên dưới trình đơn.

• Màn hình liền xuất hiện cửa sổ mới.

Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). This option can be found in the list below "This connection uses the following items:" (The following items are used by this connection).

• The selected option will be highlighted in blue.

Click on Properties (Properties). This option appears just below the "Internet Protocol Version 4" option in the middle of the window.

• A new window will appear immediately.

Click on Advanced (Advanced). This option is located just below the right-side window.

• The "Advanced TCP/IP Settings" window will then appear.

Uncheck the box next to "Automatic Metric". The Automatic Metric option will automatically assign the priority order for network adapters.

• The input field below will change from unavailable (light gray) to available (dark gray).

Enter a number in the "Interface Metric" field. The lower the number, the higher the priority. For example, setting the Wi-Fi Interface Metric to 1 will make Wi-Fi your default connection, no matter which network you are connected to.

Click on OK. The "Advanced TCP/IP Settings" window will now close.

Click on OK. The "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" window will close immediately.

Click on OK. The "Wi-Fi Properties" window will also close.

• If you set the Wi-Fi network adapter to 1, the computer will automatically connect to Wi-Fi instead of using the Ethernet cable currently attached to the device.

Click on the Network option (Network). This option is located next to the globe with dashed lines.

Click on the Set Service Order option (Set Service Order). You'll find this option in the second group of the visible menu.

Drag and drop Wi-Fi to the top of the list. If you'd like to connect to Wi-Fi even when your device is connected to an Ethernet cable, ensure Wi-Fi is placed above the Ethernet connection.

Click on the OK button. You’ll see the blue button located at the bottom right corner of the window.

Click on the Apply option (Apply). When you're ready to apply the changes, you can click "Apply".