How to Get Wireless Internet Access in a Hotel

Connect to your hotel's Wi-Fi on any device

by
Melanie Uy
Writer
Former Lifewire writer Melanie Uy has 5+ years' experience writing about consumer-oriented technology and is an expert telecommuter.
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Melanie Uy
Updated on July 26, 2021
reviewed by
Jon Fisher headshot
Jon Fisher
Lifewire Technology Review Board Member
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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Article reviewed on Mar 30, 2020
Jon Fisher
The Wireless Connection
The Wireless Connection
Introduction

What to Know

  • Obtain the hotel's wireless network name and password when you check in.
  • Open your device's Wi-Fi settings, choose the hotel's network, and select Connect. Enter the password.
  • Open a browser and enter the requested information to complete the connection.

This article explains how to get wireless internet access in a hotel on any computer or mobile device capable of connecting to a wireless network.

How to Connect to a Hotel's Wi-Fi

Access your hotel's internet in much the same way you connect to any Wi-Fi network:

  1. Ask at the front desk for the hotel's wireless network name and password. You might also find the information in your check-in documents or on your key card sleeve.

  2. Make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on on your device.

    Most modern devices have them, but if you don't have a built-in wireless device on your laptop, purchase a USB wireless adapter.

  3. Open the Wi-Fi settings to view the available wireless networks.

    Windows XP showing the wireless network icon

  4. Select your hotel's network and click Connect.

    On some devices, you will connect to Wi-Fi automatically when you select a network. If this step takes more than a minute, restart the connection process.

    The Wi-Fi network in Windows 10 with the Connect button highlighted

  5. Enter the required password if prompted.

  6. Open a web browser if it doesn't automatically open. Provide your credit card information if the Wi-Fi isn't free, enter an authorization code, or accept the terms and conditions for using the service. In many cases, your room number, last name, or a combination of the two, make up the password for complimentary Wi-Fi.

    The DoubleTree hotel internet portal for guests

After you submit your authorization information, you gain full guest access to the hotel's Wi-Fi network. You'll likely see a confirmation screen showing how much time you have to use the internet. Keep an eye out for any time limitations so that you can schedule your work and take advantage of the Wi-Fi service.

Share the Hotel Wi-Fi Signal With Other Devices

If your hotel's wireless service isn't free, you may only be able to access the internet from one device. A travel wireless router, such as the ZuniConnect Travel IV, extends the Wi-Fi signal to several devices.

Person using Wi-Fi on a laptop in a hotel
Lifewire / Catherine Song

Secure Your Information Over Hotel Wi-Fi

Most hotel wireless networks are password-protected and encrypted with strong WPA2. If your hotel's network is not protected, be aware of the security risks of using an unsecured network. Set up a firewall and install the latest updates for your operating system and antivirus. For extra security, consider subscribing to a VPN service.

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