Free Wi-Fi At Pek Airport: Availability And Instructions

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers free and unlimited WiFi to all passengers through the network AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI. This service is accessible in all terminals, allowing travellers to stay connected while waiting for their flight or passing through. To connect, users can authenticate via phone number, passport, or WeChat. While the WiFi is complimentary, travellers should be aware of potential limitations in speed, accessibility, and censorship.

How to connect to PEK airport's free WiFi

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers free and unlimited WiFi through the network named "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI" or "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI-NEW". This network can be accessed in all terminals and most public areas, including arrival and departure halls.

• Open the WiFi setup on your mobile device or laptop.
• Choose the "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI" or "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI-NEW" network.
• Open any webpage in a browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.
• On the webpage, you will be presented with three options to authenticate your login:

• Mobile Phone SMS: Input your mobile phone number and click "Get Verification Code". You will receive a verification code via SMS, which you then need to type in.
• WeChat Authentication: If you have a WeChat account, you can use this to verify and connect to the internet.
• Passport Presentation: Place your passport or ID into the scanning port of a self-service machine (automated kiosk) to obtain a username and password.

Please note that the WiFi speed at PEK may vary, and you may experience slower speeds during peak hours in crowded areas. There may also be website restrictions when using the internet. If you encounter any difficulties, you can ask the airport staff for assistance.

WeChat authentication

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers free and unlimited WiFi through the network named "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI" or "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI-NEW". There are three ways to connect to the internet: using a phone number, using a passport at a kiosk, and WeChat authentication.

If you have the WeChat app and a WeChat account, you can use this to verify and connect to the internet. Here is a step-by-step guide to connecting to the internet using WeChat authentication:

Step 1:

Open the WiFi settings in your cell phone or laptop, and choose the network SSID "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI" or "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI-NEW" to connect.

Step 2:

Open any webpage through any browser in your mobile phone or laptop, including Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Step 3:

On the webpage, you will be presented with three ways to make the authentication to connect to the internet. Choose "WeChat Authentication".

Step 4:

Log in to your WeChat account and follow the instructions to verify and connect to the internet.

Please note that while PEK Airport's WiFi is a convenient way to stay connected for basic internet needs, you may experience slower speeds during peak hours in crowded areas. If you need faster speeds, unrestricted access, or plan to use data-heavy apps, consider alternative options such as purchasing a local SIM card or a China eSIM. Additionally, many overseas email providers are blocked within China, so it is recommended to have printouts or screenshots of important information.

Phone number authentication

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers free and unlimited WiFi through the network "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI". This service is available in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

To connect to the WiFi, you must first open your WiFi settings and select the "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI" network. Then, open a webpage in your browser. On the webpage, you will be presented with three authentication options:

• Phone number authentication: This method supports mobile phone numbers from over 220 countries. Enter your mobile number and click "Get Verification Code". You will receive an SMS with a verification code. Enter this code, then click "Log in" to connect to the internet.
• Passport authentication: If you do not have a local phone number, you can use your passport to authenticate. Visit the nearest WiFi dispenser or "Beijing Service" airport service counter in Terminals 1, 2, or 3. Provide your passport to receive a username and password.
• WeChat authentication: If you have a WeChat account, you can use this to verify and connect to the internet.

If you encounter any difficulties, airport staff will be available to assist you. Additionally, if you are a "Boingo" user, you can connect directly through the "Boingo" hotspot.

Passport authentication

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers free and unlimited WiFi to passengers in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The network name is "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI" or "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI-NEW".

There are several ways to connect to the airport's WiFi network, including via phone number, WeChat, or passport. If you choose passport authentication, you will need to follow these steps:

• Look for a self-service machine (automated kiosk) at the airport.
• Scan your passport at the kiosk to get a username and password.
• Open the WiFi settings on your device and choose the network "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI" or "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI-NEW".
• Enter the username and password you received from the kiosk.
• You should now be connected to the internet.

It is important to note that the WiFi speed at Beijing Capital International Airport may vary. While it is sufficient for basic internet needs, you may experience slower speeds during peak hours or in crowded areas. Additionally, there may be website restrictions when using the internet.

Overall, Beijing Capital International Airport provides a convenient and free WiFi service for passengers, allowing them to stay connected during their travel through the airport.

WiFi limitations

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) offers free and unlimited WiFi to all passengers through the network named "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI-NEW". However, there are some limitations to be aware of:

Speed

The WiFi speed at Beijing Capital International Airport is generally decent enough for basic internet needs such as web browsing, checking emails, or sending messages. However, you may experience slower speeds during peak hours when the airport is crowded, especially in areas with a high concentration of users such as departure gates or food courts.

Accessibility

To connect to the airport's WiFi, you need to have a device that can access WiFi and know the correct network ID (SSID). The current SSID for the airport's WiFi is "AIRPORT-FREE-WIFI", but it is subject to change, so it is recommended to verify the most current SSID with airport staff or on official airport resources. Additionally, you may need a password to connect, which can be found on the airport's website or displayed within the terminal.

Time Limitations

While some sources claim that the WiFi is unlimited, others state that you can only use it for six hours or 240 minutes at a time. After this period, you can reconnect your device by following the same process.

Verification

To use the WiFi service, you will need to register and verify your identity. This can be done in several ways, including providing a mobile phone number, using WeChat authentication, or presenting your passport at a kiosk or information desk.

Censorship and Website Restrictions

While the airport provides complimentary WiFi, you should be aware of potential website restrictions and censorship when using the internet in PEK airport and Beijing.

Frequently asked questions