Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi on my laptop?
Mostly, yes, for everyday browsing. Nearly all websites now use HTTPS, which scrambles what you send so others on the network can't read your passwords or bank details. The bigger risks are fake networks with look-alike names and clicking past a browser warning.
HTTPS still leaves a little showing. Others on the network can often tell which sites you visit, even if they can't see what you do there. An evil twin is a fake network a scammer names to look like the real one, such as "Cafe Free WiFi" next to "Cafe WiFi". If you join it, they control your connection and can show fake sign-in pages.
On Windows, make sure the network is set to Public network, which hides your laptop from other devices there. You'll find it in Settings, Network & internet, Wi-Fi, under that network's properties. Your phone's hotspot is a simple way to skip the risk entirely. A trusted VPN hides which sites you visit from others on the network, but it doesn't stop phishing or malware.
- Ask staff for the exact network name before joining
- Set the network to Public network on Windows
- Never click past a "connection isn't private" warning
- Be wary of a Wi-Fi sign-in page that wants your email password or card details
- Forget the network when you leave
How secure is your computer overall? Take the 2-minute checkup →
Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi
From the Securing Your Wi-Fi course. Use café and airport Wi-Fi without handing your data to strangers.
Try it on the practice computer Read the full lesson
The reading is free. The hands-on lab is part of Pro.