Walmart is one of the biggest companies in the United States and is known to sell everything from baby wipes to fancy dresses and car parts.
Large and in profit, Walmart has also attracted customers with many features in the store.
But, does Walmart have free Wi-Fi?
Does Walmart Have Free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Walmart has free Wi-Fi.
They were one of the first big-name stores to offer Wi-Fi in all locations back in 2006 when only a few cell phones had internet capability.
This turned out to be a wise move, because free Wi-Fi boosted their sales, enhanced marketing, and made Walmart one of the world’s largest corporations.
In 2022, free Wi-Fi is pretty much an expectation, and Walmart was one of the first to start the trend.
Now, users can spend almost all day in Walmart browsing the aisles while surfing the web.
How Do You Log In To Walmart Free Wi-Fi?
It is easy to connect to Walmart’s free Wi-Fi.
First, you need to open the settings on your smartphone and click on Wi-Fi.
Then select “Walmart WiFi” as your chosen network, and your phone should automatically connect.
You will not need a password to connect, but you may have to accept terms and conditions or watch an advertisement to get online.
You will likely have to follow the same procedure every time you head into a Walmart store since your phone will remember the network, but you will have to accept the terms and conditions again.
There is now an even easier way to connect to Walmart Wi-Fi via the Walmart Family Wi-Fi App.
It’s a free smartphone application that allows users to connect to store Wi-Fi conveniently and automatically when in the vicinity.
It works by minimizing cellular data connection, so it only operates when needed.
It provides an even stronger Internet connection at no additional cost.
It also provides a hotspot that Walmart monitors by keeping the signal strength balanced.
The app automatically reports connectivity issues to Walmart as they occur.
You can use the app to search for hotspot availability in your area, and then use it to connect to free Wi-Fi after accepting terms and conditions.
How Strong Is The Walmart Wi-Fi Signal?
Some users complain that Walmart’s Wi-Fi is not strong enough and is unable to reach the parking lots.
The reality is that it depends on several store-specific factors such as the thickness of walls, the presence of concrete and metal, and the number of routers in the store.
Some Walmart locations are larger than others, and therefore require more routers in place.
This, in turn, creates a stronger signal that can be utilized outside of the store.
However, in most stores that offer free Wi-Fi, it should not be expected to access the free internet outside of the four walls.
Many stores set boundaries around their stores so you can only use their free Internet while physically located inside of the store.
Otherwise, people could just sit in the parking lot all day using free Wi-Fi to go on social media or conduct business from the car.
Free Wi-Fi is supposed to encourage Walmart’s business, not mooch off it.
You can test your Internet connection by launching your web browser and searching for speed.googlefiber.net.
For best results, you should close all other applications.
You will probably have to allow pop-ups for the speed test to run correctly.
Then, you can click the play button to start the test.
The fiber test will check your download and upload speeds and then display the results accordingly.
What Are The Walmart Wi-Fi Terms Of Use?
When you choose to connect to Walmart’s Wi-Fi and accept the terms of use, you are also agreeing to allow Walmart to limit your Internet usage and to ban you from their Wi-Fi if you violate the rules.
For example, you will be booted from the free Wi-Fi if you try to access adult content or illegally download copyrighted material.
You also give Walmart the right to access your browsing history while using their network while collecting data from your cell phone.
Walmart Wi-Fi monitors your location, activity, and content, including the websites you try to access.
When you connect to Wi-Fi, Walmart gets access to your identity and your IP address.
However, the company will not share this information with anyone else unless it is required by the government or other legal authorities, would be used to prevent physical harm or financial loss, can be reported to Internet providers for improving connectivity, investigative purposes, or in case of selling or transferring its business.
Walmart must implement these rules because it could land the company in hot water if anything illegal is done using their network.
Some of the other strict procedures include communications and content monitoring, privacy and security rules, acceptable terms of service, and other policies involving Internet use.
Depending on how you look at it, free Wi-Fi comes at a cost.
This is standard procedure and practice for most places that offer free Wi-Fi.
If you are concerned about your privacy while surfing the web, you can download a VPN, which masks your device’s IP address and allows you to surf the web as if you were anonymously browsing.
Is It Safe To Connect To Walmart Wi-Fi?
Yes, it is very safe to connect to Walmart’s Wi-Fi.
The company takes its customers’ safety and security very seriously.
Wi-Fi is a cost-effective way to surf the internet, as it does not eat into paid cellular data usage.
Wi-Fi connections are also stronger than those on cellular data, which makes it more appealing.
Using Wi-Fi in a Walmart store is especially appealing because customers can find product reviews before they make a purchase.
They can also search the websites of Amazon, Target, or other competing vendors to show a Walmart associate for price-matching purposes.
What Is The Future Of Walmart’s Internet?
Walmart is considering updating its Wi-Fi to provide 5G internet access to all of its employees and customers.
You can also learn more about Walmart’s next-generation technology by texting 611611.
Some areas of the stores have spotty Internet service, so the company is constantly working to improve.
Walmart works with several Internet companies to establish their “purple network,” or stronger and more convenient Internet service.
Walmart partnered with TruConnect Mobile LLC to provide prepaid Internet on the go.
It is sold exclusively at Walmart stores and powered by the MiFI 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot.
Users can sign up for a service plan with TruConnect that has no monthly fee and no data expiration.
This differs from other low-cost prepaid mobile hotspots because, unlike other plans, the data never expires.
Instead, unused Internet rolls over to the next month.
Though some users buy data connectivity for their devices, 90% of tablet users use Wi-Fi.
This service will allow users to turn on their mobile hotspot and connect to it from any device to access the internet from anywhere.
There are no hidden fees, and users can purchase 100 megabytes for $10, 500 MB for $25, or one gigabyte for $45.
Customers can choose to purchase refills online or in Walmart stores with debit cards, credit cards, or cash.
Other Walmart Services
In addition to its high-speed internet connection, Walmart has a lot of other services that many people do not know of yet.
Keep reading for some little-known services that make Walmart a one-stop-shop for everything you may need.
1. Flu Shots And Immunizations
This service became more popular during the Covid-19 pandemic when anyone was able to walk into a Walmart for covid vaccines and booster shots free of charge.
They also offer other health services including immunizations at affordable prices.
For most insurance plans, there is no out-of-pocket cost for flu shots.
It is also convenient because Walmart keeps your immunizations on file if you ever need a record of them.
2. Home Services
If you need any sort of manual labor for setting up a television, assembling furniture, or installing lighting, Walmart can send people to help you with that.
This is especially helpful for people who are elderly or do not have friends or relatives who can help them with home services.
You can book a low fixed-price service through your local Walmart, and they will send professionals straight to your house.
3. Vision Centers
In addition to their other healthcare services, Walmart can assess your visual acuity via eye exams at a Walmart Vision Center.
Then, you can get a prescription and buy prescription glasses from Walmart’s plethora of options.
You can also take your prescription to another store to find eyeglasses that you like better.
Chances are, though, you will not find lower prices than at Walmart’s Vision Center.
You can schedule your eye exam beforehand, by contacting your local Walmart via telephone or online.
Many vision centers are expensive for out-of-pocket or out-of-network services.
Also, they often have long wait times to get an appointment.
Walmart is much more cost-effective and has a very short, if any, waiting time.
You can also renew your prescription at Walmart, and they keep your vision records on file for the future.
This way, you can go to any Walmart location and the Vision Center will be able to pull up your records.
This is very convenient if you travel often or move to another location because you will still be able to keep the same eyeglasses servicer.
4. Online Money Transfers
Another convenience that Walmart provides is their online money transfer.
The Walmart2World money transfer system is like Western Union in that you can transfer money anywhere in the world.
The system also offers money transfers and bill payments via their mobile app.
5. Auto Care Centers
Walmart also has auto care centers where you can take your car for a variety of services including tire installation, oil changes, and fuel system service.
There are more than 2,500 Walmart auto care centers in the United States, which all have technicians certified to repair your vehicle.
This is a quick and affordable way to repair your car without breaking the bank.
Oil changes can get pricey at your local auto center, costing upwards of $85 for synthetic oil.
At Walmart, they are only about $35 for standard oil changes, less than half the price.
Synthetic oil changes are still only $49.99 but can get down to $39 if you catch a sales flyer.
You can even get a standard oil change for as low as $19.99.
Since most cars require about four oil changes a year, that can be up to $150 of savings per year.
You can also purchase tires at Walmart and have them installed right then and there. You can call ahead to see how competitive their tire prices are compared to other tire vendors.
Some customers report saving more than $300 on tire purchase and installation, just by buying them at Walmart.
Even if you prefer to buy your tires somewhere else, Walmart will still install them for you.
Another auto service Walmart provides is propane tank exchange.
Local stores provide this service for $18–25, but Walmart only costs $14.44 per tank.
6. Nail Salon
Some Walmart locations also offer a nail salon where customers can get a manicure and pedicure.
Not every Walmart location has incorporated these services yet, but they are becoming more common.
At a local nail salon, a manicure–pedicure combo can cost up to $35–60.
Walmart nail salons offer the same services for a fraction of the price, at just $14–35 for a spa manicure and pedicure package.
It is also extra convenient because you can reward yourself with an inexpensive spa treatment after completing all your errands at Walmart.
7. Rug Doctor Carpet Cleaner
If you need to wash your rug, you can either bring it into a Walmart store to have a team of professionals wash it for you, or you can choose to rent the carpet cleaning device and do it yourself.
This is an extremely cost-efficient alternative to sending your carpet out to get professionally cleaned by a local business or having someone come into your home to perform the service.
If you rent the cleaner yourself, it can cost about $30 for 24 hours of use.
The good thing is that Walmart has convenient hours, and many are open on Sundays, which means you will be able to collect and return the device at your convenience.
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Anonymous says
Helpful and well-written article re Walmart free wifi. Appreciated. ~MarkK