Using EE Underground WiFi on iPad

[Tonedog]

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.

[Howielon]

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

[Howielon]

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. 

[James_B]

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

[Howielon]

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

[James_B]

Please let us know how you get on @Howielon

James

[Howielon]

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.

[James_B]

Hi @Howielon,

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

James

[Howielon]

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

[James_B]

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

[Howielon]

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.