topic Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad in Archived Posts

Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Tonedog — Sat, 16 Jan 2021 15:11:11 GMT

Am I able to use my iPad (wifi only) to connect to EE’s underground wifi? It doesn’t seem to work when I try.

I imagine it’s probably not possible unless I have a contract/SIM for the iPad but that seems like a frustrating and unnecessary limitation.

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Fatboy71 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 08:35:46 GMT

From information on this link:

https://ee.co.uk/help/help-new/network-and-coverage/tethering-or-sharing-internet/wifi-on-the-london-underground

"You'll be able to use any WiFi-enabled device that can connect to a home, work or public WiFi network - this will include most smartphones, tablets and laptops".

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Fatboy71 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 08:39:42 GMT

Just to add that EE Underground WIFI (which is provided by Virgin Media) is not available at ALL London Underground stations.

A list of where it is available and also where it will be coming to soon, can be found here:

https://my.virginmedia.com/wifi/station-guide

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Tonedog — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 16:02:24 GMT

Thanks but I think it’s my EE account that won’t let me.

I can’t remember off the top of my head what it actually says, but I think it was something to do with needing to contact EE... which seems to pretty difficult recently. Any idea if I have to add the device to my account somehow?

I’m usually on the tube when trying to do it so don’t have long in stations. I guess I’m gonna have to just sit down on a platform and figure it out.

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Fatboy71 — Sun, 17 Jan 2021 22:30:30 GMT

@Tonedog wrote:

Thanks but I think it’s my EE account that won’t let me.

I can’t remember off the top of my head what it actually says, but I think it was something to do with needing to contact EE... which seems to pretty difficult recently. Any idea if I have to add the device to my account somehow?

I’m usually on the tube when trying to do it so don’t have long in stations. I guess I’m gonna have to just sit down on a platform and figure it out.

Not sure how or if you could add that device to your account.

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Howielon — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 00:25:27 GMT

EE helpdesk just told me that my iPad Air 2020 cannot be connected to EE Wifi Auto on London Underground because it is a tablet, contrary to published advice. Using PAYG sim with required top up loaded and valid for use.

Strangely the iPad message app does not recognise txt number 9527 which I was previously told to ask for EE password for London Underground Wifi.
Does anyone know if this will change? Odd that iPhone is OK but not iPad.

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Christopher_G — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 07:56:40 GMT

Hi @Howielon

When did you last top up £5+?

Chris

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Howielon — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 09:48:17 GMT

Hi Chris,

02 Apr topped up £10 and activated 2GB Data add-on. FYI my account was deleted and reinstated twice and been told am unlocked for use by underground 4g wifi, but never received txt to iMessage on ipad with username and password. Unable to send iMessage txt to 9527 EEWIFI. iPad iMessage doesn't recognise the numeric number. Helpdesk was very patient with me but eventually said tablets dont work with underground wifi. If correct I would like this info added to the online help pages please. Ideally, of course would be nice if it becomes possible

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Christopher_G — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 14:00:28 GMT

I can't find information internally or externally to say that you can't use an iPad/tablet with this service, @Howielon.

Are you able to put the SIM card into a phone so that you can send the text to activate it?

Chris

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Howielon — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 14:48:47 GMT

Thank you Chris, a good idea. I’ll switch sim from apple iPad to Samsung mobile phone. (Once I find the gizmo to open them). Will revert. Regards Howard

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Howielon — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 15:07:28 GMT

Ok switched sim to my Samsung a7 mobile. Sent txt EEWIFI to 9527. No response yet.

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Howielon — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:02:22 GMT

Texts sent OK to 9527 from EE sim within android mobile at 16:03 and 17:04 yesterday , but unfortunately no response from EEWIFI. Unsure if EE received them. I believe the sim card is fine or it wouldn’t have successfully sent texts.

Now switched EE sim back to iPad Air 2020.

iMessage works only between apple products due apple encryption and functionality.

EE 150 can send iMessages regarding top up through wifi so some some apple functionality exists but not ipad Imessaging required by 9527 EEWIFI auto response or London Underground Wifi system. Is this a correct assumption? If so, then please reflect this in EE help pages that Apple tablets cannot current be used on EE portal on London Underground.

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

James_B — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:11:54 GMT

Hi @Howielon,

You don't need to send a text to connect WiFi on the underground. iOS devices can connect automatically.

Please see How do I use WiFi on the London Underground? for more details.

James

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Howielon — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 17:50:35 GMT

Thank you James. Currently get error unable to join the network ‘EE Wif-Auto’

Subsequent EE helpdesk sessions reloaded the account twice, said the underground functionality needed to be unlocked (they did this but I didn’t receive the special London underground Wi-fi user name and password because I never received an iMessage from EE. iMessage doesn’t permit me to send iMessage to 9527. When switched sim to Samsung A7 it allowed sent SMS text but no response. I’ve also been told by EE helpdesk tablets don’t work on Underground Wi-fi. I’m confident there is a rational explanation and solution. Booked appointment with Apple tomorrow to find out if iPad EE sim phone number must be trusted within my apple account. Have a problem adding that too. Will revert.
Howard

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

James_B — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 17:52:51 GMT

Please let us know how you get on @Howielon

James

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Howielon — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:27:57 GMT

Added phone card phone number now into my Apple ID trusted contacts via ipadAir 2020. Had to do this by switching the EE PAYG sim to Samsung A7 where it received the verification code text from Apple. (Nothing arrived in iMessage). Went to the underground to see if Samsung works on EE Wifi-Auto portal. Followed the steps for android..EAP method SIM and pressed connect. Reply was ‘EE WiFi-Auto’ couldn’t connect to network. SIM worked fine on 4G mobile phone signal. If I tried PEAP instead of SIM with my EE login email and password (no CA validation) response Invalid credentials.

Replaced EE sim in IPad...which shouldn’t need manual authentication and same error unable to join the network ‘EEWifi-Auto’.

Just out of interest, tried the Virgin portal, completed the log in page with phone number and EE account password. Response to register for the Wi-fi service, call customer services.

Years ago, Vodafone told me London Underground WiFi does a validation with the SIM card to permit log in. Assume this also applies to EE portal, but I don’t even get as far as log in page with iPad.

A year ago, EE helpdesk suggested that this PAYG SIM received in the post from EE may be duff. Is it worth changing it? Can’t think what else it can be.

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

James_B — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:32:07 GMT

Hi @Howielon,

Has your pay as you go SIM been topped up with at least £5 within the last 30 days?

James

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Howielon — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 17:00:05 GMT

Topped up £10 on 02 April 2021 and added 2GB data pack same day.

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

James_B — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 17:22:30 GMT

That's great @Howielon

There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to connect to WiFi on the underground automatically.

I'd recommend resetting your network settings on your iPad before you next try to connect. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings (This will delete any saved WiFi passwords)

If this doesn't resolve the issue, please get in touch with Customer Care so our Tech Gurus can take another look at this for you.

Thanks

James

Re: Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

Howielon — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 10:55:38 GMT

Hello James, reset network settings but still fails to connect.

Phoned Helpdesk once more and someone added a note to my account that PAYG EE sim does not enjoy benefit of WiFi on London Underground. I feel promotional literature should reflect this...in fact it says you CAN use PAYG with most devices. But now I know. It’s occasional use at the moment so not worth buying a monthly account with EE. Just to add, my mobile phone with BT (which piggy backs on EE) is lowest monthly tariff part of a broadband package. That doesn’t offer London Underground either. I’ve second thoughts about moving from my last provider which worked fine. Glad there was finally an explanation out there, and satisfied with helpdesk service.