In iOS, Apple makes it easy to spot potentially unsafe Wi-Fi networks before you connect. There are helpful privacy indicators in Control Center that instantly show whether nearby networks are password-protected or open to the public.
Accessing Wi-Fi Privacy Indicators
Getting to these privacy indicators is straightforward. Pull down from the top-right corner to invoke Control Center, then touch and hold the standalone Wi-Fi control. You'll see a list of detected nearby networks, each displaying a lock icon next to password-protected private networks, with no lock showing for public networks.
If you haven't added the standalone Wi-Fi control (long press a space, then tap Add Control), you can tap the Connectivity group – located by default in the top-left corner of Control Center – and then hold the Wi-Fi symbol within that. This group is also home to controls for Bluetooth, Cellular Data, AirDrop, VPN and Personal Hotspot.
The lock symbols make it simple to distinguish between secure private networks and potentially risky public hotspots that don't require a password. It's a small but welcome improvement that helps you quickly make more informed decisions about which networks to join without having to delve into settings, thereby reducing the risk of connecting your iPhone or iPad to unsecured Wi-Fi.
