# Browser: This network requires you to sign in — captive portal (hotel, airport, café Wi-Fi) blocking HTTPS sites

**Code:** `captive portal` · **Category:** Browser · **Seen on:** Chrome, Edge, Windows, macOS

The Wi-Fi needs a login or acceptance page first; until you complete it, secure sites fail with certificate or connection errors.

## Meaning

Captive portals intercept your traffic and redirect it to a sign-in page. HTTPS sites then show certificate warnings or ERR_ errors because the portal cannot (and should not) impersonate them. Open a plain HTTP page to trigger the portal.

## Common causes

- Public Wi-Fi requiring login, voucher or terms acceptance
- Portal sign-in page not opened automatically
- DNS over HTTPS or a VPN preventing the portal redirect
- HSTS site refusing the portal's redirect
- Session on the portal expired

## Quick fix

1. Open `http://neverssl.com` or `http://captive.apple.com` to get the sign-in page
2. Turn off VPN / secure DNS until signed in
3. Click the "Sign in to network" notification when it appears

## Detailed fix by platform

### Chrome

1. Click "Sign in" on the notification, or open `http://neverssl.com`
2. Disable "Use secure DNS" briefly in Settings → Privacy and security → Security

### Windows

1. Open the Wi-Fi flyout → the network → "Open browser to sign in"

## How to diagnose

1. **Network** — Public or guest Wi-Fi?
2. **Page** — Does neverssl.com load a login?
3. **VPN** — Active?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/browser/captive-portal-sign-in-required)