How to Get Free WiFi

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

This wikiHow teaches you how to find and take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as how to set up your iPhone's or Android's personal hotspot for wireless browsing.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Finding Free Wi-Fi

1
Visit a location that offers free Wi-Fi. While you may need to fulfill a prerequisite (e.g., being a member or purchasing a beverage), you can usually obtain free Wi-Fi from the following types of business:
- Starbucks (and other coffee shops)
- Public libraries
- Fast food restaurants
- Malls
- Truck stops
2
Use a Wi-Fi hotspot finder. There are several apps that you can download for the iPhone and Android that will display free, open network connections on a map using your location.^{[1]
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- "WeFi" and "WiFi Map" are highly reviewed apps that are available for both iPhones and Androids.
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3
Book hotel stays directly through hotel services. Most major hotels will include free Wi-Fi as a perk if you book your room through the hotel's official site or over the phone.^{[2]
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- Some hotels still won't provide free Wi-Fi for guests who book through them, though you may be able to get free Wi-Fi by signing up for these hotels' loyalty programs.
4
Look for wireless hotspots from your cable provider. If you pay for cable, you may be able to use your login details to access free wireless hotspots around town.
- Cable providers known for this service include Time Warner Cable and Comcast.
- You can check out your provider's hotspot locations in your area by visiting their website.
5
Search for unprotected networks. If you're in an urban area and you aren't able to visit a coffee shop or a restaurant, you may be able to find an unprotected--and, thus, accessible--network in your phone's or computer's available networks.
- Unprotected networks should be used carefully since any data accessed while using them may be stolen.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Your iPhone's Hotspot

1
Open your iPhone's Settings. This app is grey with gears on it. You'll likely find it on the Home Screen.
- While using the hotspot allows you to access the Internet from a computer in a pinch, using a hotspot for long periods of time may result in extra charges on your monthly mobile bill.
2
Tap Personal Hotspot. It's an option near the top of the Settings page.
3
Slide Personal Hotspot
right. This switch will turn green, signifying that your iPhone's personal hotspot is active.
4
Open your computer's Wi-Fi settings. You'll do so either by clicking the Wi-Fi symbol near the bottom-right corner of the screen (Windows), or by clicking the Wi-Fi symbol in the menu bar at the top of the screen (Mac).
5
Click your phone's name. The name you'll see here is listed below the Personal Hotspot switch at the top of your iPhone's Personal Hotspot page.
- In most cases, the phone's name will say "[Your Name]'s iPhone".
6
Enter the hotspot password. This password is listed on your iPhone, to the right of the "Wi-Fi Password" heading in the middle of the screen. After doing so, your computer will connect to your phone's data, allowing you to browse the Internet.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Your Android's Hotspot

1
Open your Android's Settings. It's a grey, gear-shaped app that you'll find in the App Drawer.
- Use your hotspot sparingly, since using more than your monthly data limit will incur a fee.
2
Tap More. This option is below the "Wireless & networks" heading near the top of the Settings page.
3
Tap Tethering & portable hotspot. It's near the top of the screen.
4
Tap Set up Wi-Fi hotspot. It's in the middle of the page.
5
Set up your Android's hotspot. You'll need to enter the following information:^{[3]
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- Network name - The name your hotspot will display in your computer's wireless manager.
- Security - Select a WPA2 option from this menu.
- Password - The login password you'll use.
6
Tap Save. It's in the bottom-right corner of the Wi-Fi Hotspot window.
7
Slide Portable Wi-Fi hotspot right to the "On" position. This option is near the middle of the page. Doing so will save your hotspot and make it available on your computer.
- On a Samsung device, this switch is at the top of the screen.
8
Open your computer's Wi-Fi settings. You'll do so either by clicking the Wi-Fi symbol near the bottom-right corner of the screen (Windows), or by clicking the Wi-Fi symbol in the menu bar at the top of the screen (Mac).
9
Click your phone's network name. This is the name you entered earlier.
10
Enter the hotspot password. This is the password you added earlier. After entering this information, your computer should be using your phone's data as a wireless connection.