It’s no secret that an increasing number of devices are now coming equipped with the ability to connect to the internet without using wifi. From smartphones to smart TVs, more and more people are looking for ways to cut down on their monthly wifi bills.
But what if you don’t have a smartphone or a smart TV? What if you want to use your laptop or desktop computer to connect to the internet without using wifi? Don’t worry – it’s actually a lot easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll show you how easy it is to get connected and start surfing the web without spending a penny on extra wifi fees.
What is Wifi?
Wifi is a wireless network technology that allows devices to connect to the internet without the need for physical cables or wires. Wifi networks use radio waves to transmit data between devices, and they can be found in public places like coffee shops, libraries, and airports, as well as in private homes and businesses.
How Does Wifi Work?
Wifi networks work by broadcasting a signal that devices can connect to. Once a device is connected to the network, it can access the internet and start sending and receiving data.
Most wifi networks are password-protected, which means that only authorized devices can connect to the network. This helps to keep the network secure and prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data.
How to Connect to a Wifi Network
In order to connect to a wifi network, you’ll need a device that is equipped with wifi capabilities (such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet). Once you have a compatible device, simply turn on the wifi function and search for available networks. When you find the network you want to connect to, enter the password (if required) and you should be good to go.
How Devices Can Work Without Wifi
While wifi is a convenient way to connect to the internet, it’s not always necessary. There are actually a number of ways that you can use your devices without relying on wifi.
Ethernet cable:
For example, if you have a laptop or desktop computer, you can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable. This is a physical cable that plugs into your computer’s Ethernet port and then into an available port on your router. Once the connection is made, your computer will be able to access the internet just like it would if it were connected to a wifi network.
Cellular data:
If you have a smartphone, you can use the cellular data network to connect to the internet. Most smartphones come with a data plan that allows you to browse the web, check email, and use apps without using wifi. Keep in mind that cellular data can be slower than wifi, and it can also be more expensive (depending on your data plan).
Satellite:
If you live in a rural area or you simply want an alternative to wifi, you can always connect to the internet using a satellite. Satellite internet is available from a number of different providers, and it can be a great option for those who want high-speed internet without the need for a physical cable or wifi connection.
Why live without the internet at home?
Save money:
It costs $60 to $100 per month, on average, to have home internet service. If you cancel your home internet service and only use cellular data, you could save $720 per year.
Get rid of a wifi dead zone:
If you have trouble getting a strong wifi signal in certain areas of your home, using a device without wifi can eliminate the need for a wifi extender or repeater.
Boost your privacy:
If you’re concerned about someone hacking into your home network, using a device without wifi can help to reduce the risk. Keep in mind that nothing is 100% secure, but using a device that isn’t connected to the internet can make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your data.
Reduce EMF exposure:
If you’re concerned about the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), using a device without wifi can help to reduce your exposure. While the jury is still out on the long-term effects of EMF exposure, some people believe that it can contribute to health problems like headaches, fatigue, and anxiety.
Devices that can work without internet:
- Desktop computer:If you have a desktop computer, you can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable. This is a physical cable that plugs into your computer’s Ethernet port and then into an available port on your router. Once the connection is made, your computer will be able to access the internet just like it would if it were connected to a wifi network.
- Laptop computer:If you have a laptop computer, you can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable or a USB cable. With an Ethernet connection, you’ll need to plug the cable into your computer’s Ethernet port and then into an available port on your router. For a USB connection, you’ll need to plug the cable into your computer’s USB port and then into an available port on your router.
- Smartphone:If you have a smartphone, you can use the cellular data network to connect to the internet. Most smartphones come with a data plan that allows you to browse the web, check email, and use apps without using wifi.
- Tablet:If you have a tablet, you can connect to the internet using a cellular data network or a satellite. Satellite internet is available from a number of different providers, and it can be a great option for those who want high-speed internet without the need for a physical cable or wifi connection.
- External hard drive:If you have an external hard drive, you can store data on it and then access the data without an internet connection. This is a great option for those who want to back up their data or for those who want to access files while they’re offline.
How to use different home devices without wifi:
Desktop computer:
If you have a desktop computer, you can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable. This is a physical cable that plugs into your computer’s Ethernet port and then into an available port on your router. Once the connection is made, your computer will be able to access the internet just like it would if it were connected to a wifi network.
To set up an Ethernet connection, follow these steps:
1. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer’s Ethernet port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into an available port on your router.
3. Once the connection is made, your computer will be able to access the internet.
Laptop computer:
If you have a laptop computer, you can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable or a USB cable. With an Ethernet connection, you’ll need to plug the cable into your computer’s Ethernet port and then into an available port on your router. For a USB connection, you’ll need to plug the cable into your computer’s USB port and then into an available port on your router.
To set up an Ethernet connection, follow these steps:
1. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your computer’s Ethernet port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into an available port on your router.
3. Once the connection is made, your computer will be able to access the internet.
To set up a USB connection, follow these steps:
1. Plug one end of the USB cable into your computer’s USB port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into an available port on your router.
3. Once the connection is made, your computer will be able to access the internet.
Smartphone:
If you have a smartphone, you can use the cellular data network to connect to the internet. Most smartphones come with a data plan that allows you to browse the web, check email, and use apps without using wifi.
To connect to the internet using your smartphone’s data plan, follow these steps:
1. Open your smartphone’s settings app.
2. Tap “Cellular.”
3. Turn on the “Cellular Data” switch.
4. Once the switch is turned on, your smartphone will be able to connect to the internet.
Tablet:
If you have a tablet, you can connect to the internet using a cellular data network or a satellite. Satellite internet is available from a number of different providers, and it can be a great option for those who want high-speed internet without the need for a physical cable or wifi connection.
To connect to the internet using your tablet’s data plan, follow these steps:
1. Open your tablet’s settings app.
2. Tap “Cellular.”
3. Turn on the “Cellular Data” switch.
4. Once the switch is turned on, your tablet will be able to connect to the internet.
Printer:
If you have a printer, you can connect it to your computer using a USB cable. Once the connection is made, you’ll be able to print documents and photos from your computer without using wifi.
To set up a USB connection, follow these steps:
1. Plug one end of the USB cable into your printer’s USB port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into an available port on your computer.
3. Once the connection is made, your printer will be able to connect to your computer.
Scanner:
If you have a scanner, you can connect it to your computer using a USB cable. Once the connection is made, you’ll be able to scan documents and photos from your scanner without using wifi.
To set up a USB connection, follow these steps:
1. Plug one end of the USB cable into your scanner’s USB port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into an available port on your computer.
3. Once the connection is made, your scanner will be able to connect to your computer.
Camera:
If you have a digital camera, you can connect it to your computer using a USB cable. Once the connection is made, you’ll be able to transfer photos from your camera to your computer without using wifi.
To set up a USB connection, follow these steps:
1. Plug one end of the USB cable into your camera’s USB port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into an available port on your computer.
3. Once the connection is made, your camera will be able to connect to your computer.
External hard drive:
If you have an external hard drive, you can connect it to your computer using a USB cable. Once the connection is made, you’ll be able to access the files on your hard drive without using wifi.
To set up a USB connection, follow these steps:
1. Plug one end of the USB cable into your external hard drive’s USB port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into an available port on your computer.
3. Once the connection is made, your external hard drive will be able to connect to your computer.
Flash drive:
If you have a flash drive, you can connect it to your computer using a USB cable. Once the connection is made, you’ll be able to access the files on your flash drive without using wifi.
To set up a USB connection, follow these steps:
1. Plug one end of the USB cable into your flash drive’s USB port.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into an available port on your computer.
3. Once the connection is made, your flash drive will be able to connect to your computer.
Hey there! I am Nate, the editor here at Tech Without Wifi. I am a SaaS-certified tech expert with widespread experience using gadgets in off-grid locations without wifi. I run this blog and provide my readers with detailed guides on how to use tech gear including cameras, phones, TVs, baby monitors, smart homes, among others without wifi. He has published his work and guides widely including and he also offers specialized consulting services on setting up various installations without wifi. You can reach me on nate@techwithoutwifi.com