How to Block the Boingo Wi-Finder Tool from Automatically
Connecting Users to Your Network or Access Point

What is the Boingo Wi-Finder Tool?

Boingo provides our users with Wi-Fi access worldwide through a network of both Boingo and partner hotspots. In places where we or our partners are not able to provide service, users typically must manually search for alternative available networks. However, the Boingo Wi-Finder tool allows users who opt-in to use the auto-connect feature to connect automatically to available free Wi-Fi hotspots and networks ("Access Points"). Boingo Wi-Finder can also be configured to automatically accept Terms of Service or other click-through agreements on a user's behalf, making the process of getting connected quick and simple.

The Boingo Wi-Finder tool assumes that any open (unlocked) Access Point is publicly-available. If you would like to restrict Boingo users from automatically connecting to your Access Point with Boingo Wi-Finder, please select from any one of these options below.

How Can I Block Boingo Users From Automatically Accessing My Network?

COMMERCIAL HOTSPOT OPERATORS

  1. Change your Walled Garden

    If you operate a walled garden or captive portal, you can add a tag in the HTML content (even inside a comment) to instruct the Boingo Wi-Finder tool to deny access to your network. Simply include this tag anywhere on your initial pages: <PublicAccess freeAccess=0 />. As long as the Boingo Wi-Finder tool is redirected to this page, it will immediately disconnect from your Access Point and not reconnect thereafter.

  2. Add an entry to the Domain Name System

    Add "NoFreeAccess" to your domain. When the Boingo Wi-Finder tool connects to your Access Point and accesses an IP address, it will determine your local domain name from the DHCP server. For example, your domain name might be Example.com. The Boingo Wi-Finder tool will also search for "NoFreeAccess" within the domain (i.e. NoFreeAccess.Example.com). If the response to this query returns an IP address of 255.255.255.255, the Boingo Wi-Finder tool will immediately disconnect from your Access Point and will not attempt to reconnect again.

  3. Send Boingo your Unique SSIDs or BSSIDs

    If you have a list of SSIDs or BSSIDs (preferred) that are not commonly used, please fill out this brief Network Exclusion request form, and we'll add them to our Boingo Wi-Finder tool exclusion list. When this is complete, we'll send you a confirmation email within 2-3 business days or alert you within that time if there are any problems with your list.

    A BSSID is a type of hardware ID that is unique your access point, similar to a MAC address for your laptop. We can prevent the Boingo Wi-Finder tool from connecting to your AP if you send us this identifier. Please note: You may send us your Wi-Fi network name (also called an SSID) instead; however, submitting the BSSID is strongly recommended.

    A BSSID is a 12-character number that uses 0-9 and A-F (also known as a "hexadecimal" number). It may be listed with spaces or colons that separate 6 character pairs. For example, AF:01:23:45:67:ED, AF 01 23 45 67 ED and AF-01-23-45-67-ED are all possible BSSIDs.

    To find the BSSID of your Access Point, follow these steps:

    Mac OSX

    1. Connect to the SSID you would like to exclude.

    2. Press and hold the "Option" key and left click on the Apple Wi-Fi icon in the System Tray.

    3. Beneath the SSID, there should be 6 lines in light gray text, including the BSSID.

    4. Enter this number in the BSSID field on the request form.

    Windows 7

    1. Connect to the SSID you would like to exclude.

    2. Left click on the Windows Wi-Fi icon in the system tray.

    3. Right click on the SSID you're connected to and click "Status."

    4. A new window should open. Please choose "Details."

    5. When the Details window opens, look for the Physical Address. This is the BSSID.

RESIDENTIAL USERS

RESIDENTIAL USERS

If you'd like to remove your network from the auto-connect features available in the Boingo Wi-Finder tool, please select from any one of these options:

  1. Encrypt Your Wireless Router

    Encrypt your wireless router using any form of encryption, including WEP or WPA. Encryption disables the Boingo Wi-Finder auto-connect functionality from connecting to your wireless router. Simply use standard encryption functionality, which can be accessed through the management interface of any wireless router.

    To find information on accessing the management interface for your wireless router, please visit the manufacturer support site for your wireless router below.

  2. Change your wireless router Name or SSID

    Add "NFA" to the name of your wireless router or SSID. In the management interface of your wireless router, add: (a) a space; (b) the capital letters NFA; (c) and another space at the end of your network name. For example, if your wireless router is now named "Peter's Wi-Fi," just rename it "Peter's Wi-Fi NFA ". The "NFA" will be recognized by the Boingo Wi-Finder tool to mean "No Free Access," and users will be unable to access your wireless router using the Boingo Wi-Finder tool.