How do i connect to free public wifi

On the Wi-Fi settings screen, select Manage known networks , and then select the Wi-Fi network you want to change. When you first connect to a Wi-Fi network, you can set it as public or private—depending on the network and what you want to do:.

Use this for networks you trust, such as a network at home or work. When a network is set to private, your PC is discoverable to other devices on the network, and you can use your PC for file and printer sharing. Public network. After you connect to a network the first time, you can change it to public or private at any time. On the right side of the taskbar, select the Wi-Fi network icon. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to, then select Connect.

When asked if you want your PC to be discoverable to other devices on the network, do one of the following:. To set it as a private network where your PC will be discoverable to other devices on the network, choose Yes. Under Network profile , select Public or Private. Note: To use these steps to set a network to public or private, your PC must be running Windows 10 Version or later. Use Your iPhone as a Webcam. Hide Private Photos on iPhone.

All Microsoft's PowerToys for Windows. Take Screenshot by Tapping Back of iPhone. Windows 11 Default Browser. Browse All Windows Articles. Windows 10 Annual Updates. OneDrive Windows 7 and 8. Copy and Paste Between Android and Windows. Protect Windows 10 From Internet Explorer. Mozilla Fights Double Standard. Connect to a Hidden Wi-Fi Network. Change the Size of the Touch Keyboard. Reader Favorites Take Screenshot on Windows. Mount an ISO image in Windows.

Use your best judgment if you must access these accounts on public Wi-Fi. Don't leave your laptop, tablet, or smartphone unattended in a public place. Don't shop online when using public Wi-Fi. Do turn off automatic connectivity. Most smartphones, laptops, and tablets have automatic connectivity settings, which allow you to seamlessly connect from one hotspot to the next. This is a convenient feature, but it can also connect your devices to networks you ordinarily would not use.

Do monitor your Bluetooth connectivity. Bluetooth in the home is an amazing feature on many smart devices. However, leaving Bluetooth on while in public places can pose a huge risk to your cybersecurity. Bluetooth connectivity allows various devices to communicate with each other, and a hacker can look for open Bluetooth signals to gain access to your devices. Keep this function on your phone and other devices locked down when you leave your home, office, or similar secured area.

Do think about using a virtual private network VPN solution to ensure your privacy and anonymity are protected when you use public Wi-Fi. WifiMapper makes an excellent database app to find free Wi-Fi hotspots around you. The app is user-friendly and easy to use. When using it, it provides you with a long list of hotspots and information on them. Users can enter comments of both the Foursquare and WifiMapper of each hotspot and enter in their exact locations.

It also shows how each hotspot source performs, making it easier for users to choose the best one. Other than that, the developers of WifiMapper aim to add the Wifi password sharing feature in the future paired with the offline maps functionality. According to its description, WiFi Finder gets its users fast access to free WiFi hotspots wherever you go. Instabridge is a crowdsourced, free WiFi finding app that offers over five hundred thousand open Wi-Fi networks that are available publicly.

The app also includes an auto-connect feature that allows you to connect to the nearest available public WiFI network automatically. All you have to do is make sure the app has the correct location. However, even though this is a pretty much safe option, best to have FastestVPN installed to avoid any mishaps.

For free WiFi, you can simply turn your smartphone into a free Wi-Fi hotspot while travelling. You first need to make sure you have a 3G or a 4G connection. A portable router works like a charm and is one of the better options of getting access to a free Wi-Fi hotspot while traveling around. It works just like a home router, but with 3G or 4G instead of a cable. You will be able to stream with it, make calls, check your social accounts and more.

There are some cafes, restaurants and likely places that offer free WiFi so that you can get some work done, or complete your assignments. They are:. Even though these are some of the cheaper or free ways for you to find WiFi near you, it comes with risks.