Blog | G5 Cyber Security

Hotel Wifi VPN Bypass

G5 Cyber Security

TL;DR

Hotels often use a captive portal for their Wi-Fi – you need to agree to terms or log in before getting internet access. A VPN can sometimes bypass this by creating an encrypted connection that doesn’t trigger the portal. This guide explains how.

How it Works

Captive portals check if your device has already been authenticated. When you connect through a VPN, your real IP address is hidden and replaced with the VPN server’s IP. The hotel’s system might not recognise this as needing authentication, granting you access.

Steps to Bypass Hotel Wifi Authentication

  1. Choose a Reliable VPN Provider: Select a well-known VPN service (e.g., NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark). Paid services are generally more reliable and faster than free ones.
    • Look for servers in countries close to your current location for better speed.
    • Ensure the VPN has strong encryption protocols (like OpenVPN or WireGuard).
  2. Install and Configure the VPN: Download and install the VPN application on your device (laptop, phone, tablet).
    • Follow the provider’s instructions for setup. This usually involves creating an account and choosing a server location.
  3. Connect to the VPN Before Joining the Wifi: This is crucial.
    1. Open the VPN application and connect to a server.
    2. Then, join the hotel’s Wi-Fi network. Do not open your browser or try to access the internet before connecting to the VPN.
  4. Test Your Connection: Open a web browser and see if you can access the internet.
    • If it works, congratulations! You’ve bypassed the captive portal.
    • If not, proceed to step 4.
  5. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies: Sometimes cached data interferes with the VPN connection. 
    # Example for Chrome (Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data)
    • Close all browser windows.
    • Clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and history.
    • Restart your browser and try step 3 again.
  6. Try a Different VPN Server: The hotel might be blocking specific IP addresses used by certain VPN servers.
    • Disconnect from the current server in the VPN app.
    • Connect to a different server location within the same country or a nearby one.
    • Repeat step 3 and 4.
  7. MAC Address Randomization (Advanced): Some hotels use MAC address filtering.
    • On some devices, you can randomize your device’s MAC address. This is usually found in the Wi-Fi settings under advanced options. (This process varies significantly by operating system.)
    • Restart your device after changing the MAC address and repeat steps 2-4.

Troubleshooting

Exit mobile version