There will always be a time when we need to connect to the internet outside our homes. While we can do so with our mobile phones through mobile data, we still need the WiFi for its fast and stable internet connection. This is why learning where to find free WiFi hotspots in your area is important.
Check out the article below to learn how to find free WiFi hotspots in your area and how to protect yourself while connecting to them.
Where to Find Free WiFi Hotspots in Your Area
You might not know this but there are a lot of free WiFi hotspots in your area.
The moment you step outside the comfort of your home WiFi network, there are tons of opportunities to connect to a free WiFi hotspot.
You can check out some of the best places where you can find free WiFi hotspots in your area.
Public Establishments
Many public establishments, especially government-owned establishments, offer free WiFi to the public.
These establishments include government offices, libraries, parks, and even train and bus stations. If you need to connect to the internet while traveling, these are the best places to find free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Take note that some establishments may ask for verification before you can use the hotspot for free.
Restaurants and Cafes
Another great option for finding free WiFi hotspots in your area is to go to your local cafe or restaurant. Many coffee shops nowadays offer free Wi-Fi to their customers.
While some might only offer them for free for a limited amount, you can still bet on having free WiFi for many cafes and restaurants all over the world.
Some may require you to purchase an item from them before using their free WiFi. Just be mindful of the people who might be using your spot, especially at peak hours.
Other Options to Use Free WiFi Hotspots in Your Area
Apart from going to these establishments to find free WiFi hotspots, there are many other ways to connect to a free WiFi network on your own.
These are some of the best options to use free WiFi hotspots in your area.
Connect to Your Mobile Hotspot
Your mobile phone has mobile data that you can use to connect to the internet for free. While technically, you are still using your paid mobile data, you can share the internet connection with many other devices you currently have to stay connected.
Simply turn on the mobile hotspot option on your phone, then connect them to your devices.
Take note that it will cost more mobile data the more devices are connected. Using your mobile hotspot is also temporary or during emergencies as well.
Download WiFi Apps
You can connect to the Internet using your mobile hotspot or download a specific app on your phone.
WiFi apps are mobile applications that detect WiFi networks and allow you to connect to them for free. Apps like Instabridge, Wi-Fi Map, Wefi, and many others are great examples of these apps.
All you need to do is use the app to locate the WiFi network, choose one, and check the details so you can log in to the network for free. You also need to be near the network so you can connect without any network or connection issues.
Look for Provider Hotspots
Many places in the US have service provider hotspots that allow subscribers to connect to them even when they are out of their homes.
This is part of their service to ensure that their subscribers continue to connect to the Internet. You have to sign up for this feature first to enjoy it, but everything else should be automatic.
Just make sure that your WiFi option is turned on so you can immediately connect to the provider's hotspots in your area.
Make Good Use of Portable Routers
In addition to apps and mobile phones, you can purchase a portable router to stay connected to the internet.
There are many portable routers available these days. They are very small and easy to use. You simply load them with credits to connect to the Internet.
There are even portable routers that you can apply for for unlimited internet access, so if you are traveling, you can continue to work and connect to the internet.
How to Stay Safe When Using Free WiFi Hotspots in Your Area
When connected to free WiFi hotspots, certain instances can be very dangerous.
Other users within the network might use this opportunity to hack into your system and take away important information.
You should always know how you can stay safe when using these free WiFi hotspots. Check out some tips below.
Turn On Your Antivirus
When using free WiFi hotspots, you should always turn on your computer or phone's antivirus and other defense software. This should prevent any security issues on your system from the moment you connect to such networks.
Antivirus software alone can detect and isolate these security issues on your computer, keeping you safe while browsing the Internet.
Just make sure that you continue to turn on the antivirus in your computer even if you are not using the free WiFi hotspot anymore.
Forget the Network
After using the free WiFi hotspot, you should disconnect from the network and ensure you forget the network. Users tend to forget to turn off this option and end up having to automatically reconnect to the WiFi hotspot without their notice.
You end up using the Internet without knowing that you have connected to such a network, and the worst part is that you are not prepared to protect your system.
Always check if you have forgotten the network that you have previously connected to so you don't automatically connect to it on your next visit.
Conclusion
We always want to stay connected on the internet, and with the advent of modern mobile technology, connecting to free WiFi hotspots in your area is now more accessible. Check out all of the recommendations above and see which ones have the best and most stable connection.
