7 helpful tips for anyone connecting to public Wi-Fi

This is no longer the case It’s hard to find Wi-Fi when you leave home. Hotels, restaurants, bars, transport hubs, sports stadiums, shops, city parks and many other places offer Internet access nowadays, and access is often free if you’re willing to give up an email address.

This makes staying connected much easier, whether you’re working away from the office, or trying to catch up on your favorite TV show while on vacation. But the increasing prevalence and convenience of public Wi-Fi doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make more of it, and to better protect yourself when you’re online.

These networks aren’t the same as the Wi-Fi in your home or office, meaning there are different points to consider. Here’s how to stay connected to public Wi-Fi like a pro.

1. Improve speeds

You’re somewhat limited when it comes to optimizing speeds on public Wi-Fi because you don’t actually control the network, but there are some ways to maximize performance. For example, keep your apps and browser tabs to a minimum, and perhaps turn off that cloud storage syncing temporarily.

Trying different modes can help secure you a faster connection. Even if you’re in a hotel lobby or a coffee shop, it makes a bigger difference than you might think. The main router should be visible somewhere, so look for it. If there are multiple public Wi-Fi networks in your location, try switching to a network lower on the list that fewer people may be connected to.

This isn’t always possible, but connect your laptop to a wired Ethernet connection where you can, as you’ll notice better speeds and less interference than other people. You can sometimes find wired connections in hotel rooms and coworking spaces, and if you frequent those places, it may be helpful to get an adapter just for this purpose.

2. Use a VPN

It is recommended to use a VPN when connected to Wi-Fi.David Nield

This is a big one. VPN (virtual private network) apps are often sold as a way to spoof your location and prevent other parties from tracking your online browsing, but they also work well for staying safe on public Wi-Fi. Basically, they make it more difficult for someone else on the same Wi-Fi network to see what you’re doing.