8 Easy Ways to Get Online Without Internet Service

PDF download Download Article
Easily get online when the internet isn't available
PDF download Download Article

Do you need to connect your computer, phone, or tablet to the internet but you don't have service? Fortunately, there are a few different ways that you can get internet , temporarily or permanently, even if you don't have a cellular signal, a home internet connection, or access to a Wi-Fi network. This wikiHow article lists simple ways you can get internet where there is no service.

Things You Should Know

  • You may be able to use your cell phone as an internet hotspot for your other devices, such as computers and tablets.
  • Stores like Starbucks, Target, Tim Horton's, and McDonald's all have free Wi-Fi.
  • Check with your mobile phone provider for options like hotspots and internet sticks/dongles.
1

Use a public Wi-Fi network.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll often find free Wi-Fi hotspots at libraries, cafes, airports, fast food restaurants, and even on college campuses. Chain businesses like McDonald's, Starbucks, Subway, Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, Peet's, Panera Bread, Tim Horton's, and Target all offer free Wi-Fi in stores. If you can get to one of these locations, you'll definitely be able to get online.
    • If you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, your connection won't be encrypted. If possible, use a VPN any time you connect to a hotspot.
    • You can install an app on your smartphone or tablet to locate public hotspots before you lose access to the internet. If you have an Android, try WeFi . On iPhone and iPad, try WiFi Map .
    • You can also use the Facebook mobile app to find nearby Wi-Fi hotspots. Tap the three-line menu in the app, tap Settings & Privacy , and then tap Free Wi-Fi . [1]
    2. Advertisement
2

Tether to a device that has internet service.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a phone that has cellular service but don't have internet access for your computer, you can use your phone as a Wi-Fi access point. Not all mobile plans support tethering, though—contact your mobile phone provider to add tethering to your plan.
    • If you want to use your iPhone as a personal hotspot , go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot > On . [2]
    • If you want to use your Android as a personal hotspot, go to Settings > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering and turn the switches on for the appropriate features. [3]
    • If you aren't happy with your smartphone's tethering features, try a cell phone booster. Basically, an outside antenna receives a signal from cell towers and a coaxial cable feeds internet or cell data into a signal booster, which then sends that information to an indoor antenna feed that you can pick up internet from. This is perhaps the best solution if your cell phone gets poor signal strength, but you want to watch Netflix.
3

Use your mobile provider's hotspot.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This only works if you have a cell signal, however, so if you don't have cell service, skip this step. The most popular and best mobile hotspots include Verizon's Jetpack MiFi 8800L, HTC 5G Hub, and GlocalMe DuoTurbo. Getting a mobile hotspot is the best suggestion as long as you have cell service, so even traveling in an RV doesn't mean that you'll be without internet!
    • The GlocalMe is suggested if you're traveling overseas since it works in 140 countries.
    2. Advertisement
4

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you live in an apartment building or condo, you may be able to use a neighbor's Wi-Fi network to get online if you don't have your own internet service. Just make sure to ask permission first or you'll simply be stealing from your friend.
5

Get an internet stick from your cellular provider.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Think of a Wi-Fi USB Dongle like a more accessible mobile router. These are offered by cellular providers, like Verizon and AT&T, and are perfect for people who need internet as they travel. Don't expect great signal strength, speed, or range, though. A mobile hotspot is more reliable in those aspects. [4]
    2. Advertisement
6

Get satellite internet service.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Internet isn't only available through FiOS, cable, or a cell provider. Chances are high that your house or where you're going has a satellite connection , though the environment and weather can affect the signal.
    • Once you sign up for satellite internet, you should receive a dish as well as instructions on how to connect to the internet.
    • Satellite internet is probably the least efficient form of internet service. It’ll work, but don’t expect the speeds to be all that impressive.
7

Use fixed wireless broadband internet.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Instead of using cell towers or a satellite, private companies have antennas positioned throughout rural communities that use radio waves to transmit internet connection. When you buy a plan, you'll have an antenna fitted to your house in line-of-sight of the host's antenna so you can use that internet connection. Don't expect fast internet speeds though.
    2. Advertisement
8

Try Unlimitedville.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Internet-Where-There-Is-No-Service-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This data is from carriers, like Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T, that you get to pick from for the right coverage for the area you're in. For example, the Red Plan (Verizon) offers more coverage in northern US states, like northern Michigan whereas the Pink Plan (T-Mobile) covers more area in places like Idaho.
    • You can pick your plan with Unlimitedville, and since it's contract-free, cancel at any time!

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Never plug a dongle into your computer if you received it from someone that you don't trust. Connecting hardware from unfamiliar sources could potentially infect your device with malware.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      7 Different Ways to Get Free WiFi at Home
      How to
      Connect to the Internet: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone
      Why Does Your Phone Keep Disconnecting from WiFi?
      How to
      Get a Free Internet Connection
      How to
      Connect to the Internet On Your Laptop Through Your Cell Phone
      4 Ways to Disable Internet Access
      How to
      See a WiFi Password on Android With or Without a QR Code
      9 Solutions If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Can’t Access the Internet
      How to
      Become an Internet Provider
      How to
      Close a Free AOL Account
      The Easy Way to Share an Internet Connection over Ethernet or WiFi
      Why Does My Computer Keep Disconnecting from Wi-Fi? 10+ Potential Issues Behind Wi-Fi Connection
      How to
      Set Up an Internet Connection
      How to
      Maximize the Speed of Your Internet Connection
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about computer functions, check out our in-depth interview with Luigi Oppido .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/help/275972449760363?cms_platform=iphone-app&helpref=platform_switcher
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/share-your-internet-connection-iph45447ca6/ios
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9059108?hl=en
      4. ↑ https://www.verizon.com/articles/wifi-hotspot-service-data-plans/how-to-get-wifi-anywhere

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 87,113 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement