Hotel WiFi login page not loading on Android

Your Android phone joined the hotel WiFi but the sign-in page never appeared? Here’s how to make it show up — and why it got stuck.

Short answer

Usually the captive-portal page didn’t open. Try opening a plain http:// address in Chrome, set Private DNS to Automatic (not a custom hostname) while you sign in, and if the portal keeps forgetting you, change Randomized MAC for that network. Then forget and rejoin.

Why it happens

Android checks every new network for a captive portal. Newer networks can even advertise their sign-in page directly (the Captive Portal API, announced with DHCP option 114), and Android opens it in a sign-in tab. When that check is blocked — often by custom DNS or a VPN — no sign-in page appears.

Fixes, in order

Pull down the notification shade. Look for a sign-in notification for the network and tap it.
Open a plain http:// page in Chrome. A secure https page can’t be redirected to the hotel’s portal.
Set Private DNS to Automatic while you sign in. Settings → Network & internet → Private DNS. A fixed custom hostname can block the portal check. Google recommends keeping Private DNS on, so switch it back after signing in.
Pause your VPN or ad-blocker app until you’ve signed in.
Check Randomized MAC. Android 10+ uses a randomized MAC by default; it can be set per network. If the portal keeps signing you out, try the device MAC for this network only.
Reset the connection. Swipe down, touch and hold Internet, tap Reset (Android Help).
Forget and rejoin. Settings → Network & internet → Internet → touch and hold the network → Forget.
Ask the front desk whether the portal needs a code or has a direct address.

Don’t trade one problem for another

When the hotel WiFi won’t cooperate, a second “free” network with full bars looks tempting. It may be a copycat. Stay on the name the front desk gives you, and make sure the sign-in page is the hotel’s.

Frequently asked questions

Why won’t my Android phone open the WiFi sign-in page?

The automatic captive-portal check failed, often because of a custom Private DNS hostname, a VPN, or an https start page. Open a plain http:// address or switch Private DNS to Automatic while signing in.

Should I turn off Private DNS permanently?

No. Google recommends keeping Private DNS on. Switch to Automatic only if a custom hostname blocks the portal, then switch back.

Does randomized MAC cause hotel WiFi problems?

Sometimes a portal that remembers devices by address asks you to sign in again. Android lets you change the setting per network.

Sources

Last checked: 2026-10-12. SentryFi is not affiliated with the venues, brands or providers named on this page.