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Private Wi-Fi

Get information on Private Wi-Fi available on select Business Unlimited plans on both Apple & Android.

Learn how Private Wi-Fi protects you

Private Wi-Fi is a smartphone application that provides a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Wi-Fi Alerts to smartphone users who connect to an unencrypted Wi-Fi network.

Wi-Fi Alerts notifies you whenever a Wi-Fi network you join appears to be risky or possibly under attack. Wi-Fi Alerts automatically detects when your device connects to a new network and runs a series of health checks on that new network to help ensure that it is behaving properly. If the network is deemed risky, the app will provide you with instructions detailing how to disconnect from the network.

Private Wi-Fi Virtual Private Network (VPN) feature automatically connects when you join an open, unencrypted,1 domestic Wi-Fi network.

Private Wi-Fi VPN checks each Wi-Fi network network you connect to to determine if the network is secure. If you join an open, unencrypted domestic Wi-Fi network, Private Wi-Fi VPN will deploy. If you connect to your home or work Wi-Fi network and Private Wi-Fi VPN deems the connection is secure, it won’t deploy.

Heads up: Private Wi-Fi VPN is only available in the U.S. Not available while roaming internationally. It isn’t compatible with certain video streaming apps, in which case data will bypass or disconnect the VPN connection.

Downloading Private Wi-Fi application

Private Wi-Fi is available for download on both the Apple AppTM Store and the Google PlayTM Store.

To download the app, select the below links from your smartphone browser or search Private Wi-Fi directly from your Apple or Google app store.

Set up and configure Private Wi-Fi VPN

Android and Apple users who subscribe to Business Unlimited plans with Private Wi-Fi are eligible for the Private Wi-Fi VPN feature. You may find updates to the latest version of the app in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Once the Private Wi-Fi app is open:
  1. Below Private Wi-Fi VPN disabled, tap Enable Now.
  2. Accept the device location (Android only).
  3. Add VPN configuration request.
  4. Assign device permissions as needed for Location (Android only), VPN Connection, and Phone.
When you access an unencrypted Wi-Fi network, Private Wi-Fi VPN will connect. You'll get a notification on your device that it's been enabled for your Wi-Fi session.

Heads up: If permissions aren't assigned, app features may not work as expected. You can find a list of the device permissions and more details under Private Wi-Fi Terms & Conditions.

Disable Private Wi-Fi VPN

You can disable Private Wi-Fi VPN at any time by going to the Private Wi-Fi Settings within the app.
  1. Scroll to Wi-Fi Security.
  2. Toggle Wi-Fi Security off.

This will disable the Secure Wi-Fi VPN from launching whenever you connect to an open unencrypted domestic network.

Known Private Wi-Fi VPN issues

  • The Private Wi-Fi VPN has a conflict with AT&T Wi-Fi Calling when using Airplane mode on some LG devices. In order for all features of AT&T Wi-Fi Calling to work you should disable the Private Wi-Fi VPN by going to settings in the Private Wi-Fi app and toggling the VPN off while you are using Wi-Fi Calling in Airplane Mode.
  • The Private Wi-Fi VPN will sometimes connect to Secure (non-open) Wi-Fi hotspots. In order to stop this from occurring, it is recommended that you open the Private Wi-Fi app and it will stop the VPN from running.

Disable Wi-Fi Alerts
  1. Click on Settings from the menu.
  2. Uncheck Wi-Fi Alerts.

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Last updated: December 7, 2022