7 Different Ways to Get Free WiFi at Home

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1 Phone hotspot

2 Everyoneon.org

3 Comcast

4 Altice (Optimum)

5 Verizon

6 Cox

7 Neighborhood WiFi

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Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: May 3, 2024 Fact Checked

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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.

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1

Phone hotspot

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   Your phone network can provide WiFi to other devices. Head into your settings and click on “Hotspot,” then enable it. Set up a password and use it to connect to WiFi on your tablet or your computer. Keep in mind that a hotspot uses cellular data—if you don’t have an unlimited amount, you could run out.

   • 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.
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2

Everyoneon.org

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   Low income homes may qualify for free WiFi through this program. Head to their website and enter in your zip code and how much you make in a single year. If you’re eligible, you can submit an application to get free WiFi through one of the internet providers in your area.

   • To see if you’re eligible, visit https://www.everyoneon.org/find-offers and enter your zip code.

3

Comcast

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   This company offers free WiFi for 60 days. If you don’t have a Comcast account already, you can call and sign up for 2 free months of WiFi. After that, you can either cancel your account or sign up for a paid subscription.

   • To sign up for Comcast, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/press/releases/comcast-extends-free-internet-service-new-internet-essentials-customers.
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4

Altice (Optimum)

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   If you’re a student, you can get free WiFi for 60 days. Head to their website to see if you’re eligible, then call a service provider to sign up. After 2 months, you can either cancel your subscription or sign up for a paid account.

   • To see if you’re eligible, visit https://www.alticeusa.com/news/articles/feature/corporate/altice-usa-brings-free-broadband-k-12-and-college-students-during-coronavirus-pandemic.

5

Verizon

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   The Verizon Lifeline program offers free WiFi to low income households. Head to their website and fill out an application to see if you’re eligible. If you are, you can then call Verizon and get started on a free Lifeline account.

   • To see if you qualify, visit https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/account/manage-account/lifeline-discount.
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6

Cox

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   If you have a K-12 student, you may qualify for 2 free months. Head to the Cox website and enter in your location and how much you make to get started. If you have a child in the home who is still in school, Cox will provide you with 60 days of free WiFi.

   • To start your application, visit https://www.cox.com/residential-shop/wls/order-cox-services.html.

7

Neighborhood WiFi

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   Your neighborhood can give you access to free WiFi. Head over to a neighbor’s house and ask them if you can use their WiFi. They might not agree, but if they do, you can use their password to connect to their network.

   • 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!
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How can I increase my WiFi signal?

  

  Luigi Oppido
  Computer & Tech Specialist

  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.

  

  Luigi Oppido

  Computer & Tech Specialist

  Expert Answer

  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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• If you’re using a public WiFi, use a VPN to hide your online activity.
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