What is Passpoint?
Definition
Passpoint is the WiFi Alliance certification programme built on IEEE 802.11u (Hotspot 2.0) and 802.1X. Certified phones and access points find each other and exchange credentials automatically, so a device joins a trusted WiFi network securely with no captive portal and no password, much like cellular roaming.
Passpoint explained
A Passpoint device carries a profile: a credential plus the list of identity providers it trusts. A Passpoint access point advertises which providers it accepts. When the two match, the device authenticates through 802.1X and EAP and connects on its own. The user sees their phone join the network, and nothing else.
Security is built in. Every Passpoint connection is encrypted with WPA2-Enterprise or WPA3-Enterprise, which closes the gap left by open guest networks. It also sidesteps MAC randomisation, because the device is recognised by its credential rather than its hardware address, so returning visitors connect without signing in again.
Passpoint is the technical foundation for OpenRoaming and for carrier offload, where mobile operators move their customers onto venue WiFi. Airports use it to give passengers a cellular-like experience across large sites. For a venue, the requirements are Passpoint-certified access points, an identity provider to issue profiles, and a way for first-time visitors to get one, often through a single captive portal sign-in.
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