[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/isp/how-to-get-internet-without-wi-fi#maincontent) [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [Dialed In](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [Dialed In](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/) 1. [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) 2. Category:[ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) [ISPCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) # Top 4 Ways To Get Internet Without Wi-Fi Published: June 28, 2023 |8 min read Whether you're traveling or simply out of the house for a few hours, away from your [T-Mobile Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) service, accessing Wi-Fi without internet can pose a challenge, especially if you're trying to work on the go or need directions in an unfamiliar place where your phone just can't seem to catch a signal.  #### Jump to a Section^ 1. [Public Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com#public) 2. [Mobile hotspot](https://www.t-mobile.com#mobile) 3. [Tether your mobile device](https://www.t-mobile.com#tether) 4. [Use a USB Dongle](https://www.t-mobile.com#use) 5. [Why you might need an ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com#why) - Share "Top 4 Ways To Get Internet Without Wi-Fi" on X - Share "Top 4 Ways To Get Internet Without Wi-Fi" on Facebook - Share "Top 4 Ways To Get Internet Without Wi-Fi" on LinkedIn 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 4 of the best options for staying connected from anywhere. ## 1. __Public Wi-Fi__ Public Wi-Fi is an option for getting Wi-Fi without internet while [on the go](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/tips-tricks/how-to-get-wifi-on-the-go). Muchos lugares públicos, como aeropuertos, hospitales, centros comerciales, algunos parques públicos y bibliotecas, ofrecen conexión wifi para todos. Otros lugares, como cafeterías, hoteles y restaurantes, ofrecen wifi gratis a sus clientes. Conectarse a las redes wifi públicas suele ser bastante fácil. Solo tienes que buscar una red wifi disponible cerca de tu ubicación y encontrar el nombre correspondiente. Una vez que te hayas conectado, deberías poder empezar a usar Internet. Here's a more detailed guide: ### __How to connect to public Wi-Fi:__ - Open your device's Wi-Fi settings. - Look for a list of available networks. - Select the network name that matches your location (e.g., "CafeGuest" or "LibraryWiFi"). - If a login or agreement page doesn't automatically appear, open your browser and try to visit a website-you'll often be redirected. - Follow any on-screen prompts to accept terms or enter credentials (some locations require a password-ask staff if needed). - Once logged in, test your connection by opening a page or app. There are a few drawbacks to using public Wi-Fi. For starters, [Wi-Fi speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/got-need-for-faster-internet-speed) is based partially on bandwidth. Por lo tanto, si hay mucha gente tratando de usar la red wifi pública a la vez, el ancho de banda se divide entre cada usuario que intenta descargar y cargar información. Esto significa que la conexión a Internet en un lugar público tal vez no sea tan rápida como una conexión privada. Si necesitas hacer algo que requiere mucho ancho de banda, como hacer una videollamada, es posible que el wifi público no sea la mejor opción para ti. Also, public Wi-Fi is not as [secure](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/wi-fi-security-essential-protections) as a private connection. Como cualquiera puede conectarse a estos espacios, hay mayores probabilidades de que alguien con intenciones maliciosas se conecte en la zona. To circumvent this danger, you can use a [virtual private network (VPN)](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/security-and-wifi-how-does-a-vpn-work) 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. ## 2. __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.](https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/iot/hotspots) 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. Here's a closer look at how it works: ### __How to set up a mobile hotspot:__ __On iPhone:__ - Go to __Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot__. - Toggle __Allow Others to Join__ ON. - A Wi-Fi password will be generated-use it to connect your other devices. __On Android (may vary slightly):__ - Go to __Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering__. - Tap __Wi-Fi hotspot__ and toggle it ON. - Customize the network name and password if needed. - Connect your laptop or tablet using the displayed info. Sin embargo, al crear un hotspot móvil con tu teléfono, los datos de tu plan se consumen rápidamente, por lo que tienes que saber la cantidad de datos que incluye tu plan y cuánto cobra tu proveedor de servicio por superar ese límite de datos, ya que los cargos por excedentes de datos pueden acumularse muy rápidamente. Muchos ISP tienen varios planes de datos hotspot entre los que elegir. Ten en cuenta que los hotspots wifi pueden ser vulnerables a los piratas informáticos, ya que tu conexión está a la vista de cualquiera que esté a tu alrededor. If you travel frequently, especially if you travel to remote areas or outside the country, [buying a personal hotspot](https://www.t-mobile.com/hotspots-iot-connected-devices) might save you some time and money. Los hotspots personales actúan como enrutadores móviles. To use them, you'll need to [buy a data plan](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/affordable-data-plans/hotspots) from an [internet service provider (ISP)](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/isp/what-is-a-wireless-internet-service-provider-wisp) and then invest in the right hotspot for your needs. Muchos ISP venden hotspots personales que funcionan solamente con sus planes de datos. También puedes comprar hotspots móviles no conectados que funcionan con casi cualquier ISP. Al comprar un hotspot móvil, es importante recordar que no todos son iguales. 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 [gaming-friendly hotspot](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/mobile-hotspot-for-gaming-how-to-keep-the-action-going) with greater battery life and a higher-speed plan than someone who simply needs reliable Wi-Fi for answering emails while traveling abroad. Asegúrate de investigar e invertir en un hotspot que se adecúe a tus necesidades. Ten en cuenta la cantidad de dispositivos que utilizarás en conexión con tu hotspot personal, lo que necesitarás que hagan esos dispositivos y cuánto tiempo necesitarás que el hotspot pueda durar sin una fuente de alimentación para cargar la batería. If you're planning on being without a power source for long periods of time, it might be worth investing in a hotspot that not only has a long battery life, but can keep other devices charged, too. ## __3. 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. Para conectar tu dispositivo por tethering, necesitarás un cable USB. Here's a quick guide to how it works: ### __How to tether your device via USB:__ __On iPhone:__ - Plug your phone into your laptop using a Lightning-to-USB cable or just a USB cable (depending on the type of iPhone you have). - Go to __Settings > Personal Hotspot__ and enable it. - If prompted, select __USB only__. - Your computer should recognize the connection and route internet through your phone. __On Android:__ - Use a USB cable to connect your phone to your computer. - Go to __Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering__. - Toggle on __USB tethering__. - Your device will now act as a wired internet source for your laptop. Si bien los hotspots wifi pueden ser vulnerables a los hackers, al conectar tu dispositivo móvil por USB es más difícil hackear tu red, ya que está vinculada directamente a tu laptop u otro dispositivo. Además, el tethering mantendrá la batería de tu teléfono móvil cargada mientras lo usas como hotspot. Though tethering is usually faster and more secure, data charges for your mobile hotspot will still apply. ## __4. Use a__ [__USB dongle__](https://www.t-mobile.com/hotspot-iot-connected-devices/tcl-linkport-ik511) Another tool for internet access is using a USB Wi-Fi dongle, sometimes called a data stick. These plug into your laptop and connect directly to a mobile network using a SIM card and prepaid data plan. ### __How to use a Wi-Fi dongle:__ - Purchase a USB dongle compatible with your laptop (some are carrier-locked, others are unlocked). - Insert a SIM card with a data plan from a mobile provider. - Plug the dongle into your laptop's USB port. - Install any required software or drivers (your device may prompt you automatically). - Connect to the network and start using data. Los adaptadores wifi USB son ideales si no quieres depender de la batería o del plan de datos de tu smartphone. They're small, travel-friendly, and great for basic web use, emailing, and video calls on the go. ## __Why you might need an ISP__ While mobile hotspots, dongles, tethering, and public Wi-Fi are great temporary solutions, they may not be sufficient for daily, long-term internet needs-especially if you use multiple devices or need more consistent speeds. Here's why you might still want to invest in a traditional internet service provider (ISP): - __Higher bandwidth and speed__ for streaming, video calls, gaming, and uploads. - __More stable connections__ without worrying about signal strength or mobile coverage. - __Unlimited data__ options that won't run out before you're ready. - __Better support and equipment__ for households with many connected devices. En resumen, las 4 alternativas mencionadas anteriormente son excelentes para viajes, emergencias o un uso ocasional de Internet, pero para el uso diario en el hogar, un proveedor de servicios de Internet (ISP) confiable sigue siendo la mejor solución a largo plazo. T-Mobile is America's fastest growing [Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) provider. [Find out if it's available](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) in your area and then [try it out](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/15-day-test-drive) 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](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/phone-home-internet-bundle). ##### Sources: [https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/public-wifi-risks](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/public-wifi-risks) [https://support.apple.com/en-us/111785](https://support.apple.com/en-us/111785#:~:text=Make%20sure%20the%20device%20you,device%20providing%20the%20Personal%20Hotspot.) [https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/turn-your-phone-into-a-wi-fi-hotspot](https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/turn-your-phone-into-a-wi-fi-hotspot) [https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/mobile-hotspots](https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/mobile-hotspots) [https://support.apple.com/en-us/111785](https://support.apple.com/en-us/111785) [https://www.androidauthority.com/mobile-hotspot-setup-631280](https://www.androidauthority.com/mobile-hotspot-setup-631280) [https://www.howtogeek.com/170302/the-htg-guide-to-tethering-your-android-phone](https://www.howtogeek.com/170302/the-htg-guide-to-tethering-your-android-phone) [https://www.techradar.com/computing/wi-fi-broadband/how-to-use-a-broadband-dongle](https://www.techradar.com/computing/wi-fi-broadband/how-to-use-a-broadband-dongle) *\*Please note that product availability may vary, and some items mentioned may no longer be in stock or available at the time of reading. 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