How to Automatically Join a Wi‐Fi Network on an iPhone

Last Updated: May 25, 2021

This wikiHow teaches you how to configure your iPhone to automatically join Wi-Fi networks, including public or subscription-based hotspots, whenever they are in range.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Standard Wi-Fi Networks

1
Open your iPhone’s settings. It’s an app you can open by tapping the gray cogs on one of your home screens. If you don’t see the cogs, look inside the Utilities folder.
- If the network you want to join is one is a subscription or pay-based hotspot (e.g., at the airport, some cafes, subscription hotspots), see Captive or Hotspot Networks.
2
Tap Wi-Fi.

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3
Slide the Wi-Fi switch to the on position. If you’re already connected to Wi-Fi, you can skip this step.
4
Tap the network you want to join. Once you are connected, you’ll see a blue checkmark appear to the left of the network’s name.
- If it’s your first time joining this network, you may also need to enter a password or security key.
5
Scroll down and slide the “Ask to Join Networks” switch to the off position. Now, whenever this network is in range, your iPhone will automatically connect.^{[1]
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- If you connect your iPhone to other Wi-Fi access points in different locations, it will also automatically connect to those networks as long as this switch is off.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Captive or Hotspot Networks

1
Open your iPhone’s settings. It’s an app you can open by tapping the gray cogs on one of your home screens. If you don’t see the cogs, look inside the Utilities folder.
- A “Captive” network (also called a Hotspot) is a subscription-based or paid that requires a web-based sign in (e.g., airplane Wi-Fi, neighborhood public Wi-Fi).^{[2]
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2
Tap Wi-Fi.
3
Tap the network you want to join. A login screen should appear after a few moments.
4
Follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the network. Depending on the network, you may have to enter a username and password, credit card number, or accept an agreement to connect.^{[3]
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- Once you are connected, the login screen will close and you’ll return to Wi-Fi settings.
5
Tap the blue circled “i” next to the network name.^{[4]
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6
Slide the “Auto-Join” switch to the on position. As long as this switch is turned on, your iPhone will connect to this network automatically when it is in range.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I get Apple TV on WiFi?

Community Answer

Simply swipe up from the bottom of your device to the top. This will show the control center. Then you can proceed to hit the "Airplay Mirroring" button, and then tap the Apple TV you wish to mirror to.