Free wifi on your cell phone - how it works
Related Videos: How WiFi and Cell Phones Work | Wireless Communication Explained (May 2024).
Free WiFi on your phone is worth a lot if you want to watch videos or download larger files on the go. If you use a free WiFi network, you do not strain your data volume and are sometimes even faster on the net.
The classic: Find free WiFi hotspots for your mobile phone
For a long time, Germany was left behind when it came to free wifi hotspots in public places such as cafes or restaurants. The main reason for this was legal uncertainty - many operators feared that they could be held responsible for possible criminal offenses committed by users. In the meantime, however, the situation has changed and you will find free WiFi access in many places that you can use with your mobile phone.
- The quickest way to find out whether a free WiFi network is nearby is to go to the settings of your smartphone and view the available WiFi networks there. A free WiFi is usually not protected with a password, so you can simply tap on it and connect. Most of the time you will be redirected to an internal login, where you have to accept the terms of use. Then you can already use the network.
- In cafes, hotels and Co. you can almost always use the WiFi free of charge. Sometimes, however, you have to inquire and have an employee give you the access data. Then simply search for the corresponding WiFi and log in with the password.
- Tip: You should be particularly careful with your data in free WiFi networks, as this can easily be fished by strangers. You should definitely avoid sensitive processes such as online banking here.
Search for WiFi via app
You don't have to search for free WiFi manually. There are practical apps to help you do this.
- A practical service for free WiFi is the "Instabridge" app, which you can download free of charge for Android and iOS. The app contains an extensive directory of WiFi hotspots, which you can also download for your own location and thus use offline. The map will then clearly show you where the closest hotspots are. Particularly practical: the passwords for password-protected hotspots are often stored in the app. So you don't even have to ask for the password, but can connect directly.
- Another exciting project is the "Freifunk" app, which is also available for download for Android and iOS. The principle here is that private individuals make part of their bandwidth freely available. This creates a dense network of WiFi hotspots, especially in large cities, which you can use free of charge with your mobile phone.
Use other people's cell phone hotspots
If your own data volume has been used up, you can still ask friends and acquaintances for help who have sufficient data available. Nowadays practically every cell phone can set up its own WiFi network into which other mobile devices can dial.
- Setting up the hotspot is not difficult. We will show how it works for Android phones and iPhones in further articles.
- When setting up the hotspot, you should also pay attention to security. Always assign a password for the network so that no unauthorized persons can dial in.
Security is an important issue when it comes to wifi networks. In our next practical tip, we'll show you how you can optimally secure your own WiFi.