How to get free WiFi for your tablet

By Jacqui Dent

Last updated 17 July 2018

So you've got your shiny new tablet and now it's time to take it out on the town. But unless you've got a 4G tablet (and maybe even if you do), you're going to need access to WiFi. You probably know you can get free WiFi from McDonald's. But if you're not in the mood for a Big Mac, how do you get the internet for your tablet when you're out and about? Here are our top tricks to find more WiFi, for free!

Use your mobile as a hotspot

This method is not technically free but if you've got spare data on your mobile plan, it might as well be. How it works is that you turn your smartphone into a tiny WiFi modem, to which your tablet can then connect. Be aware that data you use on your tablet while hotspotting will count towards your monthly mobile bill, so no Netflix unless you have a really large data plan. (And no, Optus' data-free Netflix streaming doesn't work when you hotspot.)

Use a WiFi finding app

Sure, the WiFi setting on your tablet will show you which networks are within range. But what about that great network at the cafe up the road that's just out of range? An app like Avast WiFi Finder can show you a map of free WiFi hotspots in your area and give information about network speed and security. It's free to download and it'll get you a hell of a lot more free WiFi.

Get Telstra Air

If you're a Telstra mobile or Telstra broadband customer, you probably have access to Telstra Air, the telco's Australia-wide network of WiFi hotspots. There's over one million around the country and Telstra customers get access to them for free. That means whenever your tablet is within range of a Telstra Air hotspot, you can binge as much Netflix, stream as much music, and read as much online news as you like.

The best way to access Telstra Air is to download the app to your tablet. If you're a Telstra mobile customer all you need to do then is log in using your Telstra ID. If you're a Telstra broadband customer, you'll need to register for Telstra Air first. You can read more about how to do that in our complete guide to Telstra Air.

Once you're logged in to the app, your tablet will automatically connect to Telstra Air WiFi whenever you're in range. Easy!

Not a Telstra customer? You can still get access to Telstra Air but unfortunately it won't be free. Telstra Air guest passes start at $5 for an hour and go as high as $30 for a 30-day unlimited pass. That's not a bad deal if you're going to be using a lot of Telstra Air data during that time. A $30 spend on pocket WiFi would get you between 6GB-15GB, depending on the plan and provider.

Get a pocket WiFi hotspot

Okay, so this method isn't actually free. But you can't find free WiFi hotspots for your tablet where you want them, it could be worth it. Pocket WiFi plans start from $10 per month for 1.5GB (not including the pocket modem) and can include up to 50GB of data. Read more about the best pocket Wi-Fi plans.