Places You Didn’t Know Had Free Wi-Fi
We have never been so dependent on technology. It’s how we communicate with work, with school, and with loved ones we can’t see in person. But internet connections tend to fail just when we need them—like in the middle of an important conference call, or right before a research paper deadline. On top of that, cellular dead spots are everywhere. In case of an emergency, just remember that there are plenty of places you didn’t know had free wi-fi, so grab your laptop and run on over.
Retail Stores
Big box stores may not have consistently strong Wi-Fi in all the corners, but you can ask employees if they have any tips and tricks.
- Walmart
- Target
- Apple Store
- Best Buy
- Office Depot
- Staples
- Barnes & Noble
- Lowe’s
- Michael’s
- Kohl’s
- Nordstrom
Coffee Shops
Free internet is still available to customers through an app or by agreeing to certain terms to login. Call and ask, or check when you’re in the drive-through. Local, independently owned coffee shops are probably eager to share Wi-Fi to keep customers coming.
- Peet’s
- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- Starbucks
- Caribou Coffee
Fast Food Restaurants
You may not be able to dine in, but you could connect while waiting in line, or at curbside.
- Panera
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- McDonald’s
- KFC
- Tim Hortons
- Burger King
- Subway
- Arby’s
- Taco Bell
Grocery Stores
You can connect and get some shopping done, but make sure you’re social distancing if you browse the internet in the aisles.
- Whole Foods
- Sam’s Club
- Safeway
- Kroger
- Meijer
- Publix
Buses
You can find connectivity on more and more public transportation. And if you’re if one of the brave students pioneering hybrid learning, you likely can find Wi-Fi right on your school bus.
Public Libraries
Even if your library is closed, you may want to check to see if they allow access to the internet from their parking lots.
A word of general warning: These might be places you didn’t know had free Wi-Fi, but you also don’t know how secure that free Wi-Fi is. Don’t enter any sensitive information when you’re connecting. Protect your personal data by enabling two-factor identification on frequently used sites, and disable the “connect automatically” option.
