Connect automatically to public Wi-Fi networks
You can automatically connect to public Wi-Fi networks that we verify as fast and reliable. Wi-Fi assistant makes these secure connections for you.
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
Set to automatically connect to public networks
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi preferences. - Turn on Connect to public 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: “Auto-connected to public Wi-Fi.”
Disconnect from the current network
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet Wi-Fi the network name.
- Tap Forget.
Turn off Wi-Fi assistant
- Open your phone’s Settings app.
- Tap Google Mobile data & messaging Networking.
- Turn off Wi-Fi assistant.
Fix issues
On 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.
App doesn’t work while connected
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.
Can’t connect to public network
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.
Shows “Device connected to Wi-Fi assistant” message
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
