Using a Captive WiFi Network – Apple

A Captive WiFi Network is a public WiFi system that you subscribe to or pay to use.

You can find captive Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops, Internet cafes, hotels, airports, and other public locations and this blog details how to access these from an Apple device.

Join a Captive WiFi Network
Joining a captive Wi-Fi network is similar to joining any other Wi-Fi network.

Tap Settings > Wi-Fi.
Tap the name of the network you want to join. You’ll see a Log In screen.

To use the captive Wi-Fi service, you might need to enter a username and password, enter an email address, or acknowledge terms and conditions.

You can also join a captive network by tapping next to the network’s name. Then tap Join Network.

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 logging in to the network

Tapping Cancel on the Log In screen disassociates the device from the captive Wi-Fi network.

If you joined the network from the Wi-Fi screen using the button, or you joined less than eight minutes ago, you’ll see a message telling you the network isn’t connected to the Internet. You can choose one of these options:

– Use Without Internet: this option will dismiss the Welcome screen, turn off Auto-Login for the network, keep your device associated with the network, and allow you to interact with the network in other ways.
– Use Other Network: this option will dismiss the Welcome screen, disassociate your device from the network, and return you to the Wi-Fi Settings screen. From there, you can choose a different network.
– Cancel: this option will return you to the Welcome screen.

Join Wi-Fi networks automatically

Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch will remember the network and login information so you can automatically reconnect to that network when you’re in range.

If your device doesn’t automatically join a captive Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:

Tap Settings > Wi-Fi
Tap next to the network name.
Make sure Auto-Join is turned on.