Depending on what you need to do on the internet, the type of device you’re attempting to connect, and how long you’ll need internet service, there are plenty of solutions for accessing Wi-Fi without internet. Here are some of your best options for staying connected from anywhere.
Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is an option for getting Wi-Fi without internet while on the go. Many public places, such as airports, hospitals, malls, some public parks, and libraries offer Wi-Fi to anyone. Other places, such as coffee shops, hotels, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi to patrons. Logging on to public Wi-Fi is generally pretty easy. Simply look for available Wi-Fi near you and find the network name that corresponds to where you’re located. Sometimes, public Wi-Fi is password protected, so you’ll have to ask an employee for the password. Other times, public Wi-Fi simply requires that you consent to a terms of service agreement and/or add an email address. Once you’ve logged on, you should be free to begin using the internet.
There are a few drawbacks to using public Wi-Fi. For starters, Wi-Fi speed is based partially on bandwidth. So, if there are a lot of people attempting to use public Wi-Fi at once, bandwidth is being split between every user attempting to download and upload information. This means that the internet in a public place might not be as fast as a private connection. If you need to do something that takes a lot of bandwidth, like make a video call, public Wi-Fi might not be your best option.
Second, public Wi-Fi is not as secure as a private connection. Since anyone can connect to these spaces, there’s a greater chance that someone with malicious intentions is logged in nearby. To circumvent this danger, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt data while working from your laptop on public Wi-Fi. Also, when you’re done using public Wi-Fi, you should also make sure you’re completely logged out of the network.
Mobile hotspot
Another easy way to get Wi-Fi without internet when you’re away from home is to use your mobile phone as a personal hotspot. Most mobile devices offer the option of turning the device into a portable internet provider by creating a private Wi-Fi network that you can then link to your laptop or other devices. This option is usually available even in other countries. However, creating a mobile hotspot with your phone will quickly use your plan’s data, so you should be aware of both the amount of data that comes with your plan and how much your service provider charges for going over that data cap, since data overage fees can add up pretty quickly.
If you travel frequently, especially if you travel to remote areas or outside the country, buying a personal hotspot might save you some time and money. Personal hotspots act as mobile routers. To use them, you’ll need to buy a data plan from an internet service provider (ISP) and then invest in the right hotspot for your needs. Many ISPs sell personal hotspots that work only with their data plans. Or you can also purchase untethered mobile hotspots that can work with nearly any ISP.
When shopping for a mobile hotspot, it’s important to remember that not all hotspots are created equally. For instance, if you’re a gamer who needs fast internet no matter where you are and a hotspot that can stay charged for long periods of time, then you’ll need a personal hotspot with greater battery life and a higher-speed plan than someone who simply needs reliable Wi-Fi for answering emails while traveling abroad.
Be sure to do your research and invest in a hotspot that meets your needs. Factor in the number of devices you’ll be using in connection with your personal hotspot, what you’ll need those devices to do, and how long you’ll need the hotspot to be able to last without a power source for charging the battery. And if you’re planning on being without a power source for long periods of time, it might be worth investing in a personal hotspot that not only has a long battery life but can keep other devices charged too.
Tether your mobile device
One way to get faster internet speeds and create a more secure network when using a mobile hotspot is to tether your mobile device directly to your laptop. In order to tether your device, you’ll need a USB cable. If you need fast internet but are away from your home network for activities like gaming or video calls, tethering should speed up your connection. Also, Wi-Fi hotspots can be prone to hackers, since your connection is visible to anyone around you. Tethering your mobile device means that no one can hack into your network since it’s linked directly to your laptop or other device. Tethering will also keep your mobile battery charged while you use it as a hotspot. Though tethering is usually faster and more secure, data charges for your mobile hotspot will still apply.
T-Mobile is America’s fastest growing Home Internet provider. Find out if it's available in your area and then try it out for 15 days to see if it works for you. If you happen to have a phone plan with us, or are looking to switch to T-Mobile, see how you can save even more by bundling phone and Home Internet.