On public Wi-Fi you see odd ads or strange error pages
Some public networks redirect your DNS traffic to their own filter, sometimes with ads or tracking attempts.
Try this first
- 1Open the browser and try a known site like https://www.example.com. Strange certificate warning? Stop immediately.
- 2Always enable VPN on public Wi-Fi. Most traffic, including DNS, then goes through a safe tunnel.
- 3VPN blocked? Use the network minimally: light browsing only, no passwords, no banking.
- 4For longer work sessions: use mobile data via a hotspot, not the hotel or cafe Wi-Fi.
When to bring us in
For frequent travelers: we set up always-on VPN on your laptop so public Wi-Fi never opens a hole. Set once and forget.
See also
- Wi-Fi drops randomly across the officeFirst rule out whether it is the access points or the internet connection itself. Different fix.
- One room or corner has no or bad Wi-FiNot always "add another AP"; often one is poorly positioned, or there is a metal wall in the way.
- Internet is suddenly slow for everyoneThree suspects: your provider, a colleague soaking the line, or a backup or update kicking in unexpectedly.
None of the above fits?
Describe your situation below. We pass your input plus the steps you already saw to our AI and return tailored next-step advice. If it's too risky to DIY, we'll say so.
Or skip the DIY entirely
Our Managed IT clients do not look these things up. One point of contact, a fixed monthly price, resolved within working hours.