Vacations may be a chance to relax, but that doesn’t mean you can go completely offline. Whether you’re heading out for a quick fall getaway, traveling for the holidays or spending a week abroad, you’ll probably need internet access at some point — if only to check maps, confirm reservations or share updates with family and friends.
Mobile data isn’t always reliable when you’re on the move, and coverage gaps can leave you stranded. That’s why knowing how to find secure, accessible Wi-Fi is so important. From airports and hotels to cafes and public spaces, not every connection is safe to use and it pays to know how to protect your information before logging on.
In this guide, we’ll break down the smartest ways to track down Wi-Fi while traveling and how to keep your connection safe when you’re away from your home network. With a few precautions, you can stay connected and avoid the risks that come with unprotected public hotspots.
How to get online quickly using a hotspot
A hotspot is a central location (or a device) that offers wireless access to the internet. Any network device can connect to the hotspot with the right access. Depending on your mobile provider and plan, you may be able to use your smartphone as a hotspot. A mobile hotspot relies on the cellular network of your mobile carrier and is generally much slower and unreliable than a fixed home internet connection, but it can still be a lifeline if you need to connect to the internet on the go. A mobile hotspot will not replace your traditional home internet connection, but it can be a temporary way to get back online. CNET’s How-To Expert Nelson Aguilar tells users to avoid connecting their computers to a mobile hotspot.
“A mobile device typically uses less data than a computer, and so the performance is much higher than with a computer, which often runs several high-bandwidth tasks in the background that can quickly consume data and slow down performance,” Aguilar said.
There are some other things you should keep in mind about using a hotspot.
There are two different types of hotspots: Public vs. private
If you’ve paid your mobile provider for the ability to create a hotspot with your smartphone, your device acts as a private hotspot and can create wireless access for other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, like laptops, desktop computers and streaming devices. That’s a pretty secure way to get internet on the go, but it’s not always available to everyone.
On the other hand, public hotspots are much easier to find and are usually created by a business to provide internet service when visitors, customers and clients are on site. Many free, public Wi-Fi connections are hotspots. For instance, you can connect to a public hotspot in areas like cafes or shopping malls. But public hotspots come with a lot of security and privacy risks.
Wi-Fi vs. hotspot: Knowing the difference
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 Wi-Fi at home, it’s because you have a Wi-Fi router quarterbacking all of your wireless gadgets, and an internet service provider that’s connecting that router to the internet.
As long as you set a strong password, a private Wi-Fi network like that will be much more secure than a public hotspot because you’re controlling who and what connects to it. Public hotspots, on the other hand, are open to anyone within range and are not often encrypted.
In other words, you’re more susceptible to hackers stealing your information and intercepting your network with malware and other viruses with a public hotspot. This is why it’s a good idea to use a VPN if you need to do anything sensitive, like shopping or sending money, while using a hotspot. CNET’s recommendation for the best VPN service overall is ExpressVPN, for its simple-to-use features, fast server speeds and it is excellent for streaming.
Tips for securely connecting to public Wi-Fi
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network will encrypt and protect your internet activity.
- Do not access sensitive information: Unless you really have to, don’t access your bank account or websites with sensitive personal information on a public network.
- Turn off auto-connect: It’s convenient to reconnect to the same Wi-Fi network automatically, but it could happen without you knowing and potentially expose your personal information.
- Only visit secure or encrypted websites: You can check to see if a website is secure if it has a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar or if the websites start with ‘HTTPS.’
- Log out: If you’ve signed into an account, even just your Google account, always sign out when you’re finished on a public network.
How to find free Wi-Fi or public Wi-Fi hotspots almost anywhere
You probably can’t get a hotspot from home unless you create one with your smartphone (or you happen to live really close to someone who has an unsecured network). There are lots of options for finding free Wi-Fi or public hotspots in businesses like coffee shops, parks, libraries, hotels, museums, restaurants, fitness centers and much more. Some public transportation, like buses or the metro, offer free Wi-Fi.
If you’re about to head out for the day in search of free internet, try using these helpful apps first:
Apps like these 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 or college campuses, are generally predictable sources for 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 internet provider’s network might offer access to hotspots. For instance, AT&T customers can access over 30,000 Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide under its network, as can customers of Cox Communications, Spectrum, Xfinity and more.
How to set up and use free Wi-Fi
Make sure the device you plan to use is Wi-Fi capable. If it is, turn on Wi-Fi.
Once you’ve arrived at the location where you’ll use public Wi-Fi or a hotspot, open a browser and then either open up your computer’s network settings or click on the Wi-Fi icon on your screen. Next, select the public Wi-Fi connection you intend to use. If the connection is public, you will now be connected, but watch for an opt-in site to pop up in your browser. Some businesses require you to agree to their terms of service or provide an email address before they’ll let you use their free Wi-Fi.
Some businesses provide a login and password to their customers and offer a secure network. If the connection you intend to use shows up as secured, look around for the login and password posted in the business, or ask someone for help. Yes, if you’re somewhere like a coffee shop, it’d be polite to buy a pastry or a latte while you’re at it.
This hotspot device from HTC uses an incoming 5G connection to provide Wi-Fi internet access for nearby wireless devices.
How to set up and use your mobile hotspot
They aren’t free, but if you need an internet connection and have a good cellular signal, a paid hotspot is another way to get Wi-Fi on the go. For example, maybe you’re traveling to a rural area with limited ISP options or the Wi-Fi where you’re staying isn’t as fast as you’d like it to be.
Depending on your mobile provider and the plan you pay for, you might already have personal hotspot capabilities. If not, speak with your provider to determine how much they’ll charge you for that option. Be prepared to pay more if you’re seeking unlimited data.
After you’ve considered pricing, you’ll need to decide whether to use your smartphone as a hotspot or purchase a dedicated Wi-Fi hotspot device.
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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 with its own separate data limit. While the downside is the extra cost, the upside is that you won’t have to worry about your smartphone usage eating up your hotspot data. Another positive: If you set a strong password, using a hotspot device to get online is just as secure as any ISP-provided Wi-Fi connection, and it’ll often provide a greater range of coverage. We’re also seeing a growing number of full-fledged Wi-Fi routers and mesh routers that are designed to get their incoming signal over a cellular connection, such as LTE or 5G.
Both smartphone hotspots and dedicated hotspot devices can be used anywhere, although using a smartphone hotspot in public places may be more convenient, especially if you’re just trying to get your laptop online for a few minutes. It’s worth noting that using a smartphone as a hotspot can be convenient temporarily. For instance, if your mobile provider experiences a network outage, you won’t be able to get online. In addition, a mobile hotspot is only ideal until your smartphone’s battery eventually runs out.
What Wi-Fi options does my internet provider offer?
In response to the pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission created the Keep Americans Connected initiative to help people keep their broadband and telephone connectivity in 2020. Additionally, providers like Xfinity, Spectrum and Optimum extended free Wi-Fi to anyone (customers and noncustomers). Most of these programs are no longer active in these post-pandemic times, but it’s still worthwhile to check with your local ISP. Occasionally, as in the example of the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, these providers activate hotspots for noncustomers so everyone can stay online even while structural damage may inhibit people from using the Wi-Fi at home.
What’s the bottom line?
Whatever path you take, you have more than one option for getting online. If you’re still struggling to find free Wi-Fi on your travels, it’s worth checking with your provider’s hotspot map (if it offers one) to see if there are any hotspots near you. Just remember to use a VPN if you join a public network and take other safety measures to keep your personal information safe.
Find Free Wi-Fi FAQs
What’s the difference between Wi-Fi and a hotspot?
Hotspots are a physical location or specific devices that offers wireless access to the internet. In contrast, Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that devices can use to send information to each other. In most cases, Wi-Fi is accompanied by a Wi-Fi router and an internet service provider that connects all your devices to the internet.
Where can you find free Wi-Fi?
There are many ways to find free Wi-Fi. First, knowing the difference between a public and private hotspot is essential. Private hotspots are not free. The good news is that most public establishments — such as businesses, coffee shops, shopping malls, libraries, hotels and even parks (limited for some) — typically offer free public hotspots. Certain apps like Instabridge, WiFi Map and WiFi Around can help narrow your search for free Wi-Fi hotspots available near you.
Are private networks more secure than public hotspots?
Yes. Public hotspots are open to anyone within range, which means you’re more susceptible to hackers stealing your personal information or other risks. Incorporating a VPN as an extra layer of protection is a good call when using public Wi-Fi.
