It doesn’t happen very often, but there are times when you can’t access the internet at home. Maybe it’s because service is out, or perhaps you moved to a new place and are waiting for the ISP to get around to installing the new service. In these instances, it’s always good to have a backup plan in mind so that you’ll still have internet access, even when your main home connection is MIA. If you’re currently looking for a backup plan, we have several suggestions to keep in mind.
If driving/commuting is an option
If you’re able and willing to leave the house to get internet access, there are a bevy of options that you can take advantage of, including some of the obvious ones:
- Coffee shops
- Libraries and bookstores
- Fast food joints
- Hotel lobbies
- Your local university campus
- Gym/fitness center
Keep in mind that using public Wi-Fi at an establishment requires a certain give and take. It’s customary and a common courtesy to always purchase something when you take up space at a coffee shop or fast food joint. Better yet, if you tip well and get to know the baristas, no one will give you the stink eye when you plug your surge protector into the wall and pull out your day’s work.
Furthermore, some places that offer public Wi-Fi limit it to members only. You might have to show proof of a library card to use your library’s Wi-Fi, or you may have to be a member of the gym if you want to take advantage of the internet there. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and see what their policies are before you make a solid plan.
Keep in mind that public Wi-Fi can be dangerous. You don’t have any control of security, which may not be up to recommended standards, and these can be popular spots for hackers looking to intercept financial information. If you frequently rely on public Wi-Fi, we recommend adding a VPN to your devices.
If driving/commuting isn’t an option
If you’re stuck in a situation where you don’t have internet at home and you can’t hop in a car or on the bus, things get a bit trickier. There are still some options that you can consider, some of which require planning ahead and can’t be used at the last minute.
- Places within walking distance: This one’s pretty easy, but if there’s a coffee shop or library within a reasonable walking distance, feel free to make the trek to use the Wi-Fi. It’s certainly not a convenience, but you’ll be getting some healthy exercise in while you’re at it. You can also try your apartment complex’s lobby, clubhouse, or leasing office (if you live in an apartment, that is). Most of these places offer free Wi-Fi in their common areas that’s free for residents, so be sure to check and see if that’s an option.
- City Wi-Fi: Some cities also offer their own Wi-Fi within city limits that’s open and free to locals and tourists alike. Your location is also a factor in this situation, so if you don’t live within city limits, you most likely won’t get a signal.
- Check a hot spot database: Wiman has a collection of free wireless hot spots available in cities throughout the world. It’s worth checking if you’re desperate for Wi-Fi in an urban area, but our recommendations about security and VPNs still apply.
- Asking neighbors: If you’re stuck at home with no free Wi-Fi anywhere nearby and you can’t tether, then your only option is to suck up to your neighbor and see if you can use their Wi-Fi temporarily. If you’ve never met your neighbor, be prepared for them to be a little cautious, but if you explain your situation, they’ll most likely be sympathetic and let you on, depending on how nice they are (and depending on how good the cookies are that you made to bribe them with).
Tethering
If you have a smartphone, you can tether your data connection to your computer, giving you full-blown internet access through 4G/5G data. This is entirely dependent on your phone’s reception, so if you don’t get a particularly good connection in your house, then tethering probably isn’t going to do much for you. However, if it is an option, there are a few ways to go about it.
The official way to get tethering on your phone and computer is to activate the Wi-Fi hot spot feature in your phone’s settings menu. Each carrier is different when it comes to tethering, so monthly charges may vary, and some carriers may include it as part of your monthly service, depending on the plan you have.
You can also tether by connecting your phone to your computer via USB, but for a truly wireless experience (without Wi-Fi) you can also use Bluetooth to set up a tethering connection. If you have an iPhone, tethering typically uses iTunes, while tethering options also exist in Android settings. Look for options to create a “personal hot spot” or similar language.
Creating a mobile hot spot
You can also get a dedicated mobile hot spot from the carrier of your choice, which is similar to tethering but designed specifically for mobile devices when you are on the go.
On an Android phone, for example, you simply swipe down from the top of the screen and select Hotspot. You should also check with your provider settings to make sure that mobile hot spot features are turned on. This is an increasingly common feature for smartphones and phone plans, so it’s certainly worth checking if you aren’t sure. Typically these hot spots have limits on how many devices they can connect, around 5 to 10 depending on plans. You will also want to make sure your phone is being charged because this can sap a lot of battery life.
There’s another way to get mobile hot spots if your phone doesn’t support them: Separate hot spot devices help you get reliable internet connections wherever you are going. There are a variety of these hot spot devices, and many are carrier-specific, but it can be nice to have a dedicated hot spot that you can keep in your pack when you travel. Plans may be required to use them. If you are interested, take a look at this Nighthawk M1 mobile router, or this Somewear Global Hotspot that uses satellite connections.
Hotspot alternatives: If you need a mobile hotspot’s convenience and accessibility without the costs of a monthly contract plan, consider a pay-as-you-go brand like StraightTalk and AT&T. AT&T’s prepaid mobile hotspot plans are available as low as $25 monthly for 3G. Prepaid mobile plans aren’t on a contract, so you can pay for it as long as you need it and then let it expire without having to worry about getting out of a contract. StraightTalk provides a pay-as-you-go service with a 1GB hotspot starting at just $15 per month.
Don’t sweat it too much
We recognize that some situations are particularly dire or essential and require Internet access like navigation, school, or work. Using that same Internet connection for entertainment isn’t a necessity, so you can limit your social media scrolling and stop streaming movies to put yourself to sleep. Chalk up the lack of Wi-Fi to a loss and try out a new hobby, get outside, or read the book on your shelf that you’ve meant to pick up again.
Overall, there’s almost always a way to get Internet access. You may need to pass the time while you wait for the installation or troubleshooting to complete. But if you’re persistent and creative, you’ll find a Wi-Fi option. While you wait, pick up a book, get outside, or play a good old-fashioned board game and you might even stay entertained without the Internet for a few hours.
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