Facebook Will Now Help You Find Wi-Fi Hotspots Near You

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What is the one thing that makes it easier to enjoy Facebook to the fullest? Wi-Fi, right? Videos, targeted ads, even GIFs, links, or Instant Articles – these are only a few of the reasons for which Facebook wants you to help you gain access to faster networks while on the go. And with Facebook Wi-Fi finder, it is now very easy.

There is a new feature quietly making its way to your Facebook app on iOS. It is called “Find Wi-Fi,” and as you have probably guessed, it aims to help you locate public Wi-fi hotspots near you.

The Facebook Wi-Fi finder appears within the main Facebook app. Just tap on the more icon (the 3 horizontal lines), and scroll down until you see “Find Wi-fi.”

When you open the feature for the first time, you will have to enable it. Tap on “Enable Find Wi-Fi.” Note that doing so, will turn on Location History on Facebook, since this is what Facebook uses to build its database of hotspots. Of course, you can delete this history whenever you wish, simply by heading over to your Activity log.

Facebook has a new feature to help you find the nearest #WiFi hotspots

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The “Find Wi-fi” feature works around a map of your local area, where you can easily find the nearest Wi-Fi hotspots. You can also switch to a list if you find that easier. Each hotspot is characterised by the place it is owned by (for example a coffee shop), and comes with opening times and the network identifier. For the password, you will have to ask the hotspot-owner if it’s not immediately available.

This new feature makes total sense if you ask me. Facebook wants more users to enjoy all the content shared within the app without having to worry about data usage or connection speeds. Plus, this is something we do – we hunt down the places that offer free Wi-fi. So, the feature answers a real user need. And that’s rare enough these days. So thank you Facebook. I love it.

Note: We’re based in the UK and we have received confirmation from Facebook that “Find Wi-fi” is currently being tested in the UK, the US and some other countries.”