WiFi Assistant

[Rocky5000100]

https://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/settings-you-should-change-on-the-google-pixel/

To help ease the amount of wireless data you consume, enable Google's Wi-Fi Assistant feature. When turned on, your Pixel will automatically connect to known, "high-quality" networks. By automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network when you're away from home or the office, your cellular data plan will be spared when possible. And the ensure your data is safe on a public Wi-Fi network, Wi-Fi Assistant includes a VPN service to keep your personal information private.

Open the Settings app, select Wi-Fi, tap on the Settings gear in the top-right corner. Slide the switch next to "Use open Wi-Fi automatically" to the On position.

Going forward, your Pixel will connect to Wi-Fi networks on its own, displaying a key icon with the Google "G" logo next to it.

When I first started reading, the idea of automatically connecting to public WiFis automatically scared me a little, but Google opens up a VPN for you to go through, so it's much more secure. This is a cool feature which will help keep my data down on Project Fi.

I didn't know this feature was available, is this on other phones with android 7.0+?

 

[maxburn]

Yes, I think all the Nexus with 7 got it. I have it on 6P I believe.

It's actually pretty rare that there are open WiFi access points without a click through page to approve their terms. So anyway it's a bit less useful than you might imagine.

 

[Rocky5000100]

Yes, I think all the Nexus with 7 got it. I have it on 6P I believe.

It's actually pretty rare that there are open WiFi access points without a click through page to approve their terms. So anyway it's a bit less useful than you might imagine.

Ah okay thanks for the info.

Yea, I know quite a few have the click through. We'll have to see how many I come across.

 

[PhiPsi32]

The feature does work. There are a couple restaurants I patronize with free open WiFi. As long as I have WiFi turned on, Android promptly connects me and starts a VPN session. Threw me for a loop the first time because I wasn't expecting it.

 

[Almeuit]

https://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/settings-you-should-change-on-the-google-pixel/



When I first started reading, the idea of automatically connecting to public WiFis automatically scared me a little, but Google opens up a VPN for you to go through, so it's much more secure. This is a cool feature which will help keep my data down on Project Fi.

I didn't know this feature was available, is this on other phones with android 7.0+?

Yes -- this has been around since Project Fi has been around . It currently works on Nexus phones (5X / 6P) and the Pixels.

 

[seventhson]

Cannot find this setting on my Pixel on Verizon. I went to the Wifi settings as described by OP but that option was not there

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

Yes -- this has been around since Project Fi has been around . It currently works on Nexus phones (5X / 6P) and the Pixels.

I used 9.2 GB of data last month. Paid for 800MB of it. IF (great big if) you have wifi hotspots where you spend your time, Fi is a great bargain.

 

[Ryano89]

Cannot find this setting on my Pixel on Verizon. I went to the Wifi settings as described by OP but that option was not there

Uh oh did we just find Verizon's first dumb *** change?

 

[Almeuit]

I used 9.2 GB of data last month. Paid for 800MB of it. IF (great big if) you have wifi hotspots where you spend your time, Fi is a great bargain.

Yeah -- if they were at my work I would be okay. My main use is at work since I have WiFi at home. When I am out and about I don't use that much. On an average month I will use 30-40 GB a month since my work allows streaming of music / TV while doing my stuff (as long as it gets done of course haha).

 

[wckesq]

Cannot find this setting on my Pixel on Verizon. I went to the Wifi settings as described by OP but that option was not there

Settings>Google>Networking - Should be there. I'm on VZW.

 

[seventhson]

Settings>Google>Networking - Should be there. I'm on VZW.

Can you confirm you found the setting and enabled it? Your description is different than OPs. OP said it's under network>gear icon, you say it's under Google>Networking which doesn't even exist in my phone

 

[wckesq]

Can you confirm you found the setting and enabled it? Your description is different than OPs. OP said it's under network>gear icon, you say it's under Google>Networking which doesn't even exist in my phone

Settings>Google>Networking

 

[seventhson]

Settings>Google>Networking

Hmmm, I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. There is no Networking under Settings>Google>??

 

[Wiley_11]

Hmmm, I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. There is no Networking under Settings>Google>??

Did you scroll down? It's almost at the bottom.

On my Nexus 6 it's also found at: Settings>Wi-Fi>Gear Icon>Use Open Wi-Fi Automatically.

 

[wckesq]

 

[seventhson]

I'm not crazy! It's not there on my phone...
Trying to post a screenshot but can't from mobile

 

[Wiley_11]

I'm not crazy!

Did your Mom have you tested?.........

 

[Ryano89]

Settings>Google>Networking - Should be there. I'm on VZW.

Purchased from Verizon?

 

[wckesq]

Yes, purchased from VZW.

 

[seventhson]

I think it might be a VZ issue.