What To Do When The Internet is Down
On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Technology Buyers Guide
General Knowledge and Reference
Offline Wikipedia:
- Use Kiwix to access Wikipedia offline, or download specific packages like Wiktionary or Wikiquote.
Offline Technical Documentation:
- Use Zeal or Dash to access API and programming language docs offline.
Books and Articles:
- Download e-books from Library Genesis or Z-Library. Consider torrent options for bulk downloads.
- Keep physical books on essential topics (first aid, gardening, repairs).
Educational Resources:
- Download courses from platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy (using offline features), or YouTube lectures with tools like youtube-dl.
Communication Tools
Shortwave Radio:
- A battery- or crank-powered shortwave radio (e.g., Tecsun PL-380) to stay informed during power/internet outages.
- Pair with rechargeable batteries or solar chargers for extended use.
Bluetooth/Mesh Communication:
- Apps like Briar or Bridgefy enable text communication via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct without internet.
Printed Contact List:
- Keep a hard copy of important contacts and addresses for emergencies.
Maps and Navigation
Offline Maps:
- Use Maps.me or download offline regions in Google Maps or OpenStreetMap-based apps.
Paper Maps:
- Keep physical maps of your area for navigation.
Media and Entertainment
Local Media Storage:
- Organize a collection of movies, TV shows, and music on external drives or media servers like Plex or Jellyfin.
E-Readers:
- Store e-books on devices like Kindle or Kobo, with backup copies on SD cards.
Games:
- Have offline games or board games for entertainment.
Emergency Preparedness
First Aid and Survival Manuals:
- Download PDFs or buy physical copies of resources like the US Army Field Manual or “Where There Is No Doctor.”
Offline Weather Updates:
- Use a weather radio for updates during emergencies.
Water and Food Storage Info:
- Keep guides on water purification, long-term food storage, and cooking without electricity.
Local Laws and Emergency Numbers:
- Save local regulations, contact details for emergency services, and procedures offline.
Tools and Technology
Essential Software:
- Install local backups of software like LibreOffice for document work.
- Keep offline archives of important tools (e.g., programming IDEs, document viewers).
Data Management:
- Use tools like Everything to quickly search local files.
Backups:
- Maintain redundant hard drives for critical data, imaged OS distributions for quick recovery, and USB installers.
Power and Charging
Solar Chargers:
- Use solar USB chargers to recharge phones, radios, and power banks.
Battery Backups:
- Keep rechargeable batteries (AA/AAA) and power banks for small electronics.
Low-Powered Devices:
- Utilize energy-efficient devices like Raspberry Pi for offline servers or e-readers for extended use.
Community and Self-Sufficiency
Gardening and Foraging Guides:
- Keep local plant identification and foraging books.
DIY and Repair Manuals:
- Store guides on basic electronics repair, sewing, and home maintenance.
Social Engagement:
- Establish offline activities or community events to maintain morale and stay connected.
Final Steps
Test Your Setup:
- Practice surviving without the internet for a weekend to identify gaps in your preparation.
Stay Flexible:
- Focus on multipurpose tools and resources to adapt to varying needs.
Stay Calm:
- Prepare mentally to handle boredom and anxiety through mindfulness, journaling, or light exercises.
Preparedness is about balance—plan for utility, information, and recreation!
