1. Find a place with public Wi-Fi

Looking for public Wi-Fi? Start your search indoors, where you'll find hotspots in cafes, shopping malls, public libraries, hotels, and museums. These places often offer not only free Wi-Fi but also comfortable seating for long stays. However, keep in mind the security risks associated with public networks. To protect your sensitive data, always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your online traffic, ensuring your activities remain private.

Here are some places where you can usually find free Wi-Fi:

• Public libraries: Popular among students and remote workers, public libraries often provide free Wi-Fi.
• Trains and buses: Some overnight trains and public buses offer free Wi-Fi. Consider creating a burner email for access if required.
• Gyms: Certain gyms may provide Wi-Fi access, usually requiring you to log in. These connections are often more secure than free Wi-Fi.
• Universities: Many educational institutions offer free Wi-Fi to visitors, although you might need to request a password.
• Museums: Some museums provide free Wi-Fi in exchange for newsletter sign-ups or email registrations.
• Public plazas: Tourist attractions and public plazas often have free public Wi-Fi, but remember to use a VPN due to increased cyberattack risks.
• Hotels and hostels: Hotel lobbies are known to offer free Wi-Fi, making them a go-to for tourists and backpackers. Always use a VPN when connecting.
• Cafes and restaurants: Plenty of cafes and restaurants provide free public Wi-Fi. Some may ask you to purchase a drink as a courtesy, but it's a small price for access.

2. Use apps to find Wi-Fi hotspots

Enhance your search with the help of free apps or websites that can locate nearby Wi-Fi hotspots. These handy programs may even provide passwords for certain networks. Just keep in mind that you'll need an internet connection to use them.

Check out these recommended apps for finding public Wi-Fi: 

Instabridge 

Compatible with: Android and iOS

Instabridge is an app that grants you access to known passwords for public Wi-Fi hotspots across multiple cities. Its database is regularly updated to ensure you only connect to functional networks while avoiding those that may not work properly. As an added bonus, Instabridge also offers a built-in VPN service, safeguarding your data when you're using free Wi-Fi.

Pros and Cons

WiFi Warden

Compatible with: Android

Unlock the potential of WiFi Warden, your gateway to numerous wireless networks in your vicinity. This app owes its incredible usefulness to a vibrant community that generously shares the sources of the strongest WiFi signals with fellow users.

But that's not all - this hotspot app goes beyond providing WiFi access. It can also test your internet connection speed, analyze nearby networks, locate open network ports, and offer many additional features. While WiFi Warden thrives with root permissions, it remains impressive even without them.

Pros and Cons

Boingo Wi-Finder

Boingo Wi-Finder has been recognized by Global Traveler as the Best Wi-Fi service for eight consecutive years. With access to over 1 million hotspots worldwide, including airports, hotels, restaurants, and cafes, the app can get online almost anywhere.

The app displays hotspots in a list as well as on a map, making it easy to navigate to a location with just one click. It works anywhere you go. The only downside is that a Boingo account is required to access Boingo Hotspots.

Pros and Cons

WiFiMap

Compatible with: Android, iOS, Web

WiFiMap is an app that supposedly has the largest Wi-Fi hotspot database in the world. With a staggering collection of over 150 million hotspots, this app claims to have you covered wherever you go. Available for download on Android, iOS, Web, WiFiMap is your ticket to seamless connectivity. 

Pros and Cons

WiFi Finder — WiFi Map

Compatible with: Android and iOS

WiFi Finder allows you to quickly locate fast, free WiFi hotspots no matter where you go. Unlike other public WiFi hotspot apps that are filled with outdated or private WiFi networks, WiFi Finder is loaded with only verified and up-to-date public WiFi hotspots that have been speed tested to verify their functionality.\

We appreciate the option to filter WiFi hotspots by venue type, such as hotel, cafe, restaurant, or bar, and we also like that the app works just as well offline as it does online.

Pros and Cons

3. Turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot

Did you know your devices can not only keep you connected with the world but also transform into Wi-Fi hotspots, utilizing your cellular data connection?  

For iOS users, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings and tap on Personal Hotspot.
• Set a password and then tap on "Allow Others to Join."

For Android users, here's what you need to do:

• Navigate to Settings and select Wireless & Networks.
• Look for Tethering & Portable Hotspot, then tap on Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot.
• Set a password and toggle on the Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot option.

Once you have completed these steps, you will be able to connect your other devices to your own Wi-Fi network. However, please note that browsing and streaming speeds may be slower.

4. Find hidden Wi-Fi networks nearby

Cafes, restaurants, and even public places sometimes hide their wireless network’s SSID so you won’t be able to find them easily. Certain apps like NetSpot can help identify hidden Wi-Fi networks, some of which might be available for free usage.

5. Get a portable router

Another option is to utilize a portable router. Portable routers, also known as pocket Wi-Fi, are small devices that are highly popular among travelers and businesspeople. With these devices, you can prepay for data and conveniently top it up using a credit card while on the move. All you need to do is keep the router nearby and connect to it on your phone, just like you would with any other Wi-Fi network.

Portable routers provide impressive internet speeds and, compared to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, they generally offer a higher level of security. Connecting to a portable router ensures a safer browsing experience.

6. Use a Wi-Fi USB Dongle 

A Wi-Fi USB dongle, also commonly referred to as an internet stick, is a portable modem that enables you to connect to 3G, 4G, or 5G networks by simply plugging it into the USB port of your laptop or desktop computer. The amount of data available to you depends on the specific plan you have subscribed to.

How can I get free Wi-Fi at home?

There are several ways to get free Wi-Fi and internet access at home. 

• Check for your ISP’s extended Wi-Fi networks: Depending on your location, various internet service providers (ISPs) may offer complimentary Wi-Fi hotspots for their customers to utilize. In the United States, companies like AT&T, Comcast, and Spectrum have extensive coverage in major cities. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your ISP and inquire about the availability of such networks in your vicinity.
• Obtain free Wi-Fi at home by utilizing a high-gain antenna: By combining a wireless adapter with a Wi-Fi antenna, you can establish a connection to the internet without any cost. However, it is important to note that this method may require a higher level of technical expertise compared to the previously mentioned methods.

Securing your public Wi-Fi connection

To ensure the security of your public Wi-Fi connection, it is recommended to follow these steps:

Utilize a VPN (Virtual Private Network): The most effective way to safeguard your public Wi-Fi connection is by using a VPN. This technology creates an encrypted tunnel through which your internet traffic passes, making it challenging for hackers to intercept or access your online activities and personal data.

Connect only to secure Wi-Fi networks: To minimize the risk of security breaches, connect exclusively to Wi-Fi networks that are known to be secure. Avoid connecting to unfamiliar or untrusted networks, as they may pose potential threats.

Various Wi-Fi security risks exist, including packet sniffing, rogue Wi-Fi networks, and man-in-the-middle attacks. However, with the implementation of a VPN and by connecting exclusively to secure networks, you can significantly enhance the security of your public Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring the privacy and protection of your personal information.