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Facebook will soon help your iPhone find public Wi-Fi

Facebook has begun testing a new feature in its iPhone app that locates an open network near you.

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If this router is open, Facebook could help you find it.
Josh Miller/CNET

Facebook has begun testing a feature that lets you find nearby open Wi-Fi networks through its iOS app, a Facebook spokesperson confirmed to CNET.

The feature is still in early testing, and it's only available for iOS and only in select countries. To see if you have it, tap the menu icon in the bottom left corner of the app. Then, scroll down until you see "Find Wi-Fi." If you want to use the feature, hit the tab and then choose "Enable Find Wi-Fi." From there you can browse free and public Wi-Fi networks nearby. Not all users have the feature yet, so don't be confused if you can't find it in the settings.

The free Wi-Fi program is one of many examples of Facebook trying to help more people using the internet -- and therefore use Facebook itself. Although Facebook has sent out drones and satellites to give internet access to more remote locations, the nearby Wi-Fi feature is more of an urban solution. Facebook previously had a program that exchanged Wi-Fi access for Facebook check-ins at local businesses.

Also keep in mind that open networks are riskier to use than password-protected ones, so make sure you know how to stay safe.