Ethernet Port Too Small: How To Fix?

Even though internet connections developed into all these wireless technologies that bring ultra-high speeds and enhanced stability, cables still deliver more in terms of reliability.

Ethernet, or cabled internet connections might seem like a step behind for users who need to connect multiple devices at the same time. On the other hand, users who favour stability are achieving better results with Ethernet connections.

That is mainly because a cable is considerably less prone to suffer signal interferences than a wireless connection, at least when the cabling is properly set up.

Should your ethernet cable be in good condition, all you have to do is plug it into the ethernet end of your modem or router and the other end into the device you wish to connect to the internet.

Nevertheless, some users have been mentioning that the Ethernet ports on their devices are too small to fit the cable in. Upon facing that issue, they look for help in online forums and Q&A communities.

In those virtual spaces, they end up finding information that is not always helpful or even conflicting comments regarding the problem. Should you find yourself in that position, bear with us as we walk you through all the relevant information you need to handle the issue.

Not only that, but we also brought you a few fixes that might get the problem out of the way for good and allow you to enjoy an unhindered internet connection.

How Does An Ethernet Port Work?

Ethernet ports are jacks connected to the NIC, or Network Interface Controller, which is nothing more than another card in your computer. That card is responsible for delivering the internet connection and most of them have cable and wireless features.

Most devices such as modems and routers nowadays have connectors that are considered the ‘normal’ size, but laptops often come with a port that is smaller than the ones in other devices.

Should that be a concern to you when you attempt to set up your Ethernet connection, check the fixes below and get rid of this issue.

How To Fix Ethernet Port Too Small

1. Try Using Another Port

As mentioned before, most modems and routers have the so-called standard Ethernet port, which is called LAN and was elected by manufacturers for being the most common ones in the market.

Nevertheless, many of these devices have alternative ports, and some of them are smaller. These smaller ports are referred to as RJ45 types and they are usually the ones you might find on laptops and some other devices.

So, before you go looking for replacements for your Ethernet cable, adapters for your computer, or even these unreasonable flip job fixes that might ruin the port on your device, check if the modem and/or router doesn’t also have a RJ45 port.

That might solve the problem and get your standard-issue laptop Ethernet cable connected to the modem or router and your connection up and running without further trouble.

2. Make Sure The Port Is Not Covered By The Door

Surely this fix seems too plain to be actually solving any issues, but that happens more than we would like to admit. Many laptops have a door that keeps the Ethernet port safe from dust, corrosion, or any other sort of harm the component might suffer.

Especially the smaller ones, the RJ45 Ethernet ports, have this safety door, so make sure that is not in the way of your cable.

Should you notice your laptop has a door in front of the Ethernet port, simply open it and slide the cable in until it clicks. Once the Ethernet cable clicks, you can be assured the connection is properly established.

Sometimes, the door is even covering a LAN sized Ethernet port, which means you won’t need a replacement or anything else to connect your device to the modem or router.

3. Make Sure The Clip Is Not In The Way

As many devices have a door to secure the conditions of the Ethernet port, as mentioned above, some others have a different shape than most LAN cables. That is because manufacturers often lean toward design over usability.

This means the port in your laptop might not have the exact same size as the connector or simply that there is no room for the clip. The clip is the part of the connector that clicks when the cable is properly inserted.

It works as a safety measure that prevents the connector from slipping out of the door and thus, ensures the connection between the devices is not broken.

Most of the time, a simple twitch on the connector might do the trick and get the clip inserted as well, and for that, most people use their fingernails to pull the clip closer to the connector.

While that might be enough for most users, some still face great difficulty when attempting to set up an Ethernet connection on their laptops.

Even though it is not highly recommended to meddle with the clip, some users even opt for removing it.

Since that can damage the connector and prevent the connection from being established, apart from the constant risk of the connector slipping out of the port, we strongly recommend you refrain from attempting that one.

In the event the angling of the clip does not work, you might want to consider getting a replacement, rather than attempting to remove the clip.

4. Try Using An Ethernet Adapter

Should you attempt to find alternative ports on your modem or router and end up not finding any that solves your smaller cable issue, you might want to use an adapter.

That should be a safer choice than meddling with the connector clip or trying to angle it as with those there is always the chance the cable slips off due to a faulty connection.

Moreover, adapters are small and practical, apart from coming in different shapes. So, besides being easy to carry in your pocket, there will definitely be one that suits your preferred option for Ethernet connection.

There are Ethernet adapters with all kinds of shapes, and the most common ones are USB-C or USB-A, which are also the most common ones in laptops. Should you opt for one of these, simply make sure to use either a Cat-5e or Cat-6 Ethernet patch cable to ensure the best possible quality of signal transfer.

Any of those should deliver the high-end Gigabit speed and they will save you the trouble of getting Ethernet cards.

Some other adapters are shaped like USB 3.0 or even USB 3.1 ports, which might aid you should you not have any of the two types of ports mentioned in the last paragraph. These should also deliver high speeds, apart from the extra stability Ethernet connections have in comparison with wireless networks.

Lastly, almost all adapters in stores today have a plug-and-play design, which means all it takes to make them work is a simple connection. Plug them in and let your computer system work the required protocols for activation, then enjoy the Ethernet connection.

5. Try Replacing The Ethernet Port

Should you attempt all the fixes on this list and still experience issues when attempting to perform an Ethernet connection, then you might want to consider replacing the port on your computer. That is, of course, more expensive and time-consuming than the other fixes, but it will surely get you connected again.

So, if you opt for the port replacement, make your way to an authorised shop and ask them to perform the service. Most of the times it does not take long, as the replacement job is fairly easy.

However, we strongly recommend you bring your computer to a professional rather than attempting to perform the replacement yourself.

With all the precision tools required for the job, and the possibility of you buying a connector that is not of the best quality, the risk might be too high. Therefore, the best idea is to let someone who is used to doing this kind of job perform it.

On a final note, should you come across other ways to deal with the Ethernet port size issue, make sure to let us know. Leave a message in the comments section telling us the steps you covered and help your fellow readers out.

Besides, with every input, we are making our community stronger and reaching more people in need of help.