How to Download IEEE Research Papers for Free?

It’s quite obvious that in today’s information age, access to research papers is crucial for academic and professional success and growth.

However, many research papers, especially those published in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) journals and conferences, often come with subscription that requires one to pay.

But what if you could access and download these valuable resources for free?

In this article, we will look at how to download IEEE research papers for free.

Steps on How to Download IEEE Research Papers for Free

Step 1: Visit the IEEE Explore Site Library

To kick-start your journey to accessing IEEE research papers for free, the first step is to visit the IEEE Explore Site Library.

ieee xplore site

Step 2: Search for the Paper Name

Once you’re on the IEEE Explore site, use the search bar to look for the paper you’re interested in.

You can search by the paper’s title, keywords, or the author’s name.

The more specific your search query, the easier it will be to locate your desired paper.

Step 3: Locate the DOI Section

After finding the paper you need, open it and scroll down to locate the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) section.

ieee paper open

access needed to download ieee paper

⚠️

As you can see, access is needed to download the paper - but don’t worry we are going to get it for free.

The DOI is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to each academic paper, making it easy to access the paper online.

copy doi code

Now that you’ve found the DOI, highlight and copy the code.

💡

Though, instead of copying the DOI code, you can also copy the site URL. But we recommend copying the DOI code, as it’s a more direct method.

ieee paper url

Step 4: Visit Sci-Hub

To access the IEEE research paper for free, you’ll need to head over to Sci-Hub.

Sci-Hub is a platform that provides free access to millions of research papers, bypassing paywalls and subscription requirements.

It allows one to download not only IEEE research papers for free but also research papers from Wiley, ScienceDirect, Springer and others.

sci hub site

Step 5: Paste the DOI Code

Once you’re on Sci-Hub’s website, you’ll find an available box.

Paste the DOI code you copied from the IEEE Explore site library into this box.

Then, click the “Open” button.

Step 6: Access and Download the Paper

To download the paper, simply click on the “Save” button located on the left side of the screen.

download ieee paper on sci hub

This will initiate the download process, and you’ll have the paper in your possession in no time.

⚠️

While Sci-Hub provides access to research papers without a fee, it’s important to be aware of the ethical considerations surrounding this practice.

Researchers and institutions rely on subscription fees to support their work.

If you find a paper particularly useful, consider supporting the authors and journals through legal means.

FAQs

  1. Is it legal to use Sci-Hub to access research papers for free? While Sci-Hub provides free access to research papers, it operates in a legal gray area.

    It’s essential to be aware of the legal implications and ethical considerations in your region.
  2. Can I access all IEEE research papers for free using this method? You can access many IEEE research papers through Sci-Hub, but not all papers may be available.

    Availability depends on various factors, including copyright restrictions.
  3. Is there an alternative to Sci-Hub for accessing research papers for free? Yes, some universities and institutions offer open-access repositories where you can find research papers for free.

    Additionally, you can explore preprint servers and open-access journals.
  4. How can I ensure the downloaded papers are of high quality and reliable? To ensure the quality of downloaded papers, check the source and verify the DOI.

    Additionally, consider using other academic databases and resources for a comprehensive review.
  5. Can I share the downloaded papers with others? Sharing downloaded papers should be done in accordance with copyright laws and licensing agreements.

    Be cautious and respectful of intellectual property rights.