Using WiFi Coverage Boost

WiFi Coverage Boost extends your device's coverage where you need it most, thanks to free and seamless* access to over 150,000 WiFi hotspots across the UK.

About WiFi Coverage Boost

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 so you can get on with your day.

iOS devices will connect automatically to WiFi Coverage Boost, Android users will need to complete a few short steps (see instructions below).

WiFi Coverage Boost eligibility

Pay monthly customers

If you're an EE pay monthly customer with a WiFi-enabled device, you can connect at 150,000 locations across the UK and use WiFi on the London Underground. However, if your account is in arrears or has been classified as a bad debt the feature isn't available.

Pay as you go customers

EE pay as you go customers with a WiFi-enabled device can connect if you have topped up your account with at least £5 within the past 30 days. To get set up, text WiFi to 150.

Note: Once you've topped up, it can take up to two days to update your account and give you access to EE WiFi.

Devices that can 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.

Connect to WiFi Coverage Boost

Only devices with compatible EE SIMs can access. Follow the set-up instructions for your device below:

iOS devices

  1. make sure you have iOS 13 or above installed
  2. switch on your WiFi - you'll then automatically connect to EE WiFi.

 

Android devices

Option 1

  1. turn on the WiFi on your device
  2. go to WiFi settings
  3. select Add network
  4. enter EE WiFi-Auto as the network name (please ensure you use the exact spelling and capitalisation shown here)
  5. under security select WPA/WPA2-Enterprise
    (may say WPA/WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise on some devices)
  6. under EAP method, select SIM (If your device shows Select SIM card, it should be set to EE)
  7. select Save
  8. check that 'EE WiFi-Auto' now appears in your 'Saved networks' list.

Option 2

Complete the following steps when in range of the WiFi network titled 'EE WiFi-Auto', available at 260 stations on the London Underground or in select EE stores. Once these steps have been completed, you will connect automatically to EE WiFi in 150,000 locations across the UK when you come into range. If you can't complete these steps, head into an EE retail store, and a store assistant will set you up.

  1. When in range of the London Underground or an EE retail store, turn on your WiFi
  2. select EE WiFi-Auto from the list of networks
  3. set the 'access method' to EAP
  4. set your 'EAP method' to SIM.

Can’t find an EE WiFi hotspot?

EE WiFi hotspots are only available in 150,000 hand-picked locations, where our 4G/mobile network can be boosted.

What’s more, your phone will detect the hotspots as they come into range, and  connect seamlessly (Android customers need to have completed the set up options above).

All of this happens behind the scenes, so you can get on with your day.

"Page not available" or "Page not found"?

This could 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.

Your privacy settings, while connected to WiFi Coverage Boost, will match the preferences you have set on your EE account.

Disconnect from WiFi Coverage Boost

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.

View our phones and devices guides

The legal bit

Access to up to 150,000 BT wi-fi hotspots across the UK and London Underground WiFi 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. Fair usage policies apply.  

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