WiFi connected but no internet: sign in to the network

On public WiFi, “connected, no internet” almost always means a sign-in page is waiting and hasn’t opened. Here’s how to bring it up.

Short answer

On public WiFi, “connected but no internet” usually means the network is waiting for you to sign in on its captive portal. Tap the network name or the “Sign in to network” notification; if nothing opens, load a plain http:// address in your browser, pause your VPN or Private DNS, then forget and rejoin the network. At home, it’s more often the router or internet provider.

On public WiFi: open the sign-in page

Tap the prompt. iPhone shows the sign-in page automatically; Android shows a “Sign in to network” notification. Tap the network in WiFi settings if neither appears.
Load an http:// page in your browser. Networks can only redirect unencrypted requests to their sign-in page.
Pause VPN and Private DNS. On Android set Private DNS to Automatic or Off until you’re signed in; on iPhone turn off your VPN or iCloud Private Relay for this network if it blocks the page.
Forget and rejoin the network, then wait a few seconds.
Check the date and time; a wrong clock breaks secure pages.
Ask staff for the portal address or an access code.

At home or the office

Check whether other devices have internet. If none do, restart the router and modem.
Look at your internet provider’s status page from mobile data.
If only your phone is affected, forget the network and rejoin, and check Private DNS or VPN settings.

Before you sign in

Look at the page address. A real portal belongs to the venue or its WiFi provider and never needs your bank login or a card number for free access. SentryFi detects the sign-in page, shows its address and whether it uses HTTPS, and opens it with one tap.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my phone say connected, no internet?

It joined the WiFi but can’t reach the internet. On public WiFi this almost always means a sign-in page is waiting; at home it usually means the router or internet connection is down.

How do I force the WiFi login page?

Open a plain http:// address in your browser, with your VPN and Private DNS paused. The network can then redirect you to its sign-in page.

Is it safe to sign in to a WiFi network?

On the venue’s exact network, with a page from the venue or its provider, yes. Never enter card details for free WiFi or reuse an important password there.

Sources

Last checked: 2026-10-14. SentryFi is not affiliated with the venues, brands or providers named on this page.