What is WiFi Coverage Boost?
WiFi Coverage Boost extends your coverage where you need it most, thanks to free and seamless* access to over 150,000 WiFi hotspots across the UK.
And this isn’t any old public WiFi. This is BT’s own securely-encrypted WiFi. Your phone will detect the hotspots as they come into range, and seamlessly connect. All of this happens behind the scenes and in the blink of an eye with no notifications, so you can get on with your day.
Apple devices will connect automatically to WiFi Coverage Boost, but Android users will need to complete a few short steps (see instructions below).
Can I get WiFi Coverage Boost?
Pay monthly customers
If you're an EE pay monthly customer with a WiFi-enabled device, you can get WiFi on the London Underground and in 150,000 locations across the UK.
If your account is in arrears or has been classified as a bad debt the feature isn't available.
Pay as you go customers
If you're an EE pay as you go customer with a WiFi-enabled device, you can get WiFi on the London Underground and in 150,000 locations across the UK if you've topped up your account with at least £5 within the last 30 days. You'll need to text WiFi to 150 to get set up.
It can take up to two days to update your account and give you access to EE WiFi once you've topped up.
If you have any further questions about WiFi on the London Underground, you can find them on our London Underground help page.
Which devices can I use with WiFi Coverage Boost?
Most Apple and Android handsets released in the past five years should work, however we recommend your device software is iOS13 or later (supported by iPhone 6S and above) for Apple devices and Android 11 or later (supported by Samsung Galaxy S10 and Google Pixel 2 and above) for Android devices.
If you use a business device, contact your IT department to find out if it'll work. The list of eligible devices may be updated going forward.
How do I connect to WiFi Coverage Boost?
Only devices with compatible EE SIMs can access the London Underground WiFi and 150,000 hotspots across the UK. Follow the set-up instructions for your device below:
On Apple devices
- make sure you have iOS 13 or above installed
- switch on your WiFi - you'll then automatically connect to EE WiFi
On Android devices
option 1
- turn on the WiFi on your device
- go to WiFi settings
- select Add network
- enter EE WiFi-Auto as the network name (please ensure you use the exact spelling and capitalisation shown here)
- under security select WPA/WPA2-Enterprise (varies by device and may say WPA/WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise on some devices)
- under EAP method, select SIM (If your device shows Select SIM card, it should be set to EE)
- select Save
- check that 'EE WiFi-Auto' now appears in your 'Saved networks' list
option 2
Alternatively, you can complete the following steps when in range if the WiFi network titled 'EE WiFi-Auto' which is available in 260 stations on the London Underground or in select EE stores. Once these steps have been completed, you will automatically and seamlessly connect to EE WiFi hotspots on the London Underground and in 150,000 locations across the UK when you come into range. If you aren't able to complete these steps, then head into an EE retail store and a store assistant will get you set up.
- once in range of the London Underground or an EE retail store, turn on your WiFi
- select EE WiFi-Auto from the list of networks
- set the 'access method' to EAP
- set your 'EAP method' to SIM
What if I can’t find an EE WiFi hotspot?
EE WiFi hotspots won’t be available everywhere. Instead, they will only be available in the 150,000 hand-picked locations that we’ve chosen where our 4G/mobile network can be boosted.
What’s more, your phone will detect the hotspots as they come into range, and seamlessly connect (Android customers need to have completed the set up options above). All of this happens behind the scenes and in the blink of an eye with no notifications, so you can get on with your day.
On the London Underground, you can find out if a Tube station has WiFi. It’s likely the station you're at doesn’t have WiFi yet or you‘re out of range of the WiFi signal. If you think you're out of range then try walking a few steps and try again.
What if I get a "Page not available" or "Page not found" message?
This may be because:
- you’ve moved out of range of an EE WiFi hotspot
- you’ve misspelt the web address
- you may be trying to access blocked content
- there’s a network fault in that location – try moving to another spot
- you may not have WiFi calling switched on in your device settings
Is online content blocked whilst connected to WiFi Coverage Boost?
Your privacy settings whilst connected to WiFi Coverage Boost will match the preferences you have set on your EE account.
How do I disconnect from WiFi Coverage Boost across the UK?
Just turn off WiFi under Settings on your device if you want to disconnect from EE WiFi-Auto.
You can forget the EE-WiFi-Auto network on your device’s connectivity settings, but you will need to follow the setup steps above to reconnect.
The legal bit
Access to up to 150,000 BT wi-fi hotspots across the UK and London Underground wi-fi access in enabled stations. Subject to device compatibility. Seamless connection for iOS handsets when in range of a hotspot. To connect on an Android device, manual sign-in required when in an EE retail store or in range of a London Underground hotspot or by configuring settings manually. After initial connection, subsequent connection will be seamless. BT Wi-Fi hotspots subject to change. London Underground wi-fi access available in ticket halls, escalators, platforms and when the train is in the station. No coverage in the tunnels. Active EE mobile customers only. You are an active pay as you go customer if your pay as you go account has been topped up with a minimum of £5 within the last 30 days. If your last top up took place more than 30 days ago, it can take up to two days from the date of your latest top up to update your account and provide you with access to the service. Compatible device required. See ee.co.uk/wificoverageboost for more information. Fair usage policies apply.