Frequently Asked Questions
What can we help with?
Logging in & connecting
Where can I find my Publicroam username and password?
You will receive your Publicroam username and password when you create an account.
Depending on how you signed up, you can find these details:
- in the Publicroam app
- in an sms message from Publicroam
- in an email you received from Publicroam
Are you using the Publicroam app? Then you can find your login details via: Menu → My account → Login details
ℹ️ Keep your login details safe. You will need them if you want to set up wifi manually on a device.
I did not receive an sms with login details
You receive the sms with login details (username and password) immediately after requesting an account. The sender is publicroam.
Did not receive an sms? Choose from the following options:
Requested via the website
Request a new account via the website. Make sure to check your mobile number.
Requested via sms
Send another sms with publicroam to 0970 10 260 261 (or with the country code: +31 970 10 260 261).
Do you get a message saying an account already exists?
You can delete an existing account yourself. Send an sms with stop to 0970 10 260 261 (or with the country code: +31 970 10 260 261). Do this with the mobile number you used to sign up previously.
After that, request a new account.
If you still do not receive an sms despite these actions, please contact us via the contact page.
I am not receiving an sms verification code for the Publicroam app
Are you not receiving an sms with a verification code while signing up in the Publicroam app? Please check the following.
1. Check your mobile number
Check if your mobile number was entered correctly, including the correct country code.
2. Check your signal
Make sure you have enough mobile signal and can receive sms messages.
3. Check your sms messages
Check:
- your blocked messages folder;
- spam or unwanted messages.
ℹ️ The verification code is sent via a normal sms message, not via WhatsApp.
4. Request a new code
Wait a few minutes and then request a verification code again in the app.
5. Restart your phone
Sometimes it helps to restart your phone before requesting a code again.
Still not working?
Please contact us via the contact page
I cannot log in / my device will not connect
We recommend using the Publicroam app. This will automatically set up the correct settings.
Do you still want to set up wifi yourself? Then check the points below.
1. Do you have a Publicroam account?
Do you not have an account yet or have you not received login details? Please request them first.
ℹ️ Are your login details older than 48 hours and have you not successfully connected before? Then request new login details.
2. Check if the wifi network is visible
The network publicroam must be visible in your device’s wifi list. Also, make sure you have enough signal.
3. Check your wifi settings
A typo in the settings often causes connection failures.
Therefore, check:
- username and password;
- the set domain (publicroam.nl);
- the other wifi settings for your device.
4. Remove Publicroam and set it up again
Have you connected before? First, remove the network publicroam from your device and set it up again.
ℹ️ Sometimes it also helps to temporarily turn wifi off and on again or to restart your device.
5. Still not working?
There may be a malfunction or problem at the location.
Or contact us via the contact page.
I want to remove the Publicroam wifi profile from my device
(1) Are you using the Publicroam app?
Remove the app from your device. The Publicroam wifi profile will then be automatically removed.
ℹ️ Are you using Android 10 or older? Then you must also remove your wifi profile manually. See below.
(2) Without the Publicroam app
If you signed up for wifi manually, follow these steps:
iPhone / iPad / Mac (macOS Big Sur or newer)
- Make sure you are within range of a wifi network with Publicroam
- Go to Settings and choose Wifi
- Make sure wifi is turned on
- Tap or click on the ⓘ next to the network publicroam
- Choose Forget This Network
Macbook/iMac (OS version Catalina or earlier)
- Make sure you are within range of a wifi network with Publicroam
- Click on the wifi symbol in the menu bar
- Choose Open Network Preferences
- Select Wifi
- Click on Advanced
- Select publicroam in the list
- Click on the minus sign (‘–’)
- Click on OK and then on Apply
Android
- Make sure you are within range of a wifi network with Publicroam
- Open Settings
- Choose Wifi
- Press and hold the publicroam network
- Choose Forget Network
Windows 10 / 11
- Make sure you are within range of a wifi network with Publicroam
- Click on the wifi symbol in the taskbar
- Right-click on publicroam
- Choose Forget
ℹ️ Does this not work? Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wifi → Manage known networks → select publicroam → Forget
Chromebook / ChromeOS
- Make sure you are within range of a wifi network with Publicroam
- Click on the wifi symbol in the bottom right
- Choose Wifi
- Select publicroam
- Choose Forget
Linux (Ubuntu / NetworkManager)
- Make sure you are within range of a wifi network with Publicroam
- Open Settings
- Choose Wifi or Network
- Select publicroam from the saved networks
- Choose Forget or Remove
ℹ️ The exact steps may vary depending on the Linux distribution.
I get the message: ‘Unable to connect to network publicroam’
Do the following:
Step 1
Check if the network publicroam is visible in your wifi overview and if the signal strength is sufficient (at least 3 bars). This message may occur more often with poor reception.
Step 2
Check if your username and password have been entered correctly (see sms or the Publicroam app). Re-enter them and copy them exactly as shown.
Step 3
Does the message keep appearing? Then remove the publicroam wifi profile from your device and then sign up again.
Step 4
Can’t figure it out? Contact us via the contact page.
I am asked to re-enter my login details
Are you being asked to re-enter your login details as soon as your device wants to connect to Publicroam? Then check if you are at a location where Publicroam is available.
Check the locations at https://publicroam.net/en/locations/
Important: Only re-enter your details if you have checked that you are at a location with Publicroam.
Does this keep happening or are you in doubt? Contact us via the contact page.
Why do I have to log in to a Publicroam location within 48 hours?
If you received your login details via sms, you must log in to a wifi network with Publicroam within 48 hours. If you do not do this, your details will be deleted and you will have to request a new Publicroam account. We do this for security reasons.
Are you using the Publicroam app? Then this 48-hour period does not apply. You can install the app at home.
I cannot use my VPN via Publicroam
Publicroam itself does not impose restrictions on the use of VPN connections. Therefore, you can, for example, use a business VPN or a personal VPN service while connected via Publicroam.
However, the WiFi network of the location where you are may set additional restrictions. Some guest networks block certain VPN protocols or specifically limit network traffic for security or management reasons.
Is your VPN not working via a specific Publicroam network? Then please contact the administrator of that location or organization. They can indicate whether network restrictions are active.
Users & accounts
How do I sign up for Publicroam?
Via the app (recommended)
Download the Publicroam app. Your device (Android or iOS) will automatically connect to wifi. You can then register other devices using the login details from the app (Menu > My account > Login details).
Via the website
Request an account via the sign-up page. You will receive an sms with login details. After that, manually register your devices for wifi.
Via sms
Send an sms with publicroam to 0970 10 260 261 (or with country code: +31 970 10 260 261). You will receive an sms with login details. After that, manually register your devices for wifi.
Publicroam does not charge for sms. Depending on your subscription, there may be costs from your telecom provider.
I want to change my password
At this moment, you cannot change your password. You don’t need to, because after entering your username and password, you will automatically go online everywhere and you won’t have to enter your password again.
I want to reset Publicroam
If you use the Publicroam app
Go to Menu –> Re-register (red button).
Without the Publicroam app
Follow these steps:
- Send an sms with stop to 0970 10 260 261 (or with country code: +31 970 10 260 261). Do this from the 06-number you previously used to sign up for Publicroam. You will immediately receive an sms confirming that your account has been terminated.
- Remove the wifi profile publicroam from your device. See the explanation in the frequently-asked-question Remove wifi profile.
- Request a new account via the sign-up screen. Then register again with a wifi network using Publicroam.
I want to cancel my account and unsubscribe from Publicroam
If you use the Publicroam app
Unsubscribe via the app Menu > My account > Terminate account.
Without the Publicroam app
Send an sms with stop to 0970 10 260 261 (or with country code: +31 970 10 260 261). Use the mobile number you used to sign up. You will immediately receive a confirmation.
After unsubscribing, we keep your data for a maximum of 6 months, after which it will be permanently deleted.
What do you do with my data?
We store a limited amount of data, such as your mobile number and which locations you use Publicroam. We use this data exclusively to make the service work properly.
- No tracking
- No profiling
- No advertisements
We only share your data if required by law.
We keep usage data for a maximum of 3 months. Other account data is deleted at most 6 months after cancellation.
For more information, read our privacy statement.
Where can I find my login details?
If you use the Publicroam app
Your login details are in the app. Go to Menu > My account > Login details
Without the Publicroam app
Your login details are in the sms you received after requesting an account. You can find the sms on your smartphone in your sms messages (not in Whatsapp). The sender is publicroam.
Did not receive an sms?
Then look at the question: I did not receive an sms with login details.
I lost my login details
If you have lost your login details, you can do the following:
Do you use the Publicroam app?
Your login details are in the app (Menu > My account > Login details)
Without the Publicroam app
Your login details are in the sms you received after requesting an account. You can find the sms on your smartphone in your sms messages (not in Whatsapp). The sender is publicroam.
Can you no longer find the sms? Then choose the following options:
Option 1 (recommended)
Download the Publicroam mobile app (App store / Google play). Open the app and choose ‘I already have an account’ at the top of the sign-up screen. You will be automatically connected.
Option 2
Send an sms with stop to 0970 10 260 261 (or with the country code: +31 970 10 260 261). Then request a new account via website or sms.
My mobile number has changed, what should I do?
If you use the Publicroam app
Delete the app. The wifi profile will be automatically removed.
ℹ️ Do you have Android 10 or lower? Then you must remove the wifi profile manually. Follow the steps below.
Without the Publicroam app
Remove the network publicroam via your wifi settings:
- iPhone/iPad/Mac: Forget this network
- Android: Forget network
Then request a new account with your new number.
Can I use my Publicroam account on multiple devices?
Yes. You may use your account on multiple devices, as long as you manage them yourself.
What personal data does Publicroam process?
Publicroam processes data to let you connect to wifi, not for other purposes. This includes data for creating an account, connecting devices, and providing support.
Data processed:
- Username and password;
- Email address and phone number;
- MAC address of the device;
- Data about account requests and wifi connections.
Retention periods:
- Account data is kept as long as the account is active. Personal data is deleted at most 6 months after termination. (1)
- Technical connection data (such as MAC addresses and wifi connections) is kept for a maximum of 3 months. (1)
- Support requests are kept for a maximum of 3 months after handling.
- Data for service messages is kept as long as the account is active.
- Newsletter data is kept until someone unsubscribes.
(1) Unless a legal retention obligation applies or longer retention is necessary to investigate or prevent misuse.
Responsibility of the host organization:
- The connected organization is responsible for processing data necessary for access to the local wifi network, such as username, MAC address, and connection data. This authentication data is kept for a maximum of 3 months (*)
You can find everything in our privacy statement
Certificates
How can I recognize the Publicroam certificate?
You can recognize the certificate by the following characteristics:
- Domain name: publicroam.nl
- Organization: Publicroam BV
- Issued by: Sectigo RSA Extended Validation Secure Server CA
- Expires on: 28-03-2026
- Serial number: 00 E8 84 5B 0E C6 C4 C1 90 4B C4 99 10 CB 24 54 F4
- SHA-1 fingerprint: ends in 12 27
- SHA-256 fingerprint: ends in E2 76
Why does Publicroam use certificates?
Publicroam uses security certificates to secure wifi connections. This allows your device to automatically check if a wifi network is truly from Publicroam. This prevents you from connecting to fake networks and provides extra protection for your username, password, and network traffic.
As a user, you usually do not have to do anything:
-
Are you using the Publicroam app?
The certificate is installed automatically.
-
Without the Publicroam app
Usually, you will be automatically asked to accept the certificate. This applies to iPhone, iPad, MacOS, Windows, and the latest versions of Android, Chromebook, and Linux. On other devices – such as older versions of Android and Linux – you must first install the certificate manually. See the explanation below.
Installing the certificate on Android 10 or lower
You can install the certificate on Android 10 or lower in two ways:
1) Download the app (recommended)
The easiest way to install the certificate is via the Publicroam app. The certificate and the wifi settings will then be added automatically.
2) Set up wifi yourself
Do you want to install the certificate when connecting without the Publicroam app? Then follow the steps below (note: different steps apply for Android 11 or higher).
Step 1
Make sure you are near a Publicroam wifi network. Open this link on your Android device: https://publicroam.net/en/certificate-latest
Step 2
You will now see the screen ‘Certificate name’.
Fill in:
- Certificate name: publicroam
- Use for: WiFi
ℹ️ Do you get a message about screen lock? Tap ‘OK’ and set up a screen lock.
Step 3
Go to: Settings → Wifi
Step 4
Select the wifi network publicroam and hold the network name down briefly.
Step 5
Choose: Manage network settings
ℹ️ Don’t see this option? First choose: ‘Forget network’. Then select the ‘publicroam’ network again.
Step 6
Use the following settings:
- EAP method: PEAP
- Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPv2
- CA certificate: select the certificate named publicroam
- Identity: username
- Password: password
- Anonymous identity: empty
Step 7
Tap Connect.
Your device is now securely connected to Publicroam.
ℹ️ Are you unable to select the certificate? Then the certificate might not be installed correctly. Go back to step 1 and try again.
If it really doesn’t work? Then choose ‘Do not validate’ or ‘Not specified’ for CA certificate. Your connection will usually still work, but it is less securely protected.
Installing the certificate on Android 11 or higher
Option 1 Download the app (recommended)
The easiest way to install the certificate is via the Publicroam app. The certificate and the wifi settings will then be added automatically.
Option 2 Connecting without the app
Do you still want to connect without the Publicroam app? Then follow the steps below for Android 11 or higher.
Make sure you are near a Publicroam wifi network.
Step 1
Open this link on your Android device: https://publicroam.net/en/certificate-latest
Step 2
Go to: Settings → Security → Advanced
Step 3
Choose: Encryption & credentials → Install a certificate
Step 4
Choose: CA certificate
ℹ️ If you get the message: ‘Your data won’t be private’, choose: Install anyway. Then verify your identity with your fingerprint, PIN, or pattern.
Then select the file publicroam_nl-2026.crt
The certificate is now installed.
Step 5
Go back to: Settings → Wifi
Tap the gear icon next to the network publicroam.
Step 6
Tap the pencil or edit icon at the top and use the following settings:
- EAP method: PEAP
- Phase 2 authentication: MSCHAPv2
- Online certificate status: Request status
- Identity: username
- Anonymous identity: empty
- Password: password
Step 7
Tap Connect.
Your device is now securely connected to Publicroam.
ℹ️ Are you unable to select the certificate? Then the certificate might not be installed correctly. Go back to step 1 and try again.
If it really doesn’t work? Then choose ‘Do not validate’ or ‘Not specified’ for CA certificate. Your connection will usually still work, but it is less securely protected.
I am asked to accept a (new) certificate. Is this correct?
Yes. Publicroam secures guest wifi with certificates.
When you connect for the first time, your device may ask you to accept a certificate. This happens, for example, on iPhone, iPad, and Windows devices.
Sometimes it can also happen that you are asked to accept a certificate again later, for example when the certificate has been renewed.
Always check:
- If you are connected to an official Publicroam location
- If the certificate belongs to publicroam.nl
- If the issuer is Sectigo
Is this correct? Then you can safely accept the certificate.
Are you using Android? In that case, we recommend using the Publicroam app. This way, certificates are managed and renewed automatically.
Where can I download the Android certificate?
You can download the certificate via: https://publicroam.net/en/certificate-latest
My device cannot accept the certificate
Publicroam uses certificates to extra-secure wifi connections. Most devices can automatically accept the certificate during connection, such as: iPhone and iPad, MacBook, Windows devices, new versions of Android and Linux.
On some older Android devices and Linux, the certificate must be installed manually.
ℹ️ Are you unable to install or accept the certificate? Publicroam usually still works, but your connection is less securely protected. Therefore, always be alert if you are asked to enter your username and password again. Only do this at an official Publicroam location.
What should I do if the certificate changes?
The Publicroam security certificate is periodically renewed.
When you connect to a Publicroam network again after this, your device may ask you to accept a new certificate.
Do you already have a Publicroam account? Then you usually only need to accept the new certificate. This is a one-time action.
Always check beforehand:
- If you are at an official Publicroam location
- If the certificate belongs to publicroam.nl or publicroam.net
- If the issuer is Sectigo
Are you using Android and can no longer connect? Then we recommend installing the Publicroam app. This way, certificates are managed automatically.
ℹ️ Do you not want to or cannot use the app? Then you can also install the certificate manually. See the relevant FAQ.
Can’t figure it out? Get in touch via the contact page
