Problems joining Wi-Fi networks that require viewing a redirect page in iOS 8.1.1? Check your "Auto-Login" setting.

Are you having problems joining previously used Wi-Fi networks that require you to view a login or redirect page (say to accept Terms of Use) first? The problem could be your Auto-Login Wi-Fi network setting.

I found numerous cases where I could not access in-store Wi-Fi networks (Nordstrom was one), hotel networks or in fact networks where you had to first view a Terms and Conditions page or where you had to login via a web form.

These were all networks I had used before.

This appears to be due to the "Auto-Login" setting assuming that once you (re)join a previously known network you can just go ahead and use it without further action. When the iOS device receives an error trying to use the network, it silently drops the Wi-Fi association.

If this is happening to you, follow these steps:

1) Go to Settings -> Wi-Fi

2) Select the network you want to join

3) When a check-mark appears next to the SSID, press the "i" button on the right hand side

4) Set Auto-Join however you want, but shut off the Auto-Login switch

5) Now attempt to use the network and you should be presented with the usual redirect page with terms you must accept or where you must login to use the Wi-Fi network in question

This cleared up the issue for me everywhere I had previously been having issues.