Use a chimney starter
Crumple newspaper or use paraffin fire starters under the chimney
Fill the chimney with charcoal
Light the newspaper or fire starters from the bottom
Wait until the coals are ashed over and glowing
Pour the hot charcoal into the grill
Use a charcoal starter cube
Place starter cubes under a small pile of charcoal
Light the cubes and let the charcoal catch
Use dry kindling and newspaper
Build a small teepee of charcoal over the tinder
Light the tinder from multiple sides
Use an electric charcoal starter
Place the heated element in the charcoal pile
Wait until nearby coals ignite
Use a gas torch or propane torch
Apply flame to a few spots on the charcoal until it catches
Keep vents open for better airflow
Avoid using wet or damp charcoal
Let the charcoal burn until fully lit before cooking