Is airport Wi-Fi safe to use?

Why it's safer than it used to be

Most of the websites you use now encrypt your connection themselves. Which? notes that email and most websites, particularly banking and shopping sites, already have their own encryption. In a browser you can see this as a padlock or "https" in the address bar. That encryption is there whichever network you're on, so other people on the same Wi-Fi shouldn't be able to read what you send.

Which? adds that HTTPS doesn't guarantee a website is safe. A padlock tells you the connection is encrypted, not that the site is genuine.

The real risks

Fake hotspots

Anyone can set up a Wi-Fi network and give it a convincing name, such as "Airport_Free_WiFi" or something close to the real one. Which? warns that a hotspot like this could be used to track what you do online or to trick you into handing over information, and advises confirming the network name with a member of staff or official signage before you connect.

Sign-in pages that ask for too much

Many public hotspots show a sign-in page before you get online. Some genuine ones ask you to register an email address or agree to terms. Which? suggests keeping a separate email address just for Wi-Fi sign-ups so the spam goes there.

Be wary if a Wi-Fi page asks for:

• your email or social media password
• card details for "free" Wi-Fi
• an app or "security certificate" to install

Close it and use mobile data instead.

Your phone joining networks on its own

Many devices automatically reconnect to networks they've used before. Which? says that's risky if the network turns out to be unsafe, and you can turn it off.

What to do at the airport

1. Use mobile data or your phone's hotspot if you can. Which? says mobile data is encrypted, so it's a good choice for anything sensitive. If you're abroad, check your roaming costs first.
2. Check the network name with staff or official signs before joining.
3. Don't enter passwords or card details on a Wi-Fi sign-in page.
4. If you're unsure about the network, leave banking until later or switch to mobile data for it.
5. Keep your phone and laptop updated before you travel. On iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update. On Android: Settings > System > Software updates (names vary by make).
6. Turn on two-step verification for email and important accounts, so a stolen password alone isn't enough. See what two-factor authentication is.
7. Forget the network when you leave.

Stop your phone auto-joining

iPhone

1. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the i next to the network.
3. Turn off Auto-Join, or tap Forget This Network.
4. Back on the Wi-Fi screen, set Ask to Join Networks to Ask.

Android

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Internet (names vary by make).
2. Tap the settings cog next to the network.
3. Turn off Auto-connect, or tap Forget.

Should you use a VPN at the airport?

A VPN encrypts everything between your device and the VPN company, so the Wi-Fi network can't see or tamper with it. Which? describes a VPN as a handy tool against poorly secured networks and opportunistic hackers, but not a complete solution.

It's a reasonable extra if you often use public Wi-Fi, work on the move, or just want peace of mind. It isn't essential if you mostly use mobile data or stick to apps and websites that already encrypt your connection. It also won't stop you from typing your details into a scam page. Our guide Do I need a VPN? goes through who benefits and what to look for.

If you choose one, Which? advises downloading it from the provider's official site or its link to the app store, because fake VPN apps have appeared in app stores.

Before your trip

Run through our Travel Check before you go.

Sources

• How to keep your data safe when using public wi-fi – 8 quick tips — Which? (opens in a new tab)
• Do you really need a VPN? — Which? (opens in a new tab)
• Best VPNs 2026 — Which? (opens in a new tab)
• Turn on 2-step verification (2SV) — National Cyber Security Centre (opens in a new tab)
• Install the latest software and app updates — National Cyber Security Centre (opens in a new tab)
• Update your iPhone or iPad — Apple Support (opens in a new tab)
• Check and update your Android version — Android Help (opens in a new tab)

Last checked: 22 September 2026