Connect automatically to open Wi-Fi networks

Wi-Fi assistant is off by default, unless you have Project Fi.

Set to automatically connect to open networks

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Network & Internet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi preferences.
3. Turn on Connect to open networks.

When connected via Wi-Fi assistant

• Your notifications bar shows the Wi-Fi assistant virtual private network (VPN) key .
• Your Wi-Fi connection says: "Connected via Wi-Fi assistant."

You can disconnect from one network or turn off Wi-Fi assistant at any time.

Disconnect from a network

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Network & Internet  Wi-Fi  the network name.
3. Tap Forget network.

Turn off Wi-Fi assistant

1. Open your device's Settings app .
2. Tap Google  Networking.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi assistant.

On Pixel and Nexus devices running Android 5.1 and up:

• Wi-Fi assistant is available in the U.S., Canada, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, and the UK.
• If you have Project Fi, Wi-Fi assistant is also available in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland.

Some apps don't work over this kind of secure connection. For example:

• Apps that limit use by location, like some sports and video apps
• Some Wi-Fi calling apps (other than Project Fi)

To use apps that don't work with this kind of connection:

1. Disconnect from the Wi-Fi network. Learn how to disconnect.
2. Manually reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. Learn how to connect manually.
   Important: Other people using an open network could see data sent to that network via a manual connection.

When you reconnect manually, the app will see your location.

If you can't connect to a nearby open network via Wi-Fi assistant, it could be because:

• We haven't verified the network as high-quality and reliable.
• Wi-Fi assistant doesn't connect to networks that you've connected to manually.
• Wi-Fi assistant doesn't connect to networks that need you to take steps to connect, like signing in.

Try these solutions:

• If Wi-Fi assistant doesn't connect automatically, connect manually. Learn how to connect manually.
  Important: Other people using an open network could see data sent to that network via a manual connection.
• If you'd already connected to the network manually, "forget" the network. Wi-Fi assistant will then re-connect automatically. Learn how to "forget" a network.

To help make open Wi-Fi networks safer, Wi-Fi assistant uses a virtual private network (VPN). The VPN helps protect your data from being seen by other people using the open network. 

When a VPN is on, you’ll see a "Connected to Wi-Fi assistant" or "Network may be monitored" message. Google monitors system data. When you're securely connected to a website (by HTTPS), VPN operators, like Google, can't record your content. Google uses system data sent through VPN connections to:

• Provide and improve Wi-Fi assistant, including the virtual private network (VPN)
• Monitor for abuse
• Comply with applicable laws and regulations, or as required by court or government orders