Android 5.1 unwanted unsecured WiFi networks connect but need secondary authentication

[kbr2]

My Moto X 2014 running Android 5.1 on Verizon will automatically connect to unsecured WiFi that needs secondary authentication that I do not know nor have the means or motivation to find out. This half connected network disables my data connection and leaves my phone in limbo.



I remember hearing a while back about an update that would make it so Android would be able to detect whether the phone has a reliable WiFi connection and if a connection is not reliable, it would ignore it completely. This would make it so when you step into a coffee shop or something your phone will not half connect and you lose all access to emails and such.

Anyone have more info on this or know what I'm talking about? Anyone have similar struggles?

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[dancing-bass]

Ive got an LG G3. It's not on verizon, and it's only 5.0...so you may have slightly different options. In your wifi settings, go to "advanced wifi" and make sure "switch to mobile data" is enabled/checked - this way if you connect to a wifi but can't actually connect to the internet through it your phone will switch back to mobile data. I keep this checked because I've got a large data bucket and I'm not worried about using it all in a billing cycle. If I had a MotoX I could be more helpful, but this may give you a start at least!

 

[Scorpio2177]

It's due to the VZ Protect app & WILL cause your device to overheat, amongst other issues.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[kbr2]

Thanks dancing-bass, that does help. I forgot about that setting. I actually turned it off because I live in a tall townhouse (lots of different networks close together and mine is weak relative to the others on the top level sometimes. Although it has been better after the 5.1 update). It would lose WiFi connection momentarily and then immediately switch to 4G. I was watching Netflix one time and wasted about a gig of data because I didn't realize what had happened. I wish it was smart enough to say don't connect to THIS network but it's OK to look for another WiFi network. Instead of immediately abandoning every WiFi network.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Scorpio2177]

Thanks kbr2.
Not sure if you meant this or not, but notice my G3's OS & the VZ Protect App I mentioned before^^^...so I'm not sure if you meant this setting ing the app or not, bcuz I've had this for quite some time & if you log into a non-password protected WiFi or an "unknown" WiFi network, the app does send you a notification as to whether you want to stay connected or not. Also, notice the 2 separate settings...the 1st one I have marked "yes", but the 2nd one I deactivated, bcuz it would kick me out whether I wanted to stay connected or not!!