Wifi auto connects to unknown public networks

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Level 1

7 points

Wifi auto connects to unknown public networks

How do I stop my iphone 13 from auto joining unknown public networks? This is a huge, seriously unacceptable security risk.

I have gone to Settings>Wifi>ask to join networks, this is off. Yet, I am noticing wherever I go, my phone is connecting to unsecured public networks I have never approved my phone to join.

Whack-a-moling every network AFTER my phone connects is not a solution. At that point, my phone is already exposed. Where is the setting that stops my phone from auto connecting to unauthorized networks?

iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 15

Posted on Nov 4, 2022 09:00 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Basidiocarp Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 4, 2022 10:32 AM in response to LD150

Thanks for replying, but as I said in my post, I have ask to join networks turned off. According to the description when this is off, “if no known networks are available, you will have to manually select a network”

However, this is not my experience. My phone is automatically connecting to unknown networks instead of requiring me to select it manually. Is this a bug then?

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Answer 2

Basidiocarp Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 4, 2022 10:43 AM in response to LD150

I don’t want it to ask though…and I don’t want it to join networks I don’t intentionally select. I don’t understand how “have to manually select a network” translates to the iPhone automatically selecting a network. Seems backwards

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Answer 3

LD150

Level 10

95,595 points

Nov 4, 2022 10:46 AM in response to Basidiocarp

The other possibility is they are all run by a company that you have used before like "O2 hotspot" in which case make sure you KEEP the connections but turn off AutoJoin

There should otherwise be no reason to auto connect a completely unknown network

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Answer 4

LD150

Level 10

95,595 points

Nov 5, 2022 02:27 AM in response to Basidiocarp

Provided you don't do any banking transactions and they are genuine hotspots I really don't see the need for anxiety. I don't know if you are in UK like me (guessing USA if the 3G are shutting down) but the biggest problem of being dragged into a store or public bar Wi-Fi is they are rubbish speed compared to the SIM connection. I never feel in any danger and I never use any VPN or so-called security apps. iPhones are pretty darned secure.

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Answer 5

Basidiocarp Author

Level 1

7 points

Nov 4, 2022 04:34 PM in response to LD150

“no reason to auto connect a completely unknown network”

I couldn’t agree more. I’m quite appalled this is happening tbh. I recently ditched my iphone 5 for the 13 bc 3g shutdown. My old phone never did this.

Also, I have autojoin turned off as well. I’ve never connected this phone to a hotspot, only home wifi network, and the network names are some cryptic combination of characters.

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