1. SentryFi
2. WiFi guides
3. Fixes
4. iPhone login page

Why it happens

Hotel and airport networks hold you at a sign-in page until you accept terms or log in. iPhone detects this and shows the page automatically — Apple’s instructions are to tap the network and “wait for a login screen to appear”. When detection fails, you’re connected but stuck.

Fixes, in order

1. Tap the network again. Settings → Wi-Fi → tap the hotel network and wait a few seconds for the login screen.
2. Use “Join Network”. Tap the More Info (i) button next to the network, then Join Network (Apple’s alternative path).
3. Open a plain http:// page in Safari. Secure (https) pages can’t be redirected to the sign-in page; a plain http address can. O’Hare’s official instructions use this same trick.
4. Turn off Limit IP Address Tracking for this network. In the network’s (i) settings. Apple notes this also turns off iCloud Private Relay for that network, which some portals trip over.
5. Check Private Wi-Fi Address. Rotating addresses are the default on open networks. If the portal keeps forgetting you, try Fixed for this network (not Off unless you must).
6. Turn Auto-Login back on. If you once tapped “Without Internet”, Apple turns off Auto-Login for that network; switch it on in the (i) settings.
7. Forget and rejoin. (i) → Forget This Network, then join again.
8. Pause your VPN or DNS profile. Some block the portal; sign in first, then turn them back on.

Before you type anything on the portal

A stuck portal is also when people grab the first “free” network that works. Make sure you’re on the hotel’s exact network name, and that the login page address belongs to the hotel or its provider. A real hotel portal asks for a room number, last name, loyalty login or terms — not your card number or email password.