Starting October 4, 2021: Google Fi no longer automatically connects users to public Wi-Fi networks. You can still auto-connect to any Wi-Fi networks that you connected to manually. To receive notifications when you come in range of a public Wi-Fi network, in the Android device’s Wi-Fi settings, turn on Notify for public networks.
Also, Fi continues to automatically connect Unlimited users to Google Fi Wi-Fi hotspots.
Wi-Fi assistant works on:
- Pixel and Nexus devices using Android 5.1 and up in selected countries. Learn how to check your Android version and where Wi-Fi assistant works.
- Phones supported by Google Fi. See a list.
Turn on or off
Turn onSet to automatically connect to public networks
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet
Wi-Fi
- Turn on Connect to public networks.
Wi-Fi When connected via Wi-Fi assistant
- Your notifications bar shows the Wi-Fi assistant virtual private network (VPN) key
.
- Your Wi-Fi connection says: "Auto-connected to public Wi-Fi."
.Disconnect from the current network
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet
- Tap Forget.
Turn off Wi-Fi assistant
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Google
- Turn off Wi-Fi assistant.
Fix issues
Where availableOn Pixel and Nexus devices using 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 Google 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 Google Fi)
To use apps that don't work with this kind of connection:
- Disconnect from the Wi-Fi network. Learn how to disconnect.
- Manually reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. Learn how to connect manually.
Important: Other people using a public 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 public 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 a public 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 public 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 public network. When a VPN is on for Wi-Fi assistant, you’ll see a "Device connected to Wi-Fi assistant" 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
Important: Wi-Fi providers may still have access to:
- Internet traffic information, like traffic size
- Device information, like your operating system or MAC address
