Have you ever been in a situation where you desperately need to access the internet but do not have mobile data? Yeah, we have been there too. Not having internet access when we need it the most is the most annoying thing ever.
Undoubtedly, internet and Wi-Fi access have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. Whether we want to check emails, search places on Google Maps, or casually browse Instagram, the internet is the prime requirement.
Even though there has been an enormous increase in the number of public wi-fi hotspots, it is not easy to find them. Moreover, free hotspots are unsecured and lure in hackers.
In this article, we will share how to access free Wi-Fi hotspots and few security tips to protect you in public Wi-Fi.
How to get free Wi-Fi wherever you go!
Here are a couple of foolproof ways to get free Wi-Fi on your phone or laptop.
1. Turn your phone into a portable hotspot
If you need internet access on your laptop or tablet, you can easily turn your mobile into a Wi-Fi hotspot and share it with other devices if you have an internet pack active on your mobile phone.
If you are with a friend who has mobile data, you can ask him to turn on turn on his mobile hotspot. Now you both have an internet connection!
If this trick is not possible to apply, you can move down to the next option.
2. Find the nearest location offering public Wi-Fi
You can also get a free internet connection, by going to public places that offer free Wi-Fi. Plenty of public places offer free wi-fi- airports, Cafes, hotels, restaurants, parks, bars, museums, buses, and train stations offer free internet access for guests, customers, and passers-by. Nowadays, Some governments now offer free Wi-Fi throughout old cities and tourist attractions.
Note: As already stated public Wi-Fi hotspots are a jackpot for hackers. It is advisable to know about the dangers of free Wi-Fi and avoid any trouble by using a VPN.
3. Get Free Wi-fi Apps
You can also download an app that has a database of Wi-Fi connections nearby. It can help you to find free Wi-Fi anywhere.
There are many free apps that can help you search the available hotspots near you and also give you login credentials.
Usually, the database is user-generated. It means that users themselves add, update and share the passwords of the available networks. Usually, there are many options to choose from and are continuously updating.
Some of the recommended Wi-Fi apps are as follows:
Wi-Fi Map – Massive and crowdsourced
Features:
- Even works offline
- Map navigation feature
- Available on both Android and iOS
- Option for smart search
Features:
- 10 million passwords
- Supports WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3
- Speed, popularity, and data usage stats
- Over a million free public Wi-Fi networks
Wi-Fi Finder
Features:
- Works offline
- Database of 2 million hotspots
- Over 50,000 cities
Share your network feature
4. Get a portable router
Another way to access Wi-Fi is to get a portable router.
A portable router is similar to a router you have at home, but it connects to the internet through a 3G or 4G network instead of using a cable.
It is more stable and is a safer option than public hotspots.
Having your own portable router is more secure than connecting to public hotspots. The battery lasts long and there is no risk of losing the internet unexpectedly.
How to stay Secure on Public Wi-Fi
Treat all public Wi-Fi networks with caution
The most important thing is to be vigilant on all public Wi-Fi networks. Check for a legitimate wireless connection. Public Wi-Fi can violate your privacy. They could be tracking what you are doing while browsing on their network. Also, some Wi-Fi apps can collect your data such as login details, IP address, location, device ID, time, and more.
Use VPN to access Wi-Fi
A VPN is also known as a Virtual Private Network, is the strongest line of defense against hackers on Public Networks. It encrypts your data and IP Address during Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s the most trusted way to ensure the protection of your data. You don’t have to think about privacy concerns while connecting to your bank account and logging into your Social Media app. Why you need to use VPNÂ
4 Best VPNs For Dedicated / Static IP Address
NordVPN – Best VPN for speed & privacy.
Surfshark- Best affordable cheap VPN.
ExpressVPN – Best premium VPN
NordVPN is the best VPN in terms of security and privacy. It offers some of the top-class features.
1# Top-Notch Privacy And Security
NordVPN does not collect logs of your activities which is great to maintain privacy!
2# Kill Switch Prevents Privacy Compromise
If NordVPN’s server suddenly goes down, the killer switch stops the ongoing internet connection to prevent any data leakage.
3# Supports 6 Devices simultaneously
NordVPN provides support for up to six connections at a time simultaneously.
Also Read: NordVPN Review: 8 Pros And 3 Cons Of Using NordVPN
Conclusion
Now you don’t have to worry about searching a free Wi-Fi near you. You can easily find a Wi-Fi connection at public places, share your friend’s hotspot or simply use apps that help you search public Wi-Fi.
At the same time don’t forget to take proper precautions while using one of the public hotspots.
Read to know:Â Do I Need A VPN At Home?
How To Connect To A VPN On Android?
 How can a VPN make your internet fasterÂ
