Why doesn't it work when I go to Google.com?

Google uses strict 'HTTPS' security. When the hotel router tries to intercept your connection to show the login page, your browser blocks it as a security threat. 'neverssl.com' is an unencrypted page designed specifically to let the router intercept it safely.

What if I get a 'Your connection is not private' warning?

This is the browser trying to protect you from the hotel's intercept. Click 'Advanced' at the bottom of the warning, and then click 'Proceed to [website] (unsafe)' to force the login page to appear.

How to Trigger a Hotel or Airport Wi-Fi Login Screen

Estimated Time to Fix: 2 minutes

Applies to: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-20

Summary

When you connect to public Wi-Fi at a hotel, airport, or coffee shop, a "captive portal" page usually pops up asking you to accept terms or enter a room number. This article explains how to force that page to appear if it fails to load automatically, leaving you connected but without internet access.

Symptoms

Your device says it is connected to the Wi-Fi, but you cannot load any websites or apps.
Your device displays a "Connected, no internet" warning.
The expected login or terms of service page never pops up on your screen.

Prerequisites

None required.

Instructions

1. Force the Portal with a Non-Secure Website (Best Method)

Modern web browsers use strict security (HTTPS) that can accidentally block captive portals from intercepting your connection. Forcing the browser to load an insecure (HTTP) page allows the portal to intercept it and display the login screen.

Open your web browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge).
In the address bar, type neverssl.com and press Enter.
Alternatively, you can type http://192.168.1.1 or http://8.8.8.8.
The Wi-Fi login screen should immediately replace the page.

2. Forget and Reconnect the Network

Sometimes the initial connection handshake fails.

Go to your device's Wi-Fi settings.
Find the public Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
Tap or click the Forget (or "Forget this network") option.
Turn your device's Wi-Fi off and back on.
Reconnect to the network and wait 10 seconds to see if the prompt appears.

3. Disable Custom DNS (Advanced)

If you use a custom DNS server (like Google DNS or Cloudflare) or a VPN, it will bypass the local Wi-Fi router's attempt to redirect you to the login page.

Temporarily turn off any VPN app you are running.
If you have custom DNS configured (e.g., 8.8.8.8), set your DNS settings back to Automatic in your network adapter settings.
Reload your browser.

Troubleshooting

WARNING

Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure. After you successfully log in through the captive portal, you should turn your VPN back on to encrypt your data while browsing.

Symptom / Error	Potential Cause	Solution
"Your connection is not private" error	HTTPS Interception	The network is trying to intercept a secure connection. Do not click "Proceed". Use Method 1 (`neverssl.com`) instead.
Pop-ups are blocked	Browser settings	Ensure your browser is not strictly blocking pop-ups, as some login screens open in a new window.

How to Trigger a Hotel or Airport Wi-Fi Login Screen ​

Summary ​

Symptoms ​

Prerequisites ​

Instructions ​

1. Force the Portal with a Non-Secure Website (Best Method) ​

2. Forget and Reconnect the Network ​

3. Disable Custom DNS (Advanced) ​

Troubleshooting ​

Related Articles ​

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