How to Get a Free Internet Connection

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In-depth guide to find free internet
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This wikiHow teaches you how to connect your computer, phone, or tablet to the internet for free. If you are able to get on the internet at all, you can use various websites and apps to find and save lists of public Wi-Fi access points to take with you on your travels. If not, you can typically get free internet access at major chain establishments, college campuses, libraries, hospitals, and sometimes through your employer. Be aware that public Wi-Fi hotspots may expose your personal information (such as your passwords and banking information) to others. To stay protected , only use encrypted websites (or a VPN ) when using public Wi-Fi.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Finding Free Wireless Hotspots

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    The internet's role in daily life is hard to ignore, which is why many businesses and public buildings offer free Wi-Fi. While there may be a caveat for the Wi-Fi—you may have to buy a drink or a snack or create a membership with the business—the "cost" for the Wi-Fi is usually minor enough that it's worth paying. Some examples of free Wi-Fi locations include the following: [1]
    • Coffee shops (Starbucks, Peet's)
    • Airports (Nearly all airports in the United States and other countries offer free Wi-Fi, although some require payment)
    • Hotels (Hyatt, Best Western, Motel 6, Comfort Inn, Extended Stay America, Walt Disney Resorts)
    • Restaurants (Taco Bell, McDonalds, Dunkin, Einstein Bros, IHOP, Denny's, Krispy Kreme, Panera, Arby's, Wendy's)
    • Retail Stores (Apple, Office Depot, Lowes, Ikea, Target, Best Buy, Staples, Whole Foods, Safeway)
    • Truck stops (Love's, Flying J)
    • Malls (Typically there will be a free mall-wide Wi-Fi service, and some stores may offer their own)
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    Use WiFi Map to find free hotspots . WiFi Map is a free crowdsourced website and mobile app that can lists free wireless internet access all over the world. Although you'll need internet access to use WiFi Map initially, you can write down the suggested locations and keep them available for when you're on-the-go. Check out https://www.wifimap.io in your web browser, or download the official app (by WiFi Maps LLC) to your Android, iPhone, or iPad.
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    If you have the Facebook app installed on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, you can use it (in conjunction with your mobile data service) to find free wireless internet nearby. [2] Here's how:
    • Open the Facebook app by tapping the blue-and-white "f" icon on your home screen or app drawer.
    • Tap the three-line menu.
    • Tap Settings & Privacy (iPhone/iPad) or Settings & Privacy (Android).
    • Tap Privacy Shortcuts .
    • Tap Manage your location settings .
    • Tap Find Wi-Fi .
    • Tap Enable Find Wi-Fi .
    • Follow the on-screen instruction to allow the correct permissions. You will then see a list of nearby Wi-Fi access points.
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    Many internet companies, including Xfinity, provide free wireless hotspots around major cities for current customers. All you need to do to access them is log in with your account email and password.
    • Most other internet providers that offer free hotspots have Wi-Fi locators on their websites.
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    Even if you're not a current student, most college campuses offer free wireless access to anyone on the premises. The same goes for hospitals, even if you aren't a patient. Most libraries have computers with internet access that anyone can use, but you may also find a library that offers free Wi-Fi.
    • Some libraries/schools have daily use restrictions or content restrictions, so make sure you know what you can and cannot do before using these resources.
    • Look for a Wi-Fi network called "Guest" or "Open" when searching. If a password is required for guests, ask someone at an information desk how to proceed.
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    If you have internet access on your phone through a mobile data provider, you may be able to use it to get your computer online as well. This is called "tethering," and some mobile providers allow you to use a certain amount of data for tethering as a part of your plan.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Getting Free Home Internet Access

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    If you're a student, teacher, or employee of a participating company, you may be eligible for free internet access through your school, company, or an affiliated service provider. Even if the service isn't free, discounts may be available to current students and employees.
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    Some regions offer free or deeply-discounted services for residents that qualify for food stamps, Medicaid/Medicare, or other government resources.
    • If you're in the United States, Lifeline offers free or discounted internet and mobile phone services for qualifying households. [4] To check your eligibility, visit https://nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline .
    • Call your region's information line (211 in many US regions) to ask about free and discounted internet options.
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    NetZero offers 10 hours of dial-up internet per month at no cost. [5] You will need a phone line and a modem to use dialup internet access.
    • Other Internet service providers (ISPs) sometimes offer free hours or trials as well, so keep an eye out for these promotions.
    • If you sign up for a trial, make sure to cancel your account before you are billed for service.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I get free WiFi through a neighbor's PC tower without him/her knowing?
    Community Answer
    Use Dumpper and Jumpstart. This works on Windows. These softwares are good to thief WiFi passwords if your neighbor has turned off WPS(wifi_protected_setup). Otherwise, you won't get WiFi passwords.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 114 Helpful 278
  • Question
    How do I hack a WiFi password if the WPS is turned off or the WPA was enabled?
    R2_d2000
    Top Answerer
    It is not recommended that you hack WiFi. Try the options listed in this article before trying to hack a WiFi password.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 85 Helpful 156
  • Question
    How can I get internet connection to an Android phone?
    Community Answer
    There are many ways to get Internet connection to your device. The most used ways are: 1.Sim Data Access-Use your Sim Card for wireless data service. 2. WiFi. The best way is to get a free and high speed wireless data service.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Some cafés will allow you to connect directly to the Internet via Ethernet cable if you have a computer that has an Ethernet port.
        Thanks
      • If you have friendly neighbors, offer to perform house or yard work in exchange for access to their home network. Make sure that you draw up a contract with them to ensure that everybody is on the same page as far as use goes. Just be sure not to perform any illegal actions (e.g., copyrighted file-sharing) or hog bandwidth with streaming activities.
        Thanks

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If eligible, enroll in government or nonprofit programs providing free or discounted home internet service for low-income households.
      • Tether your phone's mobile data to a laptop if your plan includes hotspot capabilities. But watch for potential extra charges.
      • Be cautious using public Wi-Fi for banking, shopping, or entering passwords. Use a VPN or only visit encrypted sites.
      • Use crowdsourced apps like WiFi Map to find and save lists of free public hotspots in your area and when traveling.
      • Many businesses like coffee shops, malls, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi, sometimes with minor purchase requirements.
      • College campuses, hospitals, and public libraries often provide free wireless access, even for non-students.
      Submit a Tip
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      Warnings

      • Note that in some countries and states/provinces, using someone's internet access without permission can be a criminal offense.
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      • Never access personal information (e.g., your bank account) while on public Internet, as doing so may enable people to steal your information.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/pictures/chains-with-the-best-free-wifi-ranked/
      2. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/help/275972449760363
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9059108?hl=en
      4. ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/lifeline-support-affordable-communications
      5. ↑ https://www.netzero.net/free/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get a free internet connection, try searching online for “Free internet hotspots,” in your local area to find open Wi-Fi connections. You can also head to a nearby coffee shop or shopping mall, many of which have free Wi-Fi you can use. Alternatively, go to your local library, which should have public computers you can access. If you need a free Wi-Fi connection at home, try asking your neighbors to use their internet in exchange for helping with their house or yard chores. For more tips, including how to get a free Wi-Fi trial, read on!

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        Jul 15, 2016

        "I liked the tip on using hotels, McDonalds, Burger King, local bars, library and other places of business. Thank ..." more
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