AIBU to be freaked out by this wifi thing and ask what it means?

[slattern2020]

Hello, apologies but I'm hoping someone can explain this to me and that there's a reasonable explanation as I'm now a bit worried about my internet security.

I just moved place and have had virgin broadband installed yesterday. Today I brought round my laptop and opened it up expecting to have to log on to my network and sign in to use the wifi - but it just immediately connected to it! Knew which network to connect to and I didn't have to enter the password so it was like I had signed in before - except I very definitely haven't.

I know my wifi is password secure as I had to log on and type in the password with my phone. Am just very bemused and slightly worried about why this is?

Was is the same box etc that you used at your old place or is it a whole new setup and account with virgin?

Is your phone account linked to your laptop. Certain devices can share the password with others when they are linked.

few years back i took my laptop on holiday with me and it immediately connected to the hotels wifi despite it being the first time i had used it in that hotel
the laptop had got the wifi info from my phone as all connected

Is it an iPhone and Mac? Mine shares the wifi passwords/known connections between devices

My passwords work across my iPad and iPhone.

As PPs have said if you have an iPhone or iPad and your laptop is Apple it will automatically connect to the networks your phone know

I expect the phone and laptop have shared the password. I assume you have changed it from the default password though - you should always do this.

oh really? I didn't realise that - I connected my phone to the network yesterday. However when I returned today, my wifi on my phone was switched off and running on 4g yet my laptop connected automatically. I was expecting to have to manually connect to the network and type in my password but no.

Seems so strange.

Just to make clear it's a brand new box and set up. Never had this before.

Maybe the WPS button had been accidentally pressed? Or worse, there is a flaw and WPS is somehow always on.

(WPS allows you to connect a new device without entering password etc.)

My devices share passwords too. Makes things easier!

My iphone pushes network passwords to my other Apple devices, saves time faffing about. I’m sure other tech does the same thing these days. Don’t worry about it.

but would the iPhone push the password to my laptop when it's not connected to wifi itself?

Also how do i check the WPS thing?

Yes because it could do over the 4G as it’s stored on the phone.

It’s called ‘keychain’ they automatically link

What was weird was that dh got a new bank card as the chip stoped working and when he went to change his card details on Just eat ,it was already there !
Technology is a wonderful thing

If you have device sharing the laptop will have already recognised the new WiFi when you signed in on your 'phone as each of the devices are yours.
It can be turned off. I have one PC and two tablets and I have had to "unsync" them all as otherwise they update each other and recognise sign-ins....fortunately my phone isn't internet connected so at least I don't have that one to worry about.