There are several ways to find and use a Wi-Fi hotspot. Public spots like cafes and libraries offer free hotspots, or you can get access to one through your phone or computer with your internet provider.
How can you find free Wi-Fi hotspots?
Finding free Wi-Fi hotspots is easy with a Wi-Fi finder app like Wefi or WiFi Space on Google Play or the WiFi Around and WiFi Map on the App Store.
Cafes, hotels, libraries, parks and other public areas will often have an open and free Wi-Fi network. Hotspot maps are available online as well.
You can also ask your provider for a free hotspot map so you know which places to visit in your area.
What are hotspots?
A hotspot is a place where you can access the internet, whether it’s public or private, in your home or outside. It’s basically a bridge between your device and an internet network.
Some hotspots are free, but some may require a subscription service with your internet provider.
Find free Wi-Fi at fast-food restaurants and stores
You can check your phone for available Wi-Fi networks. Public places like cafes or restaurants may have a password posted in the establishment or have an open network.
Places that offer free internet access include:
- Panera
- Wendy’s
- Target
- KFC
- Best Buy
- McDonald’s
- Subway
- Starbucks
- Taco Bell
Ask your provider if it has a public Wi-Fi hotspot
Many mobile phones have a built-in hotspot under phone tethering. You can add a hotspot to your current phone plan in most cases, for an additional monthly fee.
Providers with mobile hotspots include Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Prices range from $5 to $75/mo., depending on your data needs.
Use an app to search for free Wi-Fi hotspots
There are apps that help find Wi-Fi hotspots. They use crowdsourced data to build hotspot maps. The apps also provide the name, security, channel, brand and signal strength of the hotspots.
Popular apps include:
- Wiman
- Wiffinity
- Wefi
- WiFi Space
- AutoWiFi Lite
- FoxFi Key
Buy a mobile hotspot device for faster speeds and better service
You can also purchase a mobile hotspot to use as you travel or work from different locations. Speeds run between 30 and 70 Mbps for 4G phones, and 5G phones may be able to reach speeds of 1,000+ Mbps.
Buying a hotspot device can run from $20 to support 3G and 4G connections up to $200 for 5G speeds up to 1 gig and multiple connections.
How to connect to open Wi-Fi in public: Step-by-step guide
- Find your device’s Wi-Fi settings
- A list of open networks will be under Wi-Fi settings, they will not have a padlock icon so you should be able to join them
- Logging in or an agreement form may be required
Stay safe while using a free Wi-Fi hotspot
- Use a VPN
- Turn off file sharing
- Use two-factor authentication
- Turn off auto-connect
- Don’t open sensitive apps like your banking app
- Use antivirus software
- Enable your firewall
Wi-Fi hotspot FAQs
How do Wi-Fi hotspots work?
Wi-Fi hotspots work as a bridge between your device and an available internet connection. You can find them in your device’s Wi-Fi list.
Are all hotspots free?
No, not all hotspots are free. Some are provided for customers of coffee shops or hotels. They are often slower than a pay-as-you-go or hourly network offered by internet cafes or businesses.
