A lot of us rely on Wi-Fi, whether were working from home or are out and about.
But where do you go if you need Wi-Fi and dont want to pay extra for it?
Free Wi-Fi is everywhere if you know where to look.
Libraries are a great place for free things. Learn how to save money on music, movies and more with thesefree library apps.Did you know?You Can Get Paid Up to $140/Month Just for Sharing Your Honest Opinion
But it can feel impossible to find it when you need it the most.
Then well explore some chain restaurants, coffee shops and retail stores that offer free Wi-Fi.
Just be prepared to buy something.
Those establishments dont guarantee free Wi-Fi at all locations, so check before you go!
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help… Public Libraries
Your local public library will always have a free Wi-Fi connection.
You may be required to take out a library card to get the password or code.
Better yet, more libraries are offering free mobile hot spots for checkout.
you might connect up to 10 devices and renew the hot spot for another 30 days if needed.
Did you know?
you could Get Paid Up to $140/Month Just for Sharing Your Honest Opinion
2.
However, the connection may not be that great, especially in large outdoor areas.
Museums
Check your local museums to see if they offer free Wi-Fi.
Museums often have comfortable seating and quiet spaces, making them a great place to get some work done.
Even if youre not staying overnight, hotels can be a valuable resource for accessing free Wi-Fi.
Hotels change their Wi-Fi policies often, so inquire at the front desk if you run into any issues.
However, a lot of airports have added complimentary Wi-Fi to their list of amenities.
If youre flying out of town, check to see if your airports Wi-Fi is free.
McDonalds
McDonalds has proudly advertised free Wi-Fi at its restaurants for well over a decade.
Today, more than 11,500 locations offer free Wi-Fi.
you’re able to find your nearest locationhere.
Youll need to accept the terms of agreement so you can connect.
Starbucks
Most coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi.
Starbucks the largest coffee store chain in the country, with more than 15,400 locations is no exception.
From casual web surfing to remote work sessions, Starbucks is a haven for Wi-Fi seekers.
No purchase is necessary to access its internet connection.
Target offers free Wi-Fi to customers in all of its stores.
Barnes & Noble is the worlds largest bookseller, with more than 600 locations in the U.S.
If there isnt a location near you, local bookstores and cafes almost always provide free Wi-Fi, too.
Apple Stores
Calling all Apple enthusiasts!
Did you know that Apple Stores not only showcase the latest gadgets but also provide free Wi-Fi to customers?
But if you want to find places with free internet no matterwhereyou go, consider these apps and resources.
It claims to have over 100 million hot spots in its database.
you could also search for Wi-Fi networks in other locations by typing in a city, address or landmark.
This can be especially helpful if youre traveling and need to find Wi-Fi in a new area.
Other popular crowdsourced Wi-Fi finder websites and apps includeWefi,Wi-Fi Spaceand Wifispc.
All of the big names offer this service, including Cox, Verizon, Comcast, Spectrum and Xfinity.
Just keep in mind that many cell providers limit hot spot usage.
However, many providers will offer free data to customers during emergencies or natural disasters.
Go to configs > connection & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi Hotspot.
In fact, these networks can be a hotbed for cyberthreats.
These sneaky culprits can also launch man-in-the-middle attacks, intercepting your data without you even realizing it.
So, how can you protect yourself?
First off, use a VPN (thats a virtual private online grid).
It encrypts your internet traffic and shields it from prying eyes.
And dont forget to disable file sharing to keep your private files, well, private.
Armed with these smart tips, you could navigate free Wi-Fi networks like a true money-saving pro.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
She focuses on retirement, investing, small businesses and taxes.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
