Whether you’re traveling for business or vacation, you’ll probably need an Internet connection sooner or later. After all, you have to keep in touch with friends and family, visit restaurants and… stream your favorite shows. And how are you supposed to keep up with your favorite NFL team this football season without a reliable internet connection?
So what do you do when you’re away and away from you wifi at home? And what if your internet at home is not that fast?
When you’re traveling, the easiest way to connect to the Internet is through a hotspot. Don’t worry: it’s easy to set up.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of getting online quickly with a hotspot and tips for finding free Wi-Fi wherever you are. If you’re having trouble with your home network, check out our other guides speed up your wifi And check for bandwidth throttling.
What is a hotspot?
A hotspot is a central location (but can sometimes also be a device) that provides wireless access to the Internet. Any network device can connect to the hotspot, provided it has the appropriate access. Depending on your mobile provider and subscriptionyou may be able to get your smartphone as a hotspot.
There are two different types of hotspots: public and private.
In the above scenario, where you paid your mobile provider for the ability to create a hotspot with you smartphonethe smartphone is the physical device that creates wireless access for other Wi-Fi devices, such as laptops, desktop computers And streaming devices. This is an example of a private hotspot.
A public hotspot is usually created by a company to provide internet services when visitors, customers and clients are on site. Many free, public Wi-Fi connections are hotspots. For the sake of accuracy, let’s make some distinctions between standard Wi-Fi and a hotspot.
What is the difference between WiFi and a hotspot?
While hotspots are a physical location or device, Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that devices can use to send information to each other. If you have WiFi at home, it’s because you have a WiFi router that supports all your wireless gadgets, and a internet provider that is connecting that router to the internet.
As long as you set a strong passwordsuch a private Wi-Fi network will be a lot of more secure than a public hotspot because you control who and what connects to it. Public hotspots, on the other hand, are open to anyone within range, which is why it’s a good idea to do so use a VPN or another safety measure if you need to do something sensitive, like shopping or sending money, while using a hotspot.
A hotspot is a central location or device that provides wireless access to the Internet.
How to Find Free Wi-Fi or Free Public Hotspots
You probably won’t be able to get a hotspot from home unless you create one with your smartphone (or if you live very close to someone who has an unsecured network). However, there are many options to find free Wi-Fi or public hotspots in businesses such as coffee shops, parks, libraries, hotels, restaurants, fitness centers and more.
If you’re about to head out for the day in search of free internet, try these handy apps first:
Such apps display a map of your area or list free public Wi-Fi or hotspots. Most also let you track login requirements and view user hotspot reviews.
Some locations, like libraries, are generally predictable sources of free public Wi-Fi, but if you’re not using a Wi-Fi finder app, it’s a good idea to call first to make sure. In addition, your ISP’s network may provide access to hotspots. For example, AT&T customers have access to more than 30,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country through their network, as do customers of Cox Communications, Spectrum, Xfinity and more.
How to set up and use free Wi-Fi
Make sure the device you want to use is Wi-Fi enabled. If so, enable Wi-Fi.
Once you arrive at the location where you will be using public Wi-Fi or hotspot, open a browser and then open your computer’s network settings or click on the Wi-Fi icon on your screen. Then select the public Wi-Fi connection you want to use. If the connection is public, you are now connected, but watch for a login site to appear in your browser. Some companies require you to agree to their terms of service or provide an email address before you can use their free WiFi.
Some companies give their customers a login and password and offer a secure network. If the connection you want to use shows up as secure, look around for the username and password posted in the company, or ask someone for help. Yes, if you are somewhere like a coffee shop, it would be polite to buy a pastry or a latte on the go.
If you have set your computer to automatically connect to available networks, the next time you visit that company your computer will automatically connect to their network.
This hotspot device from HTC uses an incoming 5G connection to provide Wi-Fi internet access to nearby wireless devices.
Set up and use a mobile hotspot
They’re not free, but if you need an internet connection and have a good mobile signal, a paid hotspot is another way to get WiFi on the go. For example, maybe you’re traveling to a rural area with limited ISP options or the WiFi where you are staying is not as fast as you would like.
Depending on your mobile carrier and the plan you pay for, you may already have personal hotspot capabilities. If not, contact your provider to determine how much they will charge you for that option. Be prepared to pay more if you’re looking unlimited data.
After considering the prices, you need to decide whether you want to use your smartphone as a hotspot or as a purchase a special Wi-Fi hotspot device.
Check your phone’s settings for hotspot capabilities.
Should I use my smartphone or a separate hotspot device?
A hotspot device is a separate device on your mobile plan that has its own device separate data limit. The downside is the extra cost, but the upside is you don’t have to worry about your smartphone usage eating up your hotspot data. Another positive point: if ua strong passwordUsing a hotspot device to get online is just as secure as any ISP-provided Wi-Fi connection, and often offers a greater coverage range. We’re also seeing a growing number of full-fledged Wi-Fi routers and mesh routers which are designed to send their incoming signal through a mobile connectionsuch as LTE or 5G.
Both smartphone hotspots and dedicated hotspot devices can be used anywhere, although using a smartphone hotspot in public places can be more convenient, especially if you’re just trying to get your laptop online for a few minutes.
What WiFi options does my internet provider offer?
In response to the pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission created the Keep Americans Connected initiative to help people maintain their broadband and phone connectivity in 2020. Additionally, providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and Optimum have offered free Wi-Fi to everyone (customers and non-customers). Most of these programs are no longer active in these post-pandemic times, but it’s still worth checking with your local internet provider. Occasionally, as in the example of the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Miltonthese providers activate these hotspots for non-customers, so everyone can stay online, even if structural damage can keep people from using Wi-Fi at home.
What’s the bottom line?
Whichever path you choose, you have more than one option for getting online. If you’re still struggling to find free WiFi during your trip, it’s worth checking the providers in your area to see what your options are. Hopefully this guide will help you find it and take advantage of it.
For more information, check out our tested picks for the best wifi routersAnd How do you know if your router is in the wrong place?.
Find frequently asked questions about free WiFi
What is the difference between WiFi and a hotspot?
Hotspots are a physical location or device that provides wireless access to the Internet. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is a wireless technology that devices can use to send information to each other. In most cases, Wi-Fi involves a Wi-Fi router and an Internet provider that connects all your devices to the Internet.
Where can you find free WiFi?
There are many ways to find free WiFi. First, it is essential to know the difference between a public and private hotspot. Private hotspots are not free. The good news is that most public institutions – such as businesses, coffee shops, parks, libraries, hotels and restaurants – usually offer free public hotspots. Certain apps like Instabridge, WiFi Map, and WiFi Around can help you narrow your search for free Wi-Fi hotspots near you.
Are private networks more secure than public hotspots?
Yes. Public hotspots are accessible to anyone within range, which means you’re more susceptible to hackers stealing your personal information or other risks. Including a VPN as an extra layer of protection is a good idea when using public Wi-Fi.
