To how to protect online privacy when using public Wi-Fi networks, avoid accessing sensitive accounts like banking or email on unsecured connections. Use a reliable VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address from potential hackers. Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections and file sharing on your device. Always visit HTTPS websites and avoid clicking suspicious pop-ups. Logging out of accounts after use also reduces risk. Keeping your system updated and using firewall protection are additional steps that help minimize data exposure and improve security on public networks.