How to Connect reMarkable to Ethernet: A Complete Guide

The reMarkable tablet is a popular device known for its impressive digital writing experience, providing users with the feel of writing on paper, alongside a suite of features for annotating, organizing, and managing documents. While the reMarkable tablet is designed to be primarily used with Wi-Fi, there may be instances where you need a more stable, wired connection for activities such as downloading large files, syncing documents, or troubleshooting connectivity issues.

Unfortunately, the reMarkable tablet does not come with an Ethernet port, so directly connecting it to a wired network isn’t as simple as plugging in an Ethernet cable. However, there are workarounds that you can use to get your reMarkable connected to Ethernet through the following methods.

Method 1: Using an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi Bridge

One of the easiest ways to connect your reMarkable to an Ethernet network is by using a Wi-Fi bridge or Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi adapter. This device acts as a middleman between your Ethernet network and the reMarkable tablet, providing a Wi-Fi signal that your reMarkable can connect to.

Steps:

1. Purchase an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi Bridge:
   • These devices are widely available online or in electronics stores. Some popular options include the TP-Link TL-WR802N, Netgear N300 Wi-Fi Extender, or any device labeled as an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi adapter or Wi-Fi bridge.
2. Set Up the Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi Bridge:
   • Plug the Ethernet cable from your router or network switch into the Ethernet port of the bridge device.
   • Power on the device and follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions. Usually, this involves connecting the bridge to your computer or mobile device to configure it via a web browser or app.
   • Set up the bridge to connect to your existing Wi-Fi network. The bridge will convert the wired Ethernet signal into a wireless network that your reMarkable tablet can connect to.
3. Connect the reMarkable Tablet to the New Wi-Fi Network:
   • On your reMarkable tablet, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and search for the newly created Wi-Fi network from the bridge.
   • Select the network and enter the password (if required).
   • Once connected, your reMarkable tablet will be able to use the Ethernet connection through the bridge.

Advantages:

• Simple to set up.
• Does not require advanced technical knowledge.
• Portable and can be used with other devices.

Disadvantages:

• Additional device required.
• Slight delay in connection due to the conversion process from Ethernet to Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Using a USB Ethernet Adapter (For Developer or Advanced Users)

If you are comfortable with advanced settings and using the developer tools on the reMarkable tablet, you can connect it to Ethernet via a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. This method involves using the USB port on the reMarkable tablet and requires software modifications.

Steps:

1. Obtain a USB-to-Ethernet Adapter:
   • You’ll need a USB-C to Ethernet adapter compatible with the reMarkable tablet. Many adapters work for this purpose, but it’s recommended to select one that is known to work with Linux-based systems, since reMarkable uses a Linux-based OS.
2. Install Developer Tools:
   • Enable the developer mode on your reMarkable tablet by accessing the device’s settings. This can typically be done by entering the Settings > Device > Enable Developer Mode.
   • Once developer mode is activated, you can access the terminal on the reMarkable.
3. Connect the Adapter:
   • Plug the USB-to-Ethernet adapter into the reMarkable tablet’s USB-C port, and connect the Ethernet cable from your router or network switch to the adapter.
4. Configure the Network Settings:
   • Use the terminal in developer mode to configure the Ethernet connection. This involves using Linux commands to recognize the network interface and connect to the local network.
   • You may need to adjust the network settings manually to ensure the tablet uses the wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
5. Test the Connection:
   • Once the configuration is complete, test the connection by browsing or syncing documents on the reMarkable. If everything is set up correctly, the tablet will use Ethernet for network activities.

Advantages:

• Direct, wired Ethernet connection.
• More reliable and stable than Wi-Fi.

Disadvantages:

• Requires technical knowledge and the use of developer tools.
• Not a straightforward solution and may void your warranty if not done correctly.

Method 3: Use a Computer as an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi Bridge

Another option is to use your computer as a bridge between your wired Ethernet network and the reMarkable tablet.

Steps:

1. Connect your Computer to Ethernet:
   • Plug your computer into your router or switch using an Ethernet cable.
2. Enable Internet Sharing or Wi-Fi Hotspot:
   • On your computer, enable Internet sharing or create a Wi-Fi hotspot that uses the wired Ethernet connection. The specific steps for this will depend on your operating system:
     • Windows: Go to “Network & Internet Settings” and select “Mobile Hotspot” or enable “Internet Connection Sharing.”
     • macOS: Go to “System Preferences” > “Sharing” > “Internet Sharing,” and select the Ethernet connection as the source to share.
3. Connect reMarkable to the New Wi-Fi Network:
   • On your reMarkable tablet, search for the Wi-Fi network created by your computer and connect to it.

Advantages:

• Utilizes devices you already own (laptop or desktop).
• Does not require additional hardware.

Disadvantages:

• Not as reliable as a dedicated Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridge.
• Computer must remain on and connected to the network to maintain the connection.

Conclusion

While the reMarkable tablet does not have native Ethernet support, there are a few ways to connect it to an Ethernet network using workarounds. The most straightforward method is using an Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridge, which offers a plug-and-play solution for a wired connection. For more advanced users, leveraging a USB-to-Ethernet adapter or using a computer as a bridge can provide a more permanent solution. Regardless of your method, these workarounds can help ensure that your reMarkable tablet is connected to a more stable and reliable network, especially when handling large files or syncing documents.

Choose the method that best fits your technical comfort level and networking needs.