Auto WiFi Connect: Stop Unwanted Connections

TL;DR

Your device might be automatically connecting to open WiFi networks without your permission. This guide shows you how to stop it on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.

Windows

1. Check WiFi Settings: Open Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi.
2. Disable Connect Automatically: Look for the option “Connect to suggested open hotspots” or similar and turn it Off. The exact wording varies between Windows versions.
3. Manage Known Networks (Advanced):
   • Click on ‘Manage known networks’.
   • Select any network you don’t recognise and click ‘Forget’. This removes saved connection details.

macOS

1. System Preferences: Open System Preferences > Network.
2. WiFi Advanced Settings: Select your WiFi network in the left sidebar, then click ‘Advanced…’.
3. Automatically Join This Network: Uncheck “Automatically join this network”.
4. Preferred Networks: Click on the ‘Wi-Fi’ tab and remove any networks you don’t recognise from the list of Preferred Networks.

Android

1. Settings App: Open Settings > Connections (or similar, depending on your Android version) > WiFi.
2. Advanced WiFi Settings: Tap the settings cog icon in the top right corner.
3. Disable Auto-Connect: Look for options like “Connect to public networks” or “Open network notification” and turn them Off. Some Android versions have a ‘Network enhancement’ section where you can disable automatic connection features.
4. Forget Networks: Tap on the name of any unknown network in your saved network list, then select ‘Forget’.

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

1. Settings App: Open Settings > WiFi.
2. Auto-Join Networks: For each network in your list:
   • Tap the ‘i’ icon next to the network name.
   • Toggle “Auto-Join” Off.
3. Forget This Network: If you see a network you don’t recognise, select ‘Forget This Network’.

Further Troubleshooting

If the problem persists, consider these points:

• VPN Software: Some VPN apps have settings that automatically connect to WiFi networks. Check your VPN app’s configuration.
• Third-Party Apps: Review recently installed apps for any network management features.
• Reset Network Settings (Last Resort): Be aware this will remove all saved WiFi passwords! On Android and iOS, you can find reset options in the general settings menu under ‘Transfer & Reset’ or similar.