How Can You Get Free Wi-Fi at O’Hare Airport?

O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago provides free, unlimited Wi-Fi access in all terminals, both pre-security and post-security. The free Wi-Fi is provided by Boingo Wireless, and passengers can access it through the "_Free_ORD_Wi-Fi" or "Boingo Hotspot" network and click on the option "Watch Ad to Connect".

In September 2026, the Chicago Department of Aviation, with Boingo, upgraded the network at O'Hare (and Midway) by introducing next-generation Wi-Fi. The upgrade increases the capacity for passengers to be able to stream videos, conduct video conferencing, and surf the Internet concurrently. O'Hare Airport has been an industry leader with the introduction of the first-ever Passpoint network and Wi-Fi 6 at an airport in the USA.

Wi-Fi at O'Hare International Airport: Quick Facts

How to Connect to Free Wi-Fi at Chicago O'Hare Airport

O'Hare's free Wi-Fi does not require a ticket, an account, or a password. The airport's official connection steps are:

1. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned ON on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

2. Select "Boingo Hotspot" or "_Free_ORD_Wi-Fi" from your Settings or Network Preferences menu.

3. Launch an internet browser and load a new non-HTTPS URL; this is what triggers the Wi-Fi access page to appear.

4. Under "ORD Free Unlimited Wi-Fi," choose "Watch Ad to Connect."

5. Watch the short sponsor ad, and you're online.

Connect by device:

• iPhone/iPad: Access Settings > Wi-Fi > "_Free_ORD_Wi-Fi." In case the portal does not launch automatically, launch Safari and access any site via a simple http:// link.

• Android: Access Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > "_Free_ORD_Wi-Fi." In case the portal does not launch automatically, open the notification shade and look for an option that says “Sign in to network.”

• Laptop (Windows/Mac): Access the network from the Wi-Fi list and open a browser with a non-HTTPS link.

If using a virtual private network, make sure to disable it until you are finished with the process.

Where is the Wi-Fi Available at O’Hare?

The signal covers all four terminals, both before and after security. Everything you need fits in one table:

The system also extends into the gates, restaurants, retail stores, check-in area, and luggage claim areas. The Power Stations mentioned above serve as O'Hare’s working spaces that have seating areas, counter space, and free AC outlets (four to eight at each station), including a wheelchair-accessible outlet. For laptop work, they beat hunting for a random plug at your gate.

O'Hare Airport Wi-Fi Troubleshooting

• Login page fails to load: Forget the network from the settings menu, reconnect to it, and go to a browser. Type any address that is not HTTPS. Turn off your VPN until after you log in.

• Connected but slow: Go out of the crowds near gates to the less crowded areas such as seats or Power Stations, and shut down any app that uses a lot of bandwidth.

• Dropped connection: Turn airplane mode on and off, then turn your device off and on.

• Cannot connect: Contact Boingo Customer Service at (800) 880-4117, or use your mobile data or hotspot.

Is Wi-Fi at O'Hare Safe?

ORD Airport Wi-Fi is like any other public Wi-Fi network and hence less secure than your home Wi-Fi network. However, some easy measures can be taken to ensure safety:

• Verify that you are connecting to the correct network. It may be “_Free_ORD_Wi-Fi” or “Boingo Hotspot”.

• Always use a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) when doing any professional work.

• Try to use only HTTPS sites and minimise bank transfers.

• Disable auto-connect and file sharing on your device.

There is an unlimited Wi-Fi network at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport that is accessible from all the terminals and can be easily accessed by connecting to "_Free_ORD_Wi-Fi" or "Boingo Hotspot," visiting any webpage except HTTPS, and selecting the "Watch Ad to Connect" option. To have the best connectivity, one needs to connect before getting to a crowded gate, use the Power Station for work purposes, and use a VPN for confidential information.