So you want to know how to get free internet? Luckily, there are a few ways to help you get free Wi-Fi for all of those important work meetings, homework assignments, and social media check ins.
Whether you are traveling and need a quick login or you are looking for ways to have free internet in your own home, there are tricks for you to save money.
Whether you want to use an app, connect with internet providers, or to simply think outside the box- you have a lot of options for when you decide how to get free internet.
I rounded up some of the most popular ways to help you get free internet for your phone, tablet, computer- and everything else that requires Wi-Fi.
Decide if Getting the Internet for Free is Worth it
When looking at your budget, it might be shocking how much you are spending on the internet each month. When it comes to setting a budget and sticking to it, it can be very tempting to look into how to get free internet.
Related: Frugal Living Tips
Since most internet providers can charge a minimum of $50 a month, it might be worth it to look at your internet habits to help you decide if you could use that money elsewhere.
I mean, I currently pay over $100 for internet which is outrageous!! I can’t wait to start implementing these ways to get free internet right away.
Take a look at how often you use the internet each month. Is it 10 hours? 50 hours? Then divide that with how much you are spending each month.
That simple equation can help you decide if what you are paying hourly for the internet is actually worth it or not.
Next, take into consideration what you are using the internet for. Maybe you login so that you can earn money online, or maybe it’s to stream the occasional Netflix show (you can also get Netflix for free).
Taking an honest look at how you use your time on the internet can also help you decide if paying for your internet is worth it.
If you realize that your internet is more of a luxury than an actual necessity, then perhaps getting free internet might be the best option for you.
The best news? I think you might be surprised at how easy it can be to get free internet.
Is Free Internet Legal?
This is a common (and important!) question for when you are making the decision to try and get free internet. I am here to tell you that the answer to the question ‘is free internet legal?’ may surprise you.
While stealing your neighbors wi-fi password is not legal, you will find some very intriguing ways to help you get free internet legally- yay!
Apps That Help You Find Free Internet
One of the simplest ways to help you get free internet is to download an app onto your phone. Whether you are traveling or staying local, these apps can help you get free internet worldwide.
InstaBridge
The app InstaBridge is the perfect app for people on the go and always looking for nearby wifi spots.
Originally created to help you share your wifi passwords with friends and family in your home, this app has developed to help companies share their passwords with their customers.
With this app, instead of having to trouble the barista for the wifi password, you can log in and grab it for free.
So sit back, enjoy your iced triple shot vanilla latte and use the cafes wifi for everything from checking emails to checking out that super important TikTok video about cats.
Wifi Map
Featured in Forbes Magazine, the WiFi Map app is amazing and does exactly what you think it does- provides a map for you of every single free Wifi zone in your area!
That way you are able to visit anywhere and find wifi for your phone or computer. The app brags on having millions of wifi zones, so if you find yourself on the move a lot, this app is definitely worth checking out.
Wifi Free Spot
Similar to Wifi Map, the Wifi Free Spot is a directory in major cities around the world of every single wifi spot that you can access for free.
I love how this app will automatically authenticate free WiFi hotspots so that you are able to work without the annoying interruptions of losing internet signal.
ISP In Area
Even though it isn’t technically an app, ISP in Area is an excellent search engine to help you find lots of free internet providers in your area. Whether you are on the road or staying locally, just type in the zip code and you can see plenty of options for your free internet search.
Internet Providers
You read that correctly – you can actually find internet providers that offer free internet. Here are some of the most popular options…
FreedomPop
FreedomPop is a free mobile provider. What does that mean for you?
Free internet on your phone – now that is an awesome deal! You can talk, text, and search on your phone all with free WiFi.
NetZero
While this option only allows you to use free internet for up to 10 hours a month, this free internet option would be great for someone who only needs occasional internet access.
NetZero promises reliable connection and is the perfect option for you if you aren’t home often or are looking for a way to cut down on internet usage.
Juno Online Services
If NetZero is not offered in your area and you are looking for another free option for a few hours a month, then Juno Online Services might be a great option for you.
You can get free internet through Juno for up to 10 hours a month and is offered throughout the United States.
Everyone On (Connect2Compete)
If your main reason for researching how to get free internet is because you are in a low income standing, then Everyone On might be the best option for you.
This nonprofit organization helps people who might struggle to afford the internet in their homes.
I love how this company is working hard to create social and economic opportunities across the country. Check out if you qualify with Everyone On here to get high quality internet for free!
Places that Offer Free Internet
Once you have exhausted the options listed above, it might be time for you to get creative with how you will get free internet. Luckily there are plenty of options worldwide for people looking for free internet.
Local Libraries
When I began working for myself, the local library became one of my favorite places to get things done. Not only is it full of a ton of free, awesome resources to help you be successful, but the internet is free.
I love to spend an afternoon at the local library with their super fast internet, quiet spaces, and books to inspire me. Seriously, if you work remotely in any capacity, check out your local library for some of the best free wifi.
It’s also a wonderful cheap date idea!
Coffee Houses
Another option if you work remotely is to check out a local coffee house. The internet is free and someone will bring you as much coffee as you want all day long.
While your information may not be completely secure, you will be able to do whatever you need to do with the internet and save money while doing it.
Ikea
If you are lucky enough to live near an Ikea, you should probably try to spend the day there. While you can use some of your time shopping and snacking on those incredible swedish meatballs, you can bring your laptop and get some work done!
Since they offer free Wifi, this might be one of my favorite ways on how to get free internet.
You are allowed to sit just about anywhere – any living room, kitchen counter, or children’s tent for as long as you would like. So why not try out the latest couch line while you work on that deadline that’s due this Friday?
Fast Food Restaurants
Fast food restaurants have so much to offer, delicious food, fun play areas for kids, and free Wifi. If you need free internet, why not check out your local fast food restaurant?
When I first started my blog, I would grab a big fry and a coke and get to work. Between the salty goodness and all of the caffeine, I was able to produce some of my best work with free Wifi.
Hotel Lobbies
Depending on where you live, there can be hundreds of hotels with free internet services. Not only are hotel lobbies beautifully decorated, but they can be one of the quietest places so that you are able to get whatever you need completed.
Book Stores
Book stores are one of my all time favorite places to work outside of my home. There is something so inspiring about writing blog posts, surrounded by thousands of books on every single topic imaginable.
Not only do they often provide free internet, but there is usually a coffee shop nearby so I am able to get my caffeine intake.
Think Outside The Box
Talk with Your Neighbors
This might sound a little strange, but talking with your neighbors about borrowing their Wifi might end up being a great arrangement.
When we moved into our condo, it was going to take a few weeks before the internet company could come out and set everything up. So we set up a deal with our next door neighbor where we mowed their lawn in exchange for their internet for those few weeks.
It ended up being a great arrangement for both of us and helped us get to know the people that we shared a wall with.
Talk To Your Employer
When the world was quarantined in 2020 and people began to work from home, a lot of work places began supplementing their at-home internet with a monthly pay increase to help offset the cost.
If you need the internet in order to do your job well, maybe you should consider talking to your HR team and suggest this as an option in the future.
We did this last fall and now our work covers most of our internet bill, making it almost free for us to use!
Use WiFi Hotspots
I had a friend that used their wifi hotspots for the entire month to help their kids stay off of screens (seriously). They would connect their smart TV to their phones hotspots for up to 8 hours a month to help keep themselves accountable to stay off of their streaming services.
Most phone plans come with a limited hours each month that can convert their phones data into a hotspot, so why not try that out?
If you only need internet a few hours a month at home, it might make sense to cut your expensive internet bill and utilize your phone’s hotspot?
In Summary
There are plenty of ways to access the internet for free around the world. With a little research, you can find ways to answer emails, take on ZOOM calls, or scroll social media all at no cost to you.
How to find free internet doesn’t have to be impossible and you can absolutely access it for yourself.
So tell me… what did I miss? What tips do you have for getting the internet for free? Tell me below!
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