How to Find Free Wi-Fi Hotspots Anywhere

A Wi-Fi hotspot is a physical location where you can get internet access. You use a Wi-Fi connection on your phone or another device for this access.

Free public Wi-Fi hotspots are available for use in many locations, including coffee shops and bookstores. Different public areas offer this service as a way to attract more customers. Sometimes, free Wi-Fi is offered as an incentive to get customers into the eatery or shop.

Finding free Wi-Fi hotspots has gotten easier but can still be challenging, depending on the location. Continue reading our guide to finding free Wi-Fi hotspots to ensure you have internet coverage wherever you go. And learn how to protect yourself on shared public networks. 

The best VPNs for staying safe on public Wi-Fi

How to find free Wi-Fi hotspots

If you need free Wi-Fi access, you probably don’t have time to go from place to place searching for it. Knowing how to find free public access and where to look is the ticket to saving time and being more productive.

These methods will put you in the driver’s seat to find free public Wi-Fi hotspots fast.

1. Visit common free Wi-Fi locations

You’re probably already thinking of some locations near you that offer free Wi-Fi. Some of the usual suspects include:

• Coffee shops: These can be major chains, such as Starbucks, but your local coffee shop may also offer this service. Sometimes they don’t advertise it but will give you the password if you ask them for it.
• Fast food chains: McDonald’s and most other fast food chains offer free Wi-Fi to customers.
• Libraries: Most public libraries offer free public Wi-Fi. It helps give everyone in the community access to information.
• Restaurants: Even upscale restaurants sometimes offer free public Wi-Fi as a courtesy. People who travel for work need to eat, too, and a restaurant that offers free Wi-Fi may get more business than one that does not.
• Malls: Although these locations may be fewer in number due to reduced traffic in many malls, some still offer free public Wi-Fi.
• Public transportation: Depending on your location, you may commute daily and spend a lot of time on a bus or train. Sometimes, public transportation offers wireless networks.
• Gyms: Many gyms offer free Wi-Fi as a courtesy. For example, you might stream your Spotify workout playlist while you work out or even watch your favorite show. Some gyms come with cafes that offer smoothies and other drinks, where you can also access the internet while you relax.

2. Download a Wi-Fi hotspot database app

You can use a portable Wi-Fi hotspot app to help you find free internet access. You can also use it to connect multiple devices simultaneously. These apps will help you find free public Wi-Fi anywhere you go. Some stand out more than others due to their distinctive features.

• Wi-Fi Map is one of the largest global hotspot databases available. This app is great for traveling because it gives automatic alerts regarding the nearest hotspots and includes their passwords when available.
• Instabridge has millions of members who share Wi-Fi information for free, allowing public hotspots around the world to be discovered. It boasts over 10 million hotspot passwords, and the number continues to grow. One of the features that sets Instabridge apart is that it provides you with the Wi-Fi login credentials of other members who are willing to share their hotspot with you, allowing you access to their network.
• Free WiFi Connect also helps you find free Wi-Fi near you. You can also block any Wi-Fi networks you don’t automatically want to be connected to. It has over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store.

3. Use your phone’s internet connection

You can use your cell phone as a mobile hotspot. Setting up your phone as a hotspot is simple, but the process may vary depending on your mobile device. Remember that using your phone as a mobile hotspot may use your mobile data.

If you have an Android device, set up your mobile hotspot with these steps:

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Find Network & internet, then select Hotspot & tethering.
3. Click Wi-Fi hotspot.
4. Here you can turn your mobile hotspot on and off. You can also change your network name, password, and security type.
5. Follow your phone’s instructions to customize your hotspot features.
6. When you have chosen the features you want, toggle on Use Wi-Fi hotspot.

Your steps may vary depending on your phone’s manufacturer.

If you use an iPhone, you can set up a personal hotspot when you don’t have access to a Wi-Fi network.

1. Go to Settings, then Personal Hotspot.
2. Click the slider next to Allow Others to Join. It will turn green.
3. If you haven't used your phone as a mobile hotspot before, your carrier may have included a generic Wi-Fi password. To change the password to one of your choice, tap the Wi-Fi Password toggle below Allow Others to Join.
4. Choose a password that is at least eight characters long for best security.

4. Use a portable router

A portable router is helpful when you need to stay connected while on the go. When you need a solution that provides Wi-Fi access wherever you are, a portable router can help. These devices increase the range of existing public Wi-Fi networks.

Having a portable Wi-Fi router is also beneficial for locations with weak or slow internet access. You may be in a hotel that offers free Wi-Fi, but that doesn’t mean your connection won’t drop multiple times while you're using it. A portable router is compact and could potentially improve your internet speed and connection.

These portable routers aren’t free, so keep that in mind when looking at solutions. The costs can vary, but you’re looking at a broad range of $20 to $100. You can also purchase a portable router that functions as a mobile hotspot, but you will pay more for this feature. These devices can cost around $200.

Popular travel routers to consider include:

• RAVPower FileHub AC750
• TP-Link TL-WR902AC AC750 Wireless Travel Router
• GL.iNet GL-AR750S-Ext

5. Check with your internet service provider

Some internet service providers offer free Wi-Fi access. Many of these will provide you with numerous hotspot locations, and you can access the ISP’s networks free of charge by logging in with your subscriber account credentials.

Depending on your internet service provider, you may be able to download their app and see all the nearby hotspots the ISP owns. For example, Comcast Xfinity offers free access to hotspots, which you can find on its website or by downloading its iOS or Android app.

How to stay safe using free Wi-Fi hotspots

When you use a free, open Wi-Fi hotspot, you aren’t as secure as you are when using your personal Wi-Fi. You won’t know who set up the network or who connects to it at any given time.

There are ways to stay safe and limit security issues, though.

1. Use a VPN to help create a secure internet connection when using a public Wi-Fi network. That will help keep your information private and prevent internet hackers from accessing your data.
2. Choose well-known Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in popular coffee shops or restaurants. The people who operate these companies want to keep you as a customer, so they’ll work to keep their network safe.
3. If you use public Wi-Fi, ensure you use encrypted websites. These will begin with HTTPS, rather than the unsecured HTTP. When you access secure sites, people using the same network as you can’t see the data transmitted between you and the website server.
4. Avoid using free, unsecured Wi-Fi for private and sensitive information, such as credit card details or checking your bank balance.
5. Avoid using multiple public Wi-Fi hotspots. The more you can narrow down the options, the fewer security risks you take. If you’ve found networks you can trust, sticking to those places is safer than using random networks.

FAQs

Bottom line

Wi-Fi networks have been around for more than thirty years now. They haven’t always been as accessible to everyone as they are now. With open accessibility also come some security dangers, so it’s crucial to follow safety protocols. We strongly recommend using a VPN to encrypt your internet activity when connected to unsecured networks. A VPN can help safeguard you from hackers and cyberattacks.