How to Get WiFi on a Road Trip

When you're hitting the road, the last thing you want is to be stuck without WiFi, especially if you're working remotely, uploading content, or just trying to watch your favorite show at a cozy cabin (or campground). Whether you're road tripping for a week or living full-time on the move, staying online takes more than crossing your fingers for good signal.

Here’s how to stay connected wherever your wheels take you:

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1. Use Your Phone as a Hotspot

Most iPhones and Android phones let you share your data connection by creating a personal WiFi hotspot. It’s the easiest option and works well if you're traveling through places with decent cell service. After traveling for months at a time over the last five years, this is our go-to for WiFi on the road.

What you’ll need:

• A cell plan that includes hotspot access

• A solid signal (2–3 bars of LTE or 5G minimum)

How to Use Your iPhone as a WiFi Hotspot

Turning your iPhone into a personal hotspot is a quick way to get your laptop, tablet, or other devices online using your phone’s cellular data. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings

2. Tap “Personal Hotspot” (or go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot)

3. Toggle on “Allow Others to Join”

4. Set a WiFi password if you haven’t already

5. On your other device, open WiFi settings and select your iPhone from the network list

6. Enter the password and connect!

Once connected, your iPhone will act as a portable WiFi router. Just remember, it pulls from your data plan and can drain your battery quickly. Keep your phone plugged in while hotspotting and monitor your data usage, especially if your plan isn’t unlimited.

2. Bring a Dedicated Hotspot Device (MiFi)

If you’re planning to work remotely, upload large files, or travel with a crew that needs to be online at the same time, you might want to invest a portable WiFi hotspot.

These small devices (sometimes called MiFis) pull signal from cellular networks and broadcast a private WiFi network, just like the one at home.

Portable Hotspot Options

• Skyroam Solis Lite: This portable hotspot works in over 130 countries, providing a reliable connection wherever you go, and you can pay as you go for data.

• GlocalMe G4 Pro: This device offers global connectivity and comes with a touchscreen interface, making it easy to set up and use while traveling.

• SIMO Solis Lite WiFi Mobile Hotspot: This hotspot is perfect for remote workers and digital nomads, providing secure and reliable mobile internet in over 135 countries without the need for a SIM card.

Using a dedicated hotspot device can be worth it because it allows you to get online without draining your phone battery, something that happens quickly when using a phone as a hotspot. These devices also support multiple connections at once, so you can keep your laptop, tablet, and even a second phone connected simultaneously. This makes them a great choice for digital nomads, remote workers, long road trips, and international travel.

3. Consider Starlink Roam for Remote Travel

If you're heading deep into the backcountry—where cell towers don’t dare to go—Starlink Roam by SpaceX might be your best friend. It’s satellite internet for travelers, offering surprisingly fast speeds in places with zero cell signal. All you need is a clear view of the sky and a little setup space.

Starlink Roam works virtually anywhere, including deserts, forests, mountains, and even remote national parks. It requires both the Starlink dish and a monthly subscription, and while the upfront cost is higher than other options, it offers unmatched internet access in areas without cell service.

This makes it ideal for van lifers, RV travelers, content creators, or anyone who needs reliable internet while spending time in truly remote places.

4. Don’t Forget About Public WiFi Stops

Not everything has to be high-tech. Sometimes, the best WiFi is waiting for you at a pit stop.

Where to find free WiFi on the road:

• Coffee shops (Starbucks, local cafés, fast-casual spots)

• Libraries (free, quiet, and usually fast)

• Fast food restaurants (McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Panera)

• Campgrounds or RV parks (WiFi is often included, though quality varies)

Remember, public WiFi isn’t always secure. If you're logging into sensitive accounts or working on anything private, use a VPN to stay safe.

5. Prepare for no-WiFi Zones

If you're heading into remote areas, it helps to assume you won’t have service. Download maps, playlists, and files ahead of time, and schedule big uploads or meetings for town days when possible. Apps like Google Docs, Spotify, and Google Maps all offer offline modes, which can be a lifesaver when you’re trying to stay productive between signal zones.

Also keep in mind that having signal doesn’t help if your laptop or phone is dead. Use car adapters, portable batteries, and power inverters to keep everything juiced up (see our road trip charging guide for full setup tips).