Help cannot connect to the internet through public wifi

[Martyn Tanner]

Hi folks

I am using an Asus Memo Pad HD7. It is my first tablet and I am quite pleased with it.

The only problem I have is that it won't connect to the internet through a public Wifi. I was recently at Heathrow Airport and I could connect to the public Wifi there but couldn't access the internet. The same problem occurred at on of Waterstones bookshops recently.

I have no problems with my own wifi or any other private wifi.

I thought it might be a problem with Kaspersky which is installed but could see any obvious.

Any thoughts?

Martyn

 

[codesplice]

Hi Martyn, and welcome to Android Forums

A lot of public wifi hotspots will require you to sign in or otherwise authenticate through a web browser before allowing you to access the Internet - even if they are free. You can, however, try rebooting into Safe Mode just to make sure that it's not an application (like Kaspersky) causing problems.

PS - I don't think yours is a device-specific issue, so I moved your post to a more general section of the forum.

 

[Martyn Tanner]

Hi there. I think you are correct that the problem is not specific to my particular tablet. I'll try booting into safe mode and see what happens.

 

[AZgl1500]

I also feel that it is a matter of validation after you have connected to the wifi.

nearly all of the hotels in the USA require you to go thru a couple of steps in the browser before they will allow you to access the internet.

When I get in that situation, I always use the URL www.google.com

that seems to do the trick and force the host to give you a sign on page. no password, they just want to run a couple of advertisements past you.

 

[mikedt]

The vast majority of open public WiFi has some form of landing page, whether it's something you have to sign in, or just to show you ads. Airports, hotels, restaurants, bars, libraries, street, etc.

 

[Martyn Tanner]

Hi there. I think you are correct that the problem is not specific to my particular tablet. I'll try booting into safe mode and see what happens.

Yes I have tried Safe Mode but it didn't make any difference. Still experimenting.

 

[tommo47]

The last open public wifi I tried was at a restaurant chain just outside Kidderminster. It required a sign-in with an email address before giving internet access. As there was a good mobile signal I preferred to use that instead of inviting unwanted email crap.

I use BT wifi wherever possible - one of the benefits of being a BT Broadband customer with unlimited access to BT wifi.

 

[mikedt]

I'm still getting Wetherspoon's special offer emails sent to my spare QQ address, from when I was using their "free" WiFi in Weston-Super-Mare, Reading and London during the summer. I don't mind seeing them actually, reading of their beer festivals, two-for-one offers, curry nights, etc. a reminder of the UK.