8 Easy Ways to Get Online Without Internet Service

Easily get online when the internet isn't available

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: September 14, 2024 Fact Checked

Do you need to connect your computer, phone, or tablet to the internet but you don't have service? Fortunately, there are a few different ways that you can get internet, temporarily or permanently, even if you don't have a cellular signal, a home internet connection, or access to a Wi-Fi network. This wikiHow article lists simple ways you can get internet where there is no service.

Things You Should Know

You may be able to use your cell phone as an internet hotspot for your other devices, such as computers and tablets.
Stores like Starbucks, Target, Tim Horton's, and McDonald's all have free Wi-Fi.
Check with your mobile phone provider for options like hotspots and internet sticks/dongles.

1

Use a public Wi-Fi network.

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If you don't have a cell signal, head to a location that has Wi-Fi. You'll often find free Wi-Fi hotspots at libraries, cafes, airports, fast food restaurants, and even on college campuses. Chain businesses like McDonald's, Starbucks, Subway, Dunkin' Donuts, Burger King, Peet's, Panera Bread, Tim Horton's, and Target all offer free Wi-Fi in stores. If you can get to one of these locations, you'll definitely be able to get online.
- If you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, your connection won't be encrypted. If possible, use a VPN any time you connect to a hotspot.
- You can install an app on your smartphone or tablet to locate public hotspots before you lose access to the internet. If you have an Android, try WeFi. On iPhone and iPad, try WiFi Map.
- You can also use the Facebook mobile app to find nearby Wi-Fi hotspots. Tap the three-line menu in the app, tap Settings & Privacy, and then tap Free Wi-Fi.^{[1]
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2

Tether to a device that has internet service.

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Tethering can be a great option if it's part of your cell plan. If you have a phone that has cellular service but don't have internet access for your computer, you can use your phone as a Wi-Fi access point. Not all mobile plans support tethering, though—contact your mobile phone provider to add tethering to your plan.
- If you want to use your iPhone as a personal hotspot, go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot > On.^{[2]
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- If you want to use your Android as a personal hotspot, go to Settings > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering and turn the switches on for the appropriate features.^{[3]
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- If you aren't happy with your smartphone's tethering features, try a cell phone booster. Basically, an outside antenna receives a signal from cell towers and a coaxial cable feeds internet or cell data into a signal booster, which then sends that information to an indoor antenna feed that you can pick up internet from. This is perhaps the best solution if your cell phone gets poor signal strength, but you want to watch Netflix.

3

Use your mobile provider's hotspot.

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Get a hotspot device from your cellular provider. This only works if you have a cell signal, however, so if you don't have cell service, skip this step. The most popular and best mobile hotspots include Verizon's Jetpack MiFi 8800L, HTC 5G Hub, and GlocalMe DuoTurbo. Getting a mobile hotspot is the best suggestion as long as you have cell service, so even traveling in an RV doesn't mean that you'll be without internet!
- The GlocalMe is suggested if you're traveling overseas since it works in 140 countries.

4

Share the internet with a friend or neighbor.

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If you live in an apartment building or condo, you may be able to use a neighbor's Wi-Fi network to get online if you don't have your own internet service. Just make sure to ask permission first or you'll simply be stealing from your friend.

5

Get an internet stick from your cellular provider.

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Think of a Wi-Fi USB Dongle like a more accessible mobile router. These are offered by cellular providers, like Verizon and AT&T, and are perfect for people who need internet as they travel. Don't expect great signal strength, speed, or range, though. A mobile hotspot is more reliable in those aspects.^{[4]
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6

Get satellite internet service.

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Satellite service is a great option for rural areas. Internet isn't only available through FiOS, cable, or a cell provider. Chances are high that your house or where you're going has a satellite connection, though the environment and weather can affect the signal.
- Once you sign up for satellite internet, you should receive a dish as well as instructions on how to connect to the internet.
- Satellite internet is probably the least efficient form of internet service. It’ll work, but don’t expect the speeds to be all that impressive.

7

Use fixed wireless broadband internet.

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Instead of using cell towers or a satellite, private companies have antennas positioned throughout rural communities that use radio waves to transmit internet connection. When you buy a plan, you'll have an antenna fitted to your house in line-of-sight of the host's antenna so you can use that internet connection. Don't expect fast internet speeds though.

8

Try Unlimitedville.

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Unlimitedville is a membership organization that offers unlimited and uncapped wireless data. This data is from carriers, like Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T, that you get to pick from for the right coverage for the area you're in. For example, the Red Plan (Verizon) offers more coverage in northern US states, like northern Michigan whereas the Pink Plan (T-Mobile) covers more area in places like Idaho.
- You can pick your plan with Unlimitedville, and since it's contract-free, cancel at any time!

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Warnings

Never plug a dongle into your computer if you received it from someone that you don't trust. Connecting hardware from unfamiliar sources could potentially infect your device with malware.

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