Cox Wi-Fi Hotspots
Our internet experts will walk you through finding and using Cox hotspots for internet access on the go.
Cox Communications gives all its internet customers access to over three million Cox hotspots across the U.S. We’ll give you the details on how Cox Wi-Fi hotspots work, how to access available networks, and how to try out Cox’s public Wi-Fi even if you’re not a Cox customer.
What are Cox hotspots?
Cox Wi-Fi hotspots are Wi-Fi networks for Cox customers on the go. You’ll see these networks labeled CoxWiFi or CoxWiFi_premium in your Wi-Fi settings. Using your Cox user ID and password, you can log into any Cox hotspot for free internet access.
These hotspots come included on Cox’s Panoramic Wifi Gateway, a modem/Wi-Fi router you can rent for $15 a month. Don’t worry, though—hosting a Cox hotspot at your house doesn’t compromise your internet speed or security.
In fact, having a Cox hotspot may even make your home Wi-Fi a little safer. If your guests are Cox customers, they can sign onto your hotspot instead of borrowing the password to your secure home Wi-Fi.
Cox hotspots aren’t mobile hotspots like the devices you might see from mobile phone providers. Rather than toting around a small brick that gets you Wi-Fi, you’ll connect to pre-existing networks in your area.
How do I join Cox hotspots?
If you’re a Cox customer, you can hop on a Cox hotspot with any Wi-Fi-enabled device (like your phone, laptop, or tablet). All you need to sign in is your Cox user ID and password.
- Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings and select a Wi-Fi network named CoxWiFi, CoxWiFi_premium, or CableWiFi.
- Open your internet browser.
- When the Cox hotspot login window pops up, select Cox from the list of providers if prompted.
- Sign in with your Cox account username and password.
Not sure what your Cox user ID and password are? You can find your info or set up an account from the Cox login page.
How do I find Cox Wi-Fi hotspots?
In many Cox areas, you’ll likely be able to open your Wi-Fi settings and find a Cox hotspot network waiting for you. But if Cox service is sparse in your area, try using the online Cox hotspots map.
Scroll down just a tad on the page linked above, and you can enter your address or zip code into the search box. Click the “Map it” button, and you’ll see all the nearby Wi-Fi hotspots.
If you’re wondering what the different colors of the pins mean, check next to (on desktop) or below (on mobile) for the key. Using the Cox hotspots map, you’ll be able to find indoor and outdoor hotspots, plus Wi-Fi hotspots hosted by other internet providers in partnership with Cox.
Are Cox hotspots free?
Your access to Cox hotspots comes included with your Cox internet plan—Cox internet customers don’t have to pay more to use it. But if you’re not a Cox internet customer, you can buy Cox’s StraightUp Internet Hotspot Pass to use a Cox hotspot temporarily.
What is Cox hotspot pass?
Cox’s StraightUp Internet Hotspot Pass allows non-Cox customers to connect to a Cox hotspot for a limited time. Passes last for 2 hours ($4.00), 24 hours ($8.00), or one week ($20.00).
Regular Cox Communications internet plans start at $49.99 per month, so you’re not getting a killer deal on any of these passes, but they can be helpful if you need a temporary internet solution.
How to buy a Cox hotspot pass
- Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings and select the Wi-Fi network named CoxWiFi.
- When the Cox hotspot login window pops up, select Not a Cox Customer.
- Select your pass option for 2 hours, 24 hours, or one week.
- Enter your email address, review the purchase summary, and check in the boxes to agree to terms and conditions, then click Next.
- Complete the billing information fields, then click submit.
Please be aware that your Cox hotspot pass will work only for the device you sign up with. So if you’re trying to use a Cox hotspot for your laptop, don’t sign up for the pass with your phone.
Cox Wi-Fi hotspot troubleshooting
If you’ve got trouble with your Cox hotspot, we’ve got some ideas to help.
What is the username and password for Cox hotspots?
Your username and password for Cox hotspots will match your Cox account information. Need help remembering what it is or activating your account for the first time? Check out Cox’s login page.
Why can’t I connect to a Cox hotspot?
To avoid slow internet speeds, Cox hotspots support only up to five devices at a time. If that’s your problem, try logging onto another nearby hotspot instead.
But if you notice other people are also having trouble with the internet, you may be experiencing a Cox cable internet network outage—in which case, you’re out of luck. That’s just the pits.
How do I turn off Cox hotspot?
- Sign into the Cox login page.
- Go to Password & Security, then Privacy Settings.
- From the Cox Hotspot section, toggle the button next to Disable.
- Select Save Changes.
Cox hotspots FAQ
How do I get a free hotspot from Cox?
Cox hotspots come included on the Panoramic Wifi Gateway, a modem/router combo available to Cox internet customers. And when you’re on the go, you can connect to other folks’ Cox hotspots using the CoxWiFi network in your Wi-Fi settings.
Is Cox hotspot free for customers?
All Cox internet customers can use Cox hotspots for free. If you’re not a Cox customer, you can buy a temporary Cox hotspot pass starting at $4 for 2 hours.
How long does Cox hotspot free trial last?
Cox doesn’t currently offer a free hotspot trial. But if you’re not a Cox customer, you can sign up for a temporary hotspot pass. Cox’s StraightUp Internet Hotspot Pass costs $4 for 2 hours, $8 for 24 hours, or $20 for one week.
How much is Wi-Fi a month with Cox?
Cox’s standalone internet plans start at $49.99 a month for 100 Mbps download speeds and run to $149.99 a month for 2,000 Mbps download speeds. Renting a Panoramic Wifi Gateway costs another $15.00 each month.
Does Cox Wi-Fi have a limit?
Cox internet plans have a data cap of 1,250 GB (1.25 TB) per month. To learn more about data caps and unlimited internet, check out our Internet Provider Data Caps Guide.
How much is a Cox Wi-Fi pass?
The Cox’s StraightUp Internet Hotspot Pass offers three different plans: $4 for 2 hours, $8 for 24 hours, and $20 for one week. A Cox hotspot pass works only on the device you use to sign up for it, so if you want to connect multiple devices, you’ll need to buy multiple passes.
