How to Automatically Login to Any Captive Portal Wi-Fi on iOS 2024

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network with a captive portal every day can be a repetitive task. Captive portals often require users to log in with valid credentials before accessing the internet, meaning you might need to enter these details daily. Thankfully, with Siri Shortcuts on iOS, you can automate this process and save a bit of time each day. This guide will show you how to set up a Siri Shortcut that logs you into your captive portal automatically whenever you connect to your office Wi-Fi.

Here’s how to set up an automatic captive portal login on your iPhone, covering everything from finding your portal URL to integrating NFC tags for added convenience.

The Problem

Most networks with captive portals require users to re-authenticate daily. This can become repetitive, especially if you’re logging in every day. Fortunately, Siri Shortcuts provides a solution. This guide will walk you through automating the login process by setting up a custom shortcut on your iPhone.

Step 1: Find Your Captive Portal’s URL

To automate the login, you’ll need the captive portal URL:

1. If you already know the URL, make a note of it.
2. If not, log out of the portal and reconnect to your network. The login page will appear with the URL next to the lock symbol in the address bar—note this down for later.

Step 2: Adjust Wi-Fi Settings

To ensure your iPhone connects to the Wi-Fi automatically every day, tweak the Wi-Fi settings:

1. Open Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Select your network (e.g., “Office Wi-Fi”) and tap the i icon.
3. Enable Auto-Join and disable Auto-Login to prevent the portal from auto-logging in.

Step 3: Allow Third-Party Shortcuts

To download custom shortcuts, you need to allow unverified shortcuts:

1. Go to Settings > Shortcuts.

1. Toggle Allow Untrusted Shortcuts.

Step 4: Add and Set Up the Shortcut

1. Download the Login to Captive Portal shortcut (use a direct link or QR code to the shortcut).
2. Open the Shortcuts app and add the shortcut.
3. Open the shortcut and enter your credentials (Wi-Fi name, URL, username, and password).
4. Tap Done to save the setup.

Now, whenever you want to log in, simply open Shortcuts or say, “Hey Siri, Login to Captive” to trigger the automation.

Automate Further with NFC Tags

To make the process even smoother, you can set this automation to run automatically using an NFC tag. This optional step allows your iPhone to log in as soon as you enter the office and tap your phone on the NFC tag.

1. Purchase an NFC tag (available online for a few dollars).

1. Open Shortcuts and go to Automations > Create Personal Automation > NFC.

1. Scan the tag with your iPhone and name it (e.g., “Office Login”).

1. Tap Next > Add Action > search for Run Shortcut and select Login to Captive.

1. Toggle off Ask Before Running to run automatically without confirmation.

Now, whenever you tap your phone on the NFC tag, the shortcut will activate and log you in.

Conclusion

Automating your login to a captive portal is a great time-saver, especially in work environments that require daily re-authentication. With a simple Siri Shortcut and optional NFC tag integration, you can eliminate the hassle of logging in manually.

If you encounter any issues, remember that captive portals vary, and the success of automation may depend on the network setup. Reach out to your network admin if you need further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will this work on all networks with captive portals?
It should work on networks that require only a username and password. Complex portals with additional security measures may not be compatible.

2. Can I share the shortcut with others in my office?
Yes, you can share the shortcut link, but they’ll need to input their credentials separately.

3. What if the captive portal URL changes?
If the portal URL changes, update it in the shortcut settings.

4. Is it safe to allow untrusted shortcuts?
Only install shortcuts from reputable sources to minimize risk. Untrusted shortcuts can be safe when downloaded from known sources.

5. Can I use this method to automate other tasks on Wi-Fi connection?
Absolutely! You can create similar shortcuts to automate tasks like turning on Do Not Disturb, launching specific apps, or setting reminders based on Wi-Fi connection.

This automation hack simplifies your daily routine and helps you avoid the repetitive task of logging in to a captive portal each day. Give it a try, and enjoy seamless connectivity!