15 Totally Legal Ways to Get Your Internet at Home Without Paying for It

Updated on: by Amy Kennedy

The average person pays $50 a month for home internet. Find out how to get your at-home internet access completely free (and legally!) with these 11 tips. Don’t be surprised if the internet service provider you called wants to charge $40 to $60 per month for high-speed internet.

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According to Time, the average person pays about $50 per month for a broadband connection.

Only a decade ago, the average was about $10!

As our internet gets speedier and more people hop on to the web, internet prices keep on rising.

It’s no wonder, then, that people take advantage of free WiFi wherever they go, like airports, hotels, and even restaurants.

But, what can you do at home to save money on your internet every month?

There are actually quite a few tricks and tips we have up our sleeves that can get you free internet.

And, they’re all 100% legal ways to do it.

Ways to Get Free Internet Connection

Is free internet possible?

Is it legal?

Let me reiterate that nothing about these free internet hacks is illegal.

These are all legit ways to get free internet that won’t get you into any legal trouble.

It’s all about knowing your rights and what certain companies and organizations provide for consumers.

I will state that some of these are government programs or only for those with low incomes.

So, they may not all fit the bill for you, but you can likely find something on this list that will work for your situation.

Connect to Compete

Connect to Compete is a program started by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and EveryoneOn.org to help low-income families in disadvantaged areas get free internet access.

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The internet is almost a necessity in today’s world.

Students need it to learn, teachers need it to teach, and families use it to communicate, stay involved with their jobs, and keep up-to-date with news.

Unfortunately, not everyone can afford $50 a month for internet.

This program seeks to change that by getting the internet into more homes and schools.

On the website, you can enter your zip code and click “Find Offers” to see if anything is available for your area.

You may have access to cheap internet access, or even get internet service for free.

It all depends on your location, fund availability, and your income needs.

Typically, if you have low income, live in public housing, or currently receive some sort of government assistance, you may be able to qualify.

If you don’t qualify for one of the Connect to Compete low-cost or free plans, you can check out some of the other reduced-price plans from various internet service providers listed on the website.

They’ll still have eligibility requirements, but you may qualify for one more easily.

Some programs are even free for students at specific schools or districts.

All Free ISP

All Free ISP helps consumers find cheap or free internet service in their areas.

The simple website lets you search your state or area code and lists both cheap and free internet service providers in your area.

The website also provides a rating for each provider based on customer satisfaction, price, reliability, customer service, and other factors.

All Free ISP doesn’t provide any internet access itself, but instead maintains an updated database of some of the best offers all over the United States.

The FAQ section mentions that many of the free offers are 100% free with no setup or other fees.

All Free ISP explains that these providers typically make their money from advertisements that get shown before you connect to the internet.

So, if you don’t mind viewing some ads before you connect, they could be a great way for you to get free internet access if you live in an area where it’s available.

FreedomPop

FreedomPop offers free internet access to mobile and computer users.

It also has several offers for those who want cheaper services than what their current ISP provides.

To take advantage of FreedomPop’s completely free internet, you can sign up on the website.

Basically, FreedomPop sends you a free internet hotspot device.

It includes everything you need to get started, like a charger and manual.

Your first month, you’ll get 10GB of data free.

After that, you’ll have up to 500MB of data free.

If you need any more, you can always purchase another plan.

FreedomPop does require a deposit for the device to ensure that it gets returned once you’re done with the service.

If you send it back within a year, you get your money back.

Aside from that, it’s completely free. 500MB isn’t a lot of data, but it could be a good way to save money on mobile data if you’re an occasional phone data user.

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How to Get Free WiFi Near Me: WiFi Free Spot

WiFi Free Spot helps you find businesses and locations in your area that have free WiFi.

Often, it’s not advertised, so you may not know a business does unless you visit it regularly.

That’s where this site comes in handy.

Click on your state or country – it has a database that covers several countries – and then browse the cities until you find yours.

If you live close enough to one of the local businesses, you may be able to use its public WiFi at home!

If you want to search for public hotspots when you travel, you can also download WiFi Map, an app for iOS and Android.

It works much like the WiFi Free Spot website, only in app form.

Let the app browse your current location to find open hotspots to join when you’re staying away from home.

You may even be able to find real-time updates of hotspots near your home to get internet there.

Check with Your Internet Service Provider

Several internet service providers do provide free internet services, but they don’t always make it well-known.

Some ISPs have highly discounted internet service – $10 a month or cheaper!

But, they usually try to upsell you to a higher speed that you don’t necessarily need.

So, always make sure you ask first about all of your options before signing up (or, if you are a customer, don’t be afraid to call and ask!).

But, if you bundle services with the provider, there’s a good chance you can get your internet for free.

Many large ISPs are starting to bundle phone, internet, and TV services together to save customers money.

Often, they’ll have offers for 1 year or more of internet service free when you bundle more than one service.

If you’re considering one of the other services anyway, this can be a great way to save!

Once your year of free service ends, there is usually another similar offer waiting.

Most companies will be happy to switch you to a current offer rather than risk you going to another company.

Get 10 Free Hours of Internet Service Per Month

NetZero and Juno are two ISPs that offer 10 free hours of internet service per month.

This is perfect for those who aren’t heavy internet users to save money on the service.

These offers are for dial-up internet rather than broadband. So, it won’t work for you if you’re into gaming, watching videos, or doing anything on the internet that requires some speed.

But, occasional internet users can enjoy free internet for 10 hours a month in exchange for advertisement displays in their browsers.

You can sign up for NetZero’s free service here.

Members of the service are also eligible to receive special discounts on other NetZero products and services.

Juno’s free internet program and you can receive multiple free e-mail addresses, too!

Ask a Neighbor

If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, you can always ask them if they’d be willing to share their internet.

You can offer an exchange of services, such as keeping their lawn mowed or windows washed in exchange for internet.

If that’s a no-go, maybe offering to pay every other month will convince them to share.

You’ll only pay 6 months of the year, making the other 6 months completely free.

When you make an offer, make sure your neighbors know that you’ll be responsible with your internet usage by keeping the password safe, using secure websites, and not doing anything illegal with the internet.

Draw up a friendly agreement to keep everyone’s best interests at heart.

Check for a Municipal Wireless Network in Your Area

Some areas around the world have free WiFi, known as a municipal wireless network.

This is a citywide network that connects WiFi connections from businesses and government offices throughout a city.

These networks can be instrumental in giving everyone access to the internet, even when they can’t afford it, especially underprivileged families and schools.

It’s mostly large metropolitan areas that have them, but more areas are starting to catch onto the idea.

Some places have a few restrictions, such as a limit of two free hours per day, or restricted to outdoor and park areas only.

You can check Wikipedia’s extensive list of current municipal wireless networks around the world to see if there’s one in your area and what, if any, restrictions exist.

Bookmark CheapInternet

If you can’t seem to find anything in your area for free internet, keep CheapInternet bookmarked so you can keep checking back on it.

This website keeps an updated database of the cheapest – and free – internet deals so you can always view current offers.

Even if you can’t find free offers in your area, you’ll likely find something much more affordable than $50 a month.

Don’t forget to browse the offers in your state by clicking ‘Plans By State’ at the top of the site.

Here, you’ll find offers for low-income families and other low-cost options.

Use Your Phone as a Hotspot

Most of today’s mobile devices offer a “hotspot” feature, which may also be called tethering.

What’s a hotspot?

Basically, it turns your mobile device into an internet-giving device. It acts like a router, giving internet signal by using your mobile data.

You can turn on the hotspot feature and then connect other devices to it that are within range using the instructions on your mobile device.

Now, this isn’t a great idea if you don’t have a lot of mobile data every month because every time you use your hotspot, you’ll also use data.

However, unlimited data can be relatively affordable now with most mobile providers, so you might want to check into it. It could end up less expensive than paying for internet separately.

As long as you don’t have to worry about going over a data limit and running into overage charges, this can be a great way to connect for no extra cost at home.

See If Your School District Offers Free Internet for Students

Some school districts that serve mostly low-income families may qualify for free internet access for their students to have at home.

Clarksdale, Mississippi, for example, is one district whose high school students get free web access at home, because the district serves several families in poverty.

The details regarding how schools get picked for such a wonderful benefit isn’t very clear, but you can always request a meeting with your district superintendent to discuss a program like this for your own school.

There will likely be several hoops the district will need to go through since it’s a federally-backed program, but your help getting the ball rolling could benefit the future of all students who attend.

Plus, as a parent or guardian of a student, you’ll be able to access the internet for free too!

Wi-Fi Sharing Communities

Join Wi-Fi sharing communities such as Instabridge, which is a free internet app that helps you find and connect to nearby Wi-Fi networks.

It provides information on the nearest Wi-Fi spots, their performance level, and walking distance. You may be able to access free Wi-Fi networks shared by individuals in your community.

Public Libraries

Many public libraries offer free internet access to their patrons. You can visit your local library and use their Wi-Fi network to get online.

Some libraries also provide designated areas with computer stations that you can use for internet access.

Coffee Shops and Restaurants

Numerous coffee shops, restaurants, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi to their customers. You can visit these establishments and enjoy their Wi-Fi while having a cup of coffee or a meal.

Keep in mind that it’s expected to make a purchase in exchange for using their Wi-Fi network.

Community Centers and Nonprofit Organizations

Community centers, nonprofit organizations, and religious institutions sometimes provide free internet access to the community.

They may offer open Wi-Fi networks or have computer labs available for public use. Check with local community centers or organizations to see if they offer free internet access.

Instabridge

This free internet app will help sniff out Wi-Fi passwords if you are in proximity to one. It shows the nearest Wi-Fi spot and the level of performance and walking distance to it.

Read More: Stop Paying for Data: 12 Ways to Get Free Cell Phone Internet

Saving Money on Your Internet

Sometimes, free may just not work for you. If you need a long-term solution for inexpensive internet, these options may be your best bet.

Save Money Using Super Cheap Internet Services

Like most things, some internet services are much cheaper than others.

They’ll likely not offer top speeds like more expensive services, but they’ll give you basic internet that’ll be enough to check your email and access websites.

Access from AT&T is made especially for low-income citizens who need internet access.

The service is for 3 Mbps internet, which is very slow compared to most internet speeds, but it’s only $5 a month. You can’t beat the price tag.

To qualify, at least one person in your home must be eligible to receive SNAP benefits.

There’s also Internet Essentials by Comcast, which is $9.95 per month and offers 10 Mbps. It’s not super fast, but this speed is decent enough to let you get most normal web tasks done.

You can always check with your local internet providers to see what their cheapest services are, most of which are ones they rarely, if ever, advertise.

Remove Some of the Cost of Internet with Lifeline

Lifeline is a federally funded program that helps people lower their phone and internet costs every month.

If you qualify, you could get a $9.95 reduction on your monthly internet bill, which leads to a savings of almost $120 a year.

The only catch is that you can only use it for either your phone or internet service, but not both. Also, only one person in the household can utilize the program at a time.

To be eligible, you’ll need to qualify with your income or currently receive some type of government assistance, like Medicaid or SNAP benefits.

You can read more about eligibility by visiting the Lifeline website.

No Luck Getting Free or Low-Cost Internet at Home? Use One of These Places That Offer Free Wi-Fi

If you’re not fortunate enough to have one of the above free or low-cost options work for you, you may still be able to get 100% free access to Wi-Fi in places near your home.

Sure, you’ll need to step outside of the house and go somewhere with your laptop or mobile device, but it’s worth it to save money in internet every month.

If you live in a large town or city, you’ll probably have loads of option available to you, but even those in rural areas and small towns can likely find at least one of these places with free internet service.

Café

Local coffee shops are some of the best places to hop on Wi-Fi and get to work (or just have fun browsing!).

Not only do most of them have areas with comfy seating and outlets to charge up laptops and devices, but their atmospheres are calm and quiet, which makes the perfect setting for relaxing with a good internet connection.

Some coffee shops won’t require you to buy anything to use their Wi-Fi connection; others might. There’s no harm in asking if you’re not sure.

Cozy up with your mobile device, a good cup of coffee, and enjoy free internet at your favorite café. You might even make some new like-minded friends!

Restaurant

Nowadays, most restaurants and fast food places offer free internet for paying customers.

McDonald’s is one of them that’s upgrading most locations to be café-like, offering special seating areas for customers with outlets for plugs and space for working on a laptop.

Several other big-name restaurants, like Denny’s, Taco Bell, Subway, and Buffalo Wild Wings, are among the many starting to allow customers free connections.

Those who live in a small area might not find as many places to connect, but it’s probably only a matter of time before most restaurants will be up to speed.

Just be sure to check with a restaurant before you visit to see if their connections can be used by non-paying customers if you’re not interested in buying anything.

They may sometimes allow it but might not let you sit there all day to take advantage of it.

Library

The library is one of the best places to find free Wi-Fi!

Most libraries now offer internet service for free, whether you have a library card or not (although some still do allow only card-carrying customers to use it).

You might have to sign in so that the library knows who’s connected, but others allow you just to come in, sit down, and hop on the ‘net.

Libraries have comfortable seating areas and large tables that make it perfect for you to find just the right space for your needs, whether you want to work or lounge.

Plus, they’re quiet and relaxing!

You don’t even need to bring your own computer to the library because most offer their computer sections for free.

Check with the librarian for internet usage rules, because some libraries will block some types of sites and may only allow you a certain amount of time to use the web to keep it freed up for others who need it.

Hotel Lobby

Hotel lobbies are known for their comfortable seating areas where people can socialize, lounge outside of their room, or wait in comfort while their room is getting ready.

These lobbies usually have free Wi-Fi for guests and visitors, and some hotels even have conference rooms that you might be able to utilize if you need a quiet space.

It’s a good idea to check with the person at the desk first, because not all hotels may appreciate random people without a room coming in to use their Wi-Fi.

Still, it’s worth a shot when you’re in a pinch and need to hop on the internet.

Museum

Do you have any museums near you?

If so, you might be able to use them occasionally to hop on their Wi-Fi.

Although some museums do have admission costs, others are free to the public.

Some museums even have nice seating areas located in their lobbies or throughout the museum (if it’s large) where you can relax with your computer.

Or, check out the museum’s cafeteria or restaurant, which might be a great place to also grab something to eat while you browse the web!

Co-Working Space

A lot of freelancers and people with home businesses have started using co-working spaces to get work done so they’re not always stuck at home.

These spaces are similar to offices, only they provide fun perks for people who work remotely so they can still interact and collaborate with others.

Some co-working spaces have gyms, cafés, restaurants, gardens, and more to make the space more than just a working area.

They also have Wi-Fi, of course, so you can access the internet!

Co-working spaces aren’t usually free, but a lot of them offer a free first month so you can try them and see if they fit your needs.

If you love it, you might consider purchasing a monthly membership. Some offer annual memberships, too, which could discount the cost enough to make it cheaper than buying internet for your home.

Bookstore

I personally love using the internet in bookstores because their atmospheres are so calming. Plus, you can meet all kinds of interesting people in a bookstore!

Large chain bookstores usually have free Wi-Fi for guests and several seating areas where you can use your laptop.

Accessing Free Internet Safely

If you are fortunate enough to have free internet at your home through a special program, then you can safely browse the internet without being concerned about your information spreading across a public WiFi system.

Having a private network at home is definitely the best choice, but it’s not an option for everyone.

If instead, you have your free internet through a public hotspot, as some of the free access to internet tips explain, then you’ll need to be vigilant about your security.

Using Secure Websites

When you use public internet, like WiFi hotspots, you’re opening yourself up to potentially dangerous security issues.

It’s especially important to pay attention to the security of the websites you visit.

One of the most important things you can do that’s simple is check the URL of the website.

Does it have ‘https:’ at the front instead of ‘http:’? Good, that means it’s secure and won’t store your data!

You can also look for trust elements on sites on which you intend to make a purchase.

Look for trust seals from Verisign, PayPal, or other trustworthy sites.

But, don’t just trust a graphic – make sure you do some research to make sure those websites are actually trusted by the companies.

You should also look for company information with as much detailed contact information as possible.

A legit company will have no problem providing its contact details.

Protecting Your Personal Information

Now, keep your personal data secure.

First, check out your computer’s security settings.

You should have a security program installed, like a firewall, that can help blog malicious sites from gaining access to your information.

Make sure your browser doesn’t save cookies and helps block sites with security vulnerabilities.

Also, be careful about entering your personal information on websites, like your social security number or bank information.

When you’re using public internet, you can easily fall victim to security vulnerabilities that put your information in the wrong hands.

Only use websites you trust with your information.

Finally, make sure you log out of your website and e-mail accounts every time you use them and don’t store your passwords in your browser.

Avoid Automatic Connections

When you look on your laptop or mobile device for Wi-Fi connections, you’ll see a box labeled as “Connect Automatically,” or something similar.

Be sure to uncheck this box.

Yes, it’s convenient to have your device connect as soon as you are in range of a connection without you having to do anything, but it’s not-so-safe for your personal data.

Let’s say you have your phone set to automatically connect to the library’s Wi-Fi.

That’s convenient if you want to use the connection right then. But, maybe this time you’re just searching for books.

If you’re there an hour, your phone’s connected for that whole hour, giving hackers the potential to access your information through the connection.

Your best bet is to connect manually and remember to disconnect as soon as you’re done using the internet.

Stay Away from File Sharing

Public internet connections should never be used for file sharing.

Some connections block it automatically for your safety, but others aren’t quite as strict.

If you use Google Drive, Dropbox, or anything else that syncs files automatically between your devices once you’re connected to the internet, you might want to turn off the automatic syncing and wait to sync files yourself when you’re on a private connection.

That way, you can keep all your important documents, photos, videos, and other media safe from the wrong hands or eyes.

Use a VPN for Extra Security

A VPN, short for virtual private network, is a good way to protect yourself if you’re not using a secure internet connection.

It essentially provides a barrier between your personal information and the internet by encrypting the data that moves to and from the connection and your device.

You can even connect to a different country for an extra layer of protection to hide your identity.

There are VPNs available for mobile devices, too, so you can even keep your tablet and phone data safe.

Conclusion: How to Get Free Internet at Home Without Paying

See – free internet is possible.

Although it seems more likely to get free internet if you live in a more populated area, more places are starting to catch on to how important it is for residents to stay connected.

It likely won’t be long before more locations have municipal wireless networks or businesses with public WiFi as the internet becomes more of a necessity than a want.

Continue to check out your local ISPs, as their offers change frequently.

It might even be a good idea to sign up for their e-mail lists so you can be the first to learn about their new offers and discounts.

Do you have free internet? Do you know of other legal ways to score free internet at home?

If so, tell us about it in a comment!

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Randy Barton

October 26, 2017 at 7:44 pm

I am disabled and the aprtment’s I live in , pay for cox cableee! However I am paying nearly $50.00 a month for wifi!!!! What can I do ttttttto get a lower price or better yet free wifi!

Mitzi A Levine

February 25, 2020 at 1:06 pm

Be thankful as ive been homeless over a year minimum waiting on low income wait lists just to get in an apt..paying $400 cash a month just to sleep on someones couch!! Trying to find internet service alone to pay is hard enough with scarce companies

Margarita

December 6, 2020 at 1:37 am

How can i get wifi

Dilsedemoui

May 26, 2021 at 2:56 pm

Dear Ms. Margarita,

Hello. You can purchase your own router ( NetGear ) and connect your cell phone to it by the app of the manufacturer website.

Mandy

June 12, 2021 at 11:21 pm

Xfinity Internet Essentials…. it’s for low-income customers and because of the COVID stuff going on right now it’s free. It’s not more than $10/month out of my pocket when it’s isn’t free! I’m able to hook up to the internet with my phone or tablet/computer everywhere I have to option to hook to xfinitywifi!! And they also give you a modem to have at your house!!… You just have to provide proof that you’re receiving some type of assistance, like food stamps or Amy type of medical assistance. I believe social security is accepted as a form of assistance too!!

Jack Titchener

October 31, 2017 at 7:38 pm

I never knew that the FCC started a program to help low-income families get internet access. This is really comforting news, especially when I don’t make enough money to get high-speed internet. I’ll have to keep my eyes out for any programs that can help.

Celina Rios

March 29, 2018 at 7:43 pm

You all are awesome! I am a single mother with two teens and I need inexpensive internet service. It was such a relief to hear such great programs.

Carla Reed

May 25, 2018 at 2:11 am

I signed up with several sites to do on line surveys. I did the surveys but never got paid. Can you suggest a site that is for real. Thanks

Philip neu

August 29, 2018 at 1:12 am

I have my own modem and my own smart Wi-Fi router but no ISP, the rates for the local isps are extremely high can i tap in through a cable jack to allow my modem access to the internet? If so how do i go about this?

Anonymous

March 28, 2020 at 10:25 pm

That would be theft of cable provider, and punishable by a huge find and or prison time.

Debra A Devereaux

November 27, 2018 at 1:28 pm

I am trying to get my disability and can’t afford to pay for wifi in my home.What options are available for me with inexpensive payments ?

Theresa Coleman

April 18, 2019 at 7:19 am

I am 65 years old and now responsible for three grandchildren ages 15 through nine they need Internet for school and Wi-Fi and I cannot afford it much longer because the kids are expensive can someone help me lower my cost

Jeannie L Dollahan

June 17, 2019 at 5:34 am

If i have my own netgear modem and i have an wirwless N router duak band wifi by linksys n600 and if i have a usb a.c. wireless adapter and it’s also NETGEAR. Would I still need an internet provider . What is the vest internet provider. It will be ny own wifi connection. Thanks please respond soon.

Laura Bishop

November 1, 2019 at 3:58 am

Did you ever get an answer to this question? I’m curious to know if it worked or if you figured out how to not have to go through an ISP.

Kevin

June 10, 2020 at 5:45 am

Interesting read indeed. There is ways to get it, and it’s legal (and legit too).