Just like your phone, the internet is a great way to keep in touch with your loved ones. These simple step-by-step guides will show how easy it is to make video calls, send and receive emails, use Facebook, browse the web and more.
You should already have everything you need to connect your home internet. A Telstra modem will have been set up in your home with your previous plan. Connecting won’t require extra cords – it can be done wirelessly (called Wi-Fi). All you’ll need is your desktop or laptop computer, mobile phone, or tablet.
Check the fridge magnet that came with the Telstra modem as it shows your Wi-Fi network’s name and dedicated password. If you didn’t keep your fridge magnet, there will be a sticker on the modem itself. Check all sides of the modem, including under the base.
If you’re using a laptop or desktop computer, find your Wi-Fi or internet icon button. This will appear to the right in the bar along the top of the screen on an Apple computer, or the base of the screen on Windows. Click to open a menu of options, then select ‘Turn Wi-Fi on’, or similar.
If you’re using a mobile phone or tablet:
On iPhone or iPad, select the ‘Settings’ icon on your home screen, then the option ‘Wi-Fi’. When ‘Wi-Fi’ appears near the top, click the switch button to turn on.
On an Android device, find and open ‘Settings’ among your apps, then select ‘Connections’. ‘Wi-Fi’ will appear near the top with a switch button. Click this button to turn your Wi-Fi on.
Your device should automatically open a list of available networks. When your Wi-Fi network’s name appears on this list, select it.
When your Wi-Fi network’s name appears on the list, select it and enter the password from your fridge magnet or the sticker on your modem.
Browsing the internet is a great way to stay up to date with the latest news, weather updates, and anything else you might want to find out. Your computer, mobile phone or tablet should already have an internet browsing program set up. When you open this, it will default to a search engine where you can type anything you might want to catch up on.
To start browsing on a desktop or laptop computer:
Email isn't just a great way to keep in touch with people as we spend more time at home, an email address also lets you set up other applications as you become more familiar with using the internet.
To set up your own email address:
To create a Gmail email account, visit Gmail.com then select the 'Create an account' button and follow the instructions.
To create a Hotmail email account, visit Hotmail.com then select the 'Create free account' button and follow the instructions.
Apps – or ‘applications’ – are programs which allow you to connect with others and use the internet in the common ways mentioned in this guide. From social media to video calls, there’s a range of apps you might find useful.
To use apps on a laptop or desktop computer, follow these steps:
View your photos on the Photos app on your Apple device or the Gallery app on your Samsung device.
Watching videos online with the YouTube app on your phone.
Check local weather on the Apple Weather app.
Save appointments, birthdays, etc onto the Calendar app on your Apple or Samsung device.
Open your browser and search for any game you like - you can play cards, do crosswords, test your trivia knowledge and much more. You can also download a Games app from the App Store or Google Play.
Internet access gives you a whole new range of entertainment options including the major streaming apps like Netflix, Stan and Binge.
For your favourite movies and TV shows, follow these steps:
Find 'Sign up' or similar and follow the prompts to set up an account. Many streaming services have their own app, which you can download for easier access once you’re set up. You'll find instructions in section above.
The internet is a safe place to explore and enjoy, provided you know how to make safe decisions.
Here’s a simple way to think of making safe choices online: if you wouldn’t do something in your everyday life, avoid doing it on the internet.
If a stranger asks for personal information, like bank account or credit card details, ask yourself if you would give it to them if you weren’t online. Check things come from a reliable source, and if in any doubt, always choose what you feel is the safest option.
For some activities, you’ll be asked to set up a ‘Username’ and password to be allowed to use them. Creating a password that’s hard to guess helps keep your information safe.
To create a secure password:
To learn more about safe internet use, see our page on cyber safety.
We can answer your Starter Internet plan questions.
Find your nearest Telstra Store or Wi-Fi hotspot.
Find the answers on our broadband support pages.
Email, apps and social media
Once you’ve set up an email address, you’ll be able to access a range of other important internet services. You can:
Some apps, like Skype, can be downloaded to make using them easier. Simply use your browser to search, then follow the instructions under 'Sign up'. Or ask a friend or family member for help.