Public Wi-Fi networks are a part of daily life, but logging into them can be a hassle. Soon, though, Android users might find it a little easier to access these networks thanks to a small but useful change in how Captive Portals – the login pages that pop up when you connect – work.
Currently, when you try to log into public Wi-Fi, you might be asked to enter personal details or even log in with a social media account. The problem? These Captive Portals don't have access to your autofill data, so you have to type everything out manually. This happens because these portals open in something called an Android System WebView, a basic tool for displaying web pages inside apps. It doesn't share your browsing history or autofill info like Google Chrome does.
The solution? According to a new report, Google is working on making Captive Portals open in Android Custom Tabs. Custom Tabs allow apps to open web pages using the default web browser, meaning they can access your saved passwords, payment info, and autofill data, making it much quicker and easier to log in. This change has already been partially implemented in Android's code, but it's not fully active yet.
You often need to log in with an email or social media account to use public Wi-Fi. | Image credit – Purple
So, once this update drops, connecting to, let's say, the airport Wi-Fi will be a lot less of a hassle. You won't have to waste time typing in all those details – especially the password, which, let's be honest, we don't always remember (I know I definitely don't remember all my passwords).
However, keep in mind that while this update will make logging into public Wi-Fi faster, it doesn't really improve security. For example, fake Wi-Fi networks designed to steal your information (known as "evil twin" attacks) will still be a risk. But in general, this update should make accessing Wi-Fi a lot less annoying. Keep an eye out for it – it's likely coming soon to devices running Android 10 or later.
Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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