Use captive Wi-Fi networks on your iPhone or iPad

Learn how to use captive Wi-Fi networks, which are public networks that you subscribe to or pay for.

What is a captive network?

Captive networks are also called "subscription" or "Wi-Fi Hotspot" networks. You can find these networks in coffee shops, internet cafes, hotels, airports, and other public locations. In some countries and regions, wireless carriers sponsor and maintain captive networks.

How to join a captive Wi-Fi network

1. Tap Settings > Wi-Fi.

2. Tap the name of the network, then wait for a login screen to appear. Or tap the More Info button next to the network's name, then tap Join Network.

3. If asked, enter a user name and password, enter an email address, or acknowledge terms and conditions.

After you log in, you should be able to access the internet. Fees and other charges might apply when you use captive Wi-Fi networks. Contact the network provider for more information.

If you cancel before you log in to the network

When you tap Cancel on the login screen, you disassociate the device from the captive Wi-Fi network.

If you joined the network from the Wi-Fi screen by tapping the More Info button, a message says that the network isn't connected to the internet. You can choose one of these options:

• Without Internet: This option dismisses the Welcome screen and turns off Auto-Login for the network. It keeps your device associated with the network and allows you to use the network in other ways.

• Other Network: This option dismisses the Welcome screen and disassociates your device from the network. It returns you to the Wi-Fi Settings screen where you can choose a different network.

• Cancel: This option returns you to the Welcome screen.

If you can’t automatically join a network

Your iPhone and iPad can remember network and login information so that you can automatically reconnect to that network when you're in range.

If your device doesn't automatically join a captive Wi-Fi network:

1. Tap Settings > Wi-Fi.

2. Tap the More Info button next to the network name.

3. Make sure that Auto-Join is on.

If you don't want to connect automatically, turn off Auto-Join. To see the Welcome screen the next time that you connect to the network, turn off Auto-Login.