You should check your settings ‘as soon as possible’
Sophie Buchan Money and Lifestyle Writer
12:27, 28 Mar 2026
You may be at risk and not know it(Image: Getty/Sally Anscombe photographer 2024)
People across the UK are being warned to be extra cautious when using Wi-Fi.
One feature that could put you at risk, making it a setting you want to turn off. Experts at Which? explain that some devices automatically reconnect to networks you’ve used before, including public Wi-Fi, which can be dangerous if the network isn’t secure. The team at Which? advises checking your current settings as soon as possible and updating them if needed by following the steps below:
If you have an iPhone: Go to Settings > wi-fi and select the I icon next to the network. Disable Auto-Join. From the wi-fi screen, you can also select Ask to Join Networks > Ask. If no known networks are available, you will be asked before joining a new one.If you have an Android: Head to Settings > Network and Internet > Internet. Select the Cog icon next to the wi-fi network, then toggle Auto-connect.If you are using a device with Windows 10 and 11: Visit Settings > Network & Internet > wi-fi > Manage known networks. Choose a network, select Properties and toggle Connect automatically when in range.If you are using a Mac: Open the Apple menu and choose System Preferences > Network Preferences. Click Network > wi-fi > Advanced > Manage known networks. Select a network and then toggle Automatically join this network.
The experts suggest that, to be extra safe, you can delete a Wi-Fi network from your device entirely.
Similar Wi-Fi names
If you don’t need a password, be vigilant(Image: Getty/2025 Yiu Yu Hoi)
So, what else do the tech experts recommend? Which? warns people that not all public Wi-Fi hotspots are equal. While some are secure, others may be set up with malicious intent to trick you into connecting and unknowingly sharing your information.
Worryingly, these can be easy to fall for. A network might be labelled something like “Coffee_wifi_official” while you’re in a café, or use a name very similar to the place you’re visiting to make it seem legitimate.
Before connecting, make sure the public Wi-Fi is legitimate. For networks at restaurants or hotels, ask staff or check official signs. Be cautious as unsafe networks often don’t need a password, while safer ones usually ask you to sign up or agree to terms first.
Remember ‘https’
Make sure you only visit websites that use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). This ensures the data sent between your device and the site is encrypted and better protected.
Although this is good to look out for, Which? warn: “Crucially, HTTPS doesn’t guarantee that a website is 100% secure. It is, however, a good indication of trustworthiness.”
Sites designed to steal your information often use HTTP instead, as it looks similar, so make sure it reads “https://” before the “www.”
When was the last time you updated your phone?
If your phone needs an update, install it as soon as you can. According to TechRadar: “Software updates can in some cases also improve the overall stability or efficiency of your phone.
“And your phone will also receive security updates that patch vulnerabilities. These are less exciting, but are arguably even more important, as they help prevent your phone from getting hacked.”
For more tips, visit the Which? website here. You can also check out our Tech news, reviews and updates here.