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General Information
What is WiFi?
WiFi is a technology that allows you to connect your tablet, smartphone, or other WiFi enabled devices without wires.
What is a hotspot?
A hotspot is a physical access point where you can connect to WiFi.
What is Optimum WiFi?
It is a network of hotspots where Optimum Internet customers can connect wirelessly to the Internet at super-fast speeds at no additional charge.
What is an SSID?
A SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the technical term for a wireless network. This is what you will look for when connecting wireless devices. The Optimum WiFi network offers two SSIDs:
- optimum: secure public network, with all data going over an encrypted WiFi network
- optimumwifi: open public network, like when you connect to a coffee shop's open WiFi
Where can I find Optimum WiFi hotspots?
With over 1 million hotspots, you can find them inside businesses, such as stores, cafes, salons, restaurants, and at public places like NJ TRANSIT, New York City (NYC) parks, or Long Island MacArthur Airport.
Check the map to find a hotspot near you.
Connecting to Optimum WiFi
What do I need to connect to Optimum WiFi?
Optimum Internet customers need an Optimum ID and password, a WiFi enabled device, and to be within an Optimum WiFi hotspot.
Check the map to find a hotspot near you.
How do I get an Optimum ID?
To create a primary Optimum ID, go to optimum.net/id or select Create an Optimum ID on the sign-in page. Make sure to have your account number handy.
Once you have created your primary Optimum ID, you can add additional IDs for other household members under My profile in My household IDs.
If you do not remember your Optimum ID or forgot your password, visit optimum.net/IDhelp.
How do I connect to an Optimum WiFi hotspot?
Check the map to find a hotspot near you, and when you are in one, you can connect by following the steps below:
Optimumwifi (open public network)
- Enable WiFi on your device and search for available networks (SSIDs)
- Select the optimumwifi network
- At the Optimum sign-in page, enter your Optimum ID and password
- Accept the terms and check Auto Sign In or Manual Sign In
optimum (secure public network)
iOS
- Enable WiFi on your device and search for available networks (SSIDs)
- Select the optimum network
- Enter your Optimum ID and password and tap Join
- Tap Trust in the certificate window
Android
- Enable WiFi on your device and search for available networks (SSIDs)
- Select the optimum network
- Under EAP Method, select PEAP or TTLS (EAP-TTLS on some Android versions)
- Under Phase 2 Authentication, select MSCHAPV2
- Under Identity, enter Optimum ID
- Under Password, enter Password
- Anonymous Identity is optional, can leave blank or enter anything
- Under CA Certificate, select "Use system certificates" or "Do not validate" (if available)
- Online Certificate Status select "Do not verify"
- Domain* enter: aaa.optimumwifi.com
- * Must be entered if "Use system certificates" is selected
- Tap "Connect" or "Save"
Note: You are not in a hotspot if you do not see optimum or optimumwifi in the available network list.
Customers that have been using the AlticeWiFi network will need to reconnect to the new network name optimum when in range of the hotspot.
What is Automatic Sign-In?
With automatic sign-in, your WiFi enabled device will connect automatically when in an Optimum WiFi hotspot without entering your Optimum ID and password.
You can register up to 23 devices depending on your Internet service level.
To automatically connect, the next time you sign in to a hotspot:
iOS
- Tap Automatic Sign In
- The page will expand for you to enter a Device name, if desired
- Provide your Email address
- Tap Enter
Other Devices (You will be prompted to register)
- Select OK
- Choose your Device type
- Enter a Device name, if desired
- Provide your Email address
- Select Submit
Is there a way to connect to Optimum WiFi if I am not an Internet customer?
If you do not have Optimum Internet service or are not an Optimum customer, you can purchase a day pass or, in select areas, use a free pass (based on availability).
Day pass
All hotspots (using optimum or optimumwifi network) - $4.99, unlimited access to all Optimum hotspots except Madison Square Garden, Nassau Coliseum, and Radio City Music Hall from time of purchase until midnight.
NYC Parks hotspots (using the GuestWiFi network) - $0.99, unlimited access to all Optimum WiFi hotspots in NYC parks from time of purchase until midnight.
When you purchase your first day pass, you will need to set up a guest account.
Free Pass (Per hotspot)
- NJ TRANSIT: Unlimited access from time of purchase until midnight, five free passes per device
- Hotspots located in Optimum Businesses, Brookhaven, and some NYC parks: 10 minutes of access, three times per month, per device, every 30 days
- Long Island MacArthur Airport: One hour of access, two times per month, every 30 days
Is Optimum WiFi available outside of the Optimum service area?
When traveling, Internet customers can access partner WiFi hotspots around the nation by selecting CableWiFi from the list of available wireless networks.
What if I cannot sign in?
Check hotspots
First, make sure you are in an Optimum WiFi hotspot. Using your WiFi enabled device, look at the list of available networks and make sure that you see the network name optimum or optimumwifi.
Check signal bars
If you see the optimum or optimumwifi network name and still cannot connect, check your WiFi enabled device to see how many signal bars are present. If you only have one or two bars, you may need to move closer to the signal's center. The smaller the device, the closer to the signal you need to be.
Service Issue
If you still cannot get online and are sure that you have your Optimum ID and password right, there may be a service issue. You can contact us to report your problem.
Security and Optimum WiFi
How secure is Optimum WiFi?
Optimum WiFi has taken several important steps to protect your data transmissions when connected to Optimum WiFi. Whenever you sign in, we help protect your privacy and the safety of your Optimum ID and password by providing 128-bit encryption. This is the same standard used by thousands of online banking and financial services sites worldwide to protect your critical transactions.
However, for the most secure online experience possible, be safe and smart. Sensible security practices should be observed when connecting your system to any wired or wireless network. Using a firewall, an anti-virus program, and/or turning off file sharing when using your computer or handheld on a network, at home, or on the road can help keep you safe. Keep your Anti-Virus programs up to date and perform regular system scans to detect any problems early.
Are there security tools that I can use with Optimum WiFi?
Yes, you can protect up to 20 devices, including computers, mobile phones, and tablets, with Internet protection powered by McAfee for a low monthly fee.
How can I stop my device from auto-connecting to Optimum WiFi?
With your primary Optimum ID, visit optimum.net/internet/manage-devices and remove the device from your registered device list.
What are firewalls?
Firewalls are software programs you can install on your computer to prevent unwanted users from accessing your computer when you connect to a network. Many personal computers have firewall protection built-in today. If yours does not, many are available at a reasonable cost.
Is file sharing safe?
It is best to keep file sharing turned off when connected to a public network to avoid the accidental sharing of data or allowing someone to place data onto your system.