7 Different Ways to Get Free WiFi at Home
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music.
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In modern times, connecting to the internet has become a necessity. However, access to WiFi isn’t always available, and some internet plans can be expensive. If you’re looking for free WiFi at home, there are a lot of options you can choose from to cut costs as you browse the world wide web.
Phone hotspot
- If you only need to use a hotspot on one device, use a USB cable to tether your phone to your computer or tablet. Then, turn on your hotspot, but choose “tethering” instead of Bluetooth.
Everyoneon.org
Comcast
Altice (Optimum)
Verizon
Cox
Neighborhood WiFi
- If any of the WiFi networks nearby your home are unlocked (meaning they don’t have a password), click on them and try to connect. You never know—you might just find your new WiFi hub right from your home!
Expert Q&A
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
Make sure that you’re connecting to both the 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands, if you have them. As you move through your home, your phone will pick the stronger signal—depending on where you are, this could be the 2.4 or the 5. Both networks should have the same password, and your phone will just switch between the two.
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How to Get WiFi at Home
This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article’s instructions and verified that they work.
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This wikiHow teaches you how to connect your computer, phone, or tablet to a wireless home network. Before doing so, you’ll need to buy and install a wireless router, as well as purchase an Internet plan from one of your local Internet Service Providers.
Preparing to Connect
- For example, you’ll want a router that can match your subscription’s top connection speed to make the most of your Internet package.
Connect your modem to your cable outlet. Use the coaxial cable that comes with your modem to do this. You’ll usually find cable outlets in your living room and in some bedrooms.
Plug your modem and router into a power source. Attach the router and modem power cables to the respective inputs, then attach the power cables to a wall outlet or surge protector. Both the modem and the router should automatically turn on.
Connecting on iPhone or iPad
Enter the password. Type in the password for the Wi-Fi network. This password (or «security key») should be listed on the router.
Tap Join . It’s in the top-right corner of the screen. Doing so connects you to the wireless network if the password is correct.
Connecting on Android
Enter the password. Type in the password for the Wi-Fi network. This is the password (or «security key») that’s listed on the router.
Tap CONNECT . It’s below the «Password» field. Doing so will connect you to the network as long as the password is correct.
Connecting on Windows
- You may first have to click ^ in the lower-right corner of the screen to see the Wi-Fi icon.
Enter the password. Type the password for the network into the text field. This is the password (or «security key») that was listed on your router.
Connecting on Mac
Select your Wi-Fi network. Click the name of the network as noted on the bottom of your router or modem. The network’s menu will open.
Enter the password. Type the password (or «security key») that was listed on the bottom of the router into the «Password» field.
Community Q&A
You should be able to get internet service in your home even if you don’t have a computer. Just follow the guidelines in the article. You will have to get internet service from a provider like Comcast or AT&T, along with a wireless router. However, if you’re only using it for your phone, it might not be worth it. Most people would simply get a data plan for their phone from their wireless provider.
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As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
As a small thank you, we’d like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full price—wine, food delivery, clothing and more. Enjoy! Claim Your Gift If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Is there any way to make a home network with something else instead of a computer like a phone or tablet?