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Tech Help, Hotspots and Chromebooks

San Diego Access 4 All graphic

UPDATE: The SD Access 4 All Mobile Hotspot Lending Program resumes Tuesday, Sept.9 at all San Diego Public Library locations. View the hotspot and Chromebook policy changes here.

SD Access 4 All helps provide digital access and resources to the community by providing free Wi-Fi and internet access as well as laptop use at library locations.  We are excited to offer this service to patrons of all ages to access information, complete job searches and allow students to do their homework with a reliable internet connection. Members of the community are welcome to take advantage of this easy-to-use resource that is available to anyone who needs it.
 
These hotspots and Chromebooks are available for 30 days at a time and are meant to serve as a temporary connectivity aid. Need a more permanent Internet solution? Contact our Digital Navigators for support at 1-800-350-6945 or drop in at a participating library!
 

Quick links:

Chromebooks 

The SD Access 4 All initiative provides internet access to families and households that need connectivity support.  Patrons must have a library card in good standing to check out a Chromebook.
 
Click here to find an available Chromebook. Availability is subject to change. Please call your Library Location to confirm.

Chromebook Use Agreement (English online form)

Chromebook Use Agreement (Spanish online form)

Chromebook Use Agreement (Hattian-Creole paper form)

Chromebook Use Agreement (Simplified Chinese paper form)

Chromebook Use Agreement (Somali paper form)

Chromebook Use Agreement (Tagalog paper form)

Chromebook Use Agreement (Vietnamese paper form)

 

 

Chromebook Guides

Photo of an open laptop.

HP Chromebook Enterprise 14 G7
Quick Start Guide

HP User Guide
 

 

Chromebook Frequently Asked Questions

  

Chromebooks

How do I check out a Chromebook kit?
Call one of the participating locations  or search the online catalog  to confirm if any Chromebook kits are available. To check out a kit, you must complete the Updated 2025 Chromebook Use Agreement online located on the SD Access 4 All website. By checking the user agreement box, patrons acknowledge they have read the terms and conditions and agree to abide by the terms and conditions. Patrons must provide proof to staff (e.g. email confirmation) at the location where the equipment is being checked out that they have completed the agreement.
 
Who can check out a Chromebook kit?
Patrons age 12 and up with a valid library card. If you don’t have a library card, you can apply for one online. Patrons under 18 must have a parent/guardian complete the Updated 2025 Chromebook Kit Use Agreement online form.
 
How long can I keep a Chromebook?
Chromebook kits may be borrowed for 90 days. Renewals are not available at this time. Overdue kits will have their Chromebooks remotely locked within 1-week beyond their due date.
 
Where can I return a Chromebook kit?
Chromebook kits must be returned to the San Diego Public Library location where they were checked out. They cannot be returned in book drops and must be returned at a service desk. You must return the device with all the original packaging and accessories. Please fully charge the battery on the Chromebook before you return the device.
 
How do I renew it?
Chromebooks are non-renewable at this time.
 
What if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Please contact the library where the device(s) were borrowed, and file a police report if a device was stolen.

Can I reserve a Chromebook kit?

No. Chromebook kits are only available on first come first serve basis. Please call one of the participating locations  or search the online catalog to ensure availability.
 
How much does it cost?
Borrowing and using the devices are free! There is no cost associated with this service. These devices are available, thanks in part to funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund, administered by the Federal Communications Commission. However, failure to return equipment and/or any accessories can result in a fee to restore the kit as well as loss of check out privileges.
 
Can I use the devices when I travel outside the United States?
The Chromebooks can be used at any location, however, the hotspots and internet access will only be available in the U.S.
 
If the Chromebook or hotspot is prompted to update software or firmware, what should I do?
Chromebooks and hotspots periodically receive software updates from the service provider. You can accept the update, which may take a few minutes.
 
Is information about my computer and internet usage tracked by the library or the service provider?
The San Diego Public Library does not have access to or collects specific usage data and does not provide patron information to the service provider.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Through SD Access 4 All, the City provides hotspots to be checked out from libraries for home use. Mobile hotspots are easy to use and allow users to connect their laptop, tablet and other Wi-Fi enabled devices to the internet. The device converts cellular signals into Wi-Fi to provide internet access for email, web browsing and other data transfers. 
 
These hotspots are available for 30 days at a time and are meant to serve as a temporary connectivity aid. Need a more permanent Internet solution? Contact our Digital Navigators for support at 1-800-350-6945 or drop in at a participating library!
 
Click here to find an available mobile hotspot. Availability is subject to change. Please call your Library Location to confirm.

Hotspot  Use Agreement (English online form)

Hotspot  Use Agreement (Spanish online form)

Hotspot Use Agreement (Hattian-Creole paper form)

Hotspot Use Agreement (Simplified Chinese paper form)

Hotspot Use Agreement (Somali paper form)

Hotspot Use Agreement (Tagalog paper form)

Hotspot Use Agreement (Vietnamese paper form)

 
 

Hotspot Guides

Franklin A10 LTE Mobile Hotspot


Franklin A10 Hotspots
Quick Start Guide

 

Photo of the front of a Franklin A50 Wifi Hotspot

 


Franklin A50 Hotspots

Quick Start Guide

AT&T User Manual

 
 
 
 

Hotspot Frequently Asked Questions

Hotspot FAQ

Which Libraries are participating in this program?
 
How do I check out a Hotspot kit?
Hotspot kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call your local library location or search the online catalog  to confirm if a Hotspot kit is available. Users must complete an Updated 2025 Wi-Fi Hotspot Use Agreement on file before check out.
 
Who can check out a device?
Patrons with a valid library card. If you don’t have a library card, you can apply for one online. Patrons under 18 must have a parent/guardian signature for the Updated 2025 Wi-Fi Hotspot Use Agreement. *Note: Student EXCEL cards are not able to be used to check out a Hotspot Kit.
 
How long can I keep a hotspot?
You can borrow a Wi-Fi hotspot for 30 days. Renewal is not available for hotspots. Overdue hotspots will have internet access deactivated within 24 hours. Failure to return on time and in working condition may result in fines and your hotspot and Chromebook borrowing privileges may be revoked permanently.
 
Where can I return a Wi-Fi hotspot Kit?
All Wi-Fi Hotspot kits must be returned to the San Diego Public Library location where it was checked out. Please return to a staff member in person and not through a book drop. You must return the device with all the original packaging and accessories. Please fully charge the battery before you return the device. Failure to return on time and in working condition may result in fines and your hotspot and Chromebook borrowing privileges may be revoked permanently.
 
How do I renew it?
Wi-Fi hotspots are non-renewable at this time.
 
Why does my Wi-Fi hotspot say "Mobile Broadband Disconnected"?

Contact the Digital Navigator Helpline at 1-800-350-6945 for assistance. A Digital Navigator will follow up with you to inform you whether the service has been reactivated or if you need to return the hotspot to the library.
Please note: Hotspot service may be suspended (disconnected) if the device is lost, overdue, or unused for 30 days.

 
What if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Please contact the library where the device(s) were borrowed, and file a police report if a device was stolen. You may still be responsible for the full replacement fee and your hotspot and Chromebook borrowing privileges may be revoked permanently.

Can I reserve a hotspot?

Hotspots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call your local library location or search the online catalog  to ensure availability.

 
Is there a fee to check out a hotspot?
Borrowing and using the device is free! Please check our Fines and Fees page for cost recovery fees for lost, missing, or damaged items.
 
What if I need help with a Wi-Fi hotspot?
If you need help using a Chromebook or Wi-Fi hotspot, you can find device guides on the Tech Help, Hotspots and Chromebooks page. You can also call 800-350-6945 to get help by phone or schedule an in-person appointment with a Digital Navigator.
 
Is there any data limit?
In general, there is no data limit. However, the service provider may intermittently lower speed or limit the amount of data.
 
If hotspot prompts to update software or firmware, what should I do?
The hotspot periodically receives software updates from the service provider. You can accept the update, which may take a few minutes.
 
Do hotspots have content filters?
Use of the hotspot is subject to AT&T's Acceptable Use Policy, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, all are available on AT&T's website https://www.att.com/legal/terms.aup.html. Please be advised it is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to monitor their children’s internet usage.
 

Technology Help

Digital Navigators 

The Digital Navigator Program offers free, one-on-one assistance to help San Diegans obtain low-cost computers, sign up for affordable internet service, improve their computer skills or get basic tech support. Call 1-800-350-6945 to get help by phone or schedule an in-person appointment.

Learn more

Click here to see the current Digital Navigator schedule.

Tech on the Go

A new mobile digital literacy program – Tech on the Go – is offering free in-person classes for any San Diegan who wants to learn how to use a computer and better navigate the internet. Classes are held at libraries and community centers and open to people of all skill levels. Check out the schedule and register for a class!

Click here to see the current Tech on the Go schedule.