Starbucks is definitely one of the go-to coffee shops to just sit down, relax, have a cup of coffee, take care of some work, write a book, or do anything that demands your attention while also being outside to change the pace of work.
This can be very refreshing, but, we are also in the age of the internet, which means that if you can’t use Wi-Fi, it may be a little more difficult to relax in a coffee shop to do some work, so does Starbucks have free wifi? let’s find out.
Does Starbucks Have Free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Starbucks offers free wifi in almost all locations! Some Starbucks can require a purchase for access to their wifi, but they are in the minority and typically the locations outside the United States.
Starbucks has been offering free Wi-Fi for more than 10 years.
In a post from stories.starbucks.com back in 2010, Howard Schultz, chairman, president, and chief executive of Starbucks said:
Our customers were asking for a simplified Wi-Fi offering, and free Wi-Fi has been a top request on MyStarbucksIdea.com. We’re excited to turn this feedback into action and believe our customers will be delighted with the enhanced experience they’ll find in Starbucks stores
How Do I Connect to Starbucks Wi-Fi
It’s a very simple process, once you are in the store, follow these steps:
- Find the list of Wi-Fi networks that are available on your device.
- Choose the network named “Google Starbucks”.
- Go to the web browser.
- If it is your first time using the network, you’ll have to enter your first and last name, email address, and zip code at the prompt.
- If you go often, you’ll log in automatically so it’s easier for you.
Can I Sit Outside Starbucks And Get Wi-Fi?
Yes, you don’t need to be inside the store in order to get Wi-Fi signal, so you can easily connect to Starbucks just by getting close enough.
The ideal or good thing to do would be to buy something and then use the Wi-Fi since the service is for customers and it looks a little bit bad that you stand outside and use the Wi-Fi that was meant for paying customers.
However you now know the answer, it’s up to you if you want to do the right thing and be a good customer or take advantage of the signal range.
Still, you may have an emergency, and if that’s the case, you could just notify the staff at Starbucks. Whatever the case may be, there are no strict rules about it, so approach the situation however you want, now that you know you can.
Does Starbucks Still Have Wi-Fi When Closed?
Yes, it doesn’t matter if they are open or closed, you’ll still be able to use Wi-Fi at Starbucks if you are close enough to the store
How Fast Is Starbucks Free Wi-Fi?
If you were worried about Starbucks Wi-Fi being too slow, then you don’t have to worry anymore, as it has some of the best internet speed if not the best, from all the food chains available.
Starbucks internet speed goes up to 50 Mbps with its download speed, which is more than enough for your average internet usages such as working, loading sites, videos, and more.
To have an idea of how good their internet speed is, Netflix recommends 15 Mbps to watch on 4K/Ultra HD, although we are not telling you to go watch Netflix at a Starbucks since it might be a little distracting.
Is Starbucks Wi-Fi Safe?
While we have been showing you nothing but praise for the quality of Starbucks Wi-Fi, there is one thing we can say for certain, and that is its safety.
Starbucks Wi-Fi isn’t really safe, but they can’t do much about it due to its public nature so if you do like to sit down at a Starbucks with your laptop try not to use any apps or sites that store valuable information or use bank accounts and make transactions too often, only do it if you really have too.
In the end, it’s still a public place, and with it comes public Wi-Fi so keep your internet use to a minimum to avoid sharing important details.
How to Protect Yourself While Using Starbucks Wi-Fi
If you are still very much interested in connecting to the internet with Starbucks Wi-Fi while having a nice cup of coffee, there is nothing wrong with that, in fact, it’s great that you want to add a little spin to the day to day routine, especially if you are going to study or work.
However, you might want to stay protected from unwanted snooping, honeypots, malware, and other undesirable outcomes of using public Wi-Fi.
Here are a few tips to stay protected:
Good Passwords
This may be something that websites and apps repeat again and again like a broken record, but there is a reason for it. Having a good password is as simple as being safer, so keep those “123s” passwords in the past and come up with good ones.
If they are way too complicated to remember then keep them written down on a notebook or somewhere safe.
Be On the Lookout For Strange Links
The internet is full of offers and magical ideas that seem too good to be true, well if that is the case then they are in fact not true.
Whenever you receive suspicious mail or a strange link when trying to download something don’t take any chances and stay on official websites and apps, things could go wrong very quickly.
Keep the Important Operations on Private Networks
If you have to do important transactions, check bank accounts, or other important matters, it’s best not to do it at Starbucks, you’ll be vulnerable and your passwords could be stolen.
Want to learn more about Starbucks? Check out these related posts to learn why is Starbucks so expensive, does Starbucks take $100 dollar bills, and what do the lines on Starbucks cups mean.
Conclusion…
You can use free Wi-Fi as a Starbucks customer inside or outside the shop, you can even use it when they are closed and they offer amazing downloads speeds, however, there are two things you should keep in mind.
Be a good customer, if you are going to use their services at least buy a coffee.
Second, be wary of the dangers of public Wi-Fi, it may be great, but it’s still public.