What is Shaw Go WiFi?

By Marisa Crane

Last updated 30 November 2023

Editor's note:

As of April 2023, Shaw was officially acquired by Rogers and is no longer offering internet or mobile service. The below content is therefore reflective of a previous service offered through Shaw. Rogers/Shaw customers still have access to Shaw's network of Go Wifi hotspots, now under the Rogers network.

If you're looking for Shaw internet, consider any of our picks for the best Rogers internet plans.

Shaw Go WiFi enables you to connect to free, secure hotspots located throughout Canada. It’s free for Shaw Internet customers, Shaw mobile customers, and guests. Shaw Go WiFi increases your connectivity nationwide, offers fast internet speeds, and allows you to connect any device.

Read below to learn everything you need to know about Shaw Go WiFi.

Shaw Go WiFi Overview

Shaw Go WiFi, which is Canada’s biggest Wi-Fi network, offers over 100,000 free hotspots across Canada, in everyday locations like restaurants, gyms, malls, and coffee shops. These hotspots are available for everyone, customers and non-customers alike. However, non-customers can only use 500MB of data every seven days.

Meanwhile, Shaw Internet customers can use unlimited Shaw data, on up to 10 devices, at more than 100,000 Shaw mobile hotspots. And Shaw Mobile customers have access to a whopping 450,000+ hotspots, though they can only connect one device.

Shaw Go WiFi offers two networks, one of which non-customers can connect to for free. You can find an available hotspot using Shaw’s interactive map.

Shaw Go WiFi’s hotspots run on a Fibre+ network, giving users fast internet speeds on the go.

Shaw Go WiFi Networks

Shaw Go WiFi offers two networks, including:

The ShawPasspoint WiFi network: This option is for Shaw customers using an iPhone that runs on iOS 8 or later (the latest version is iOS 16 so your iPhone is bound to qualify).
ShawOpen WiFi Network: This network is for those who aren’t Shaw customers or customers who are using an Android device or iPhone running on iOS 7 or earlier.

Thinking About Switching to Shaw Mobile?

If you live in British Columbia, Alberta, or Ontario, you could save money by switching to Shaw Mobile. If you're in the market for internet services too, your bill could be as low as $0 a month when you couple a By the Gig plan with Fibre+ Gig 1.5 internet. Take a look at Shaw Mobile's phone plans below for new customers without an existing internet plan.

#1	Freedom Mobile	Freedom Mobile Prepaid 100MB + Nationwide Talk & Text plan 100MB at 5G speed $5 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$5 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#2	Freedom Mobile	Freedom Mobile Prepaid 100MB + Nationwide Talk & Text plan 100MB at 5G speed $5 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$5 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#3	Freedom Mobile	Freedom Mobile $5 4G CA-US Plan 100MB data $5/mth + $45 Upfront Go	$5/mth + $45 Upfront	Go
#4	Freedom Mobile	Freedom Mobile $5 5G CA-US Plan 100MB at 5G speed $5/mth + $45 Upfront Go	$5/mth + $45 Upfront	Go
#5	SaskTel	SaskTel totalSHARE Data Only 1GB 1GB at full speed $10/mth + $50 Upfront Go	$10/mth + $50 Upfront	Go
#6	Fizz	Fizz Unlimited Minutes Plan No Data Included $10/mth + $5 Upfront Go	$10/mth + $5 Upfront	Go
#7	Fizz	Fizz Unlimited Minutes Plan No Data Included $10/mth + $5 Upfront Go	$10/mth + $5 Upfront	Go
#8	Fizz	Fizz Unlimited Minutes Plan No Data Included $10/mth + $5 Upfront Go	$10/mth + $5 Upfront	Go
#9	Fizz	Fizz Unlimited Minutes Plan No Data Included $10/mth + $5 Upfront Go	$10/mth + $5 Upfront	Go
#10	7-Eleven SpeakOut	7-Eleven SpeakOut $10 Basic Plan No Data Included $10 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$10 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Connect to Shaw Go WiFi?

In order to connect to one of Shaw Go WiFi’s networks as a customer, you’ll need to register whichever compatible device (iOS 8 or later) you want to connect to the Shaw hotspot. After you register, your device will automatically connect to the internet every time a hotspot is available.

Conversely, if you have a non-iOS device or iPhone running on iOS 7 or earlier, then you can register when you visit a Shaw Go WiFi hotspot before connecting to the ShawOpen network. If you are not a Shaw Internet customer, you can register a phone, laptop, or tablet every seven days. After that period, the ShawOpen WiFi will not automatically connect every time you visit that hotspot—you will have to re-register.

Does Shaw Go WiFi Cost Money?

No, Shaw Go WiFi is free to use, even for non-customers.

Is Shaw Open the Same as Shaw Go WiFi?

The ShawOpen WiFi network, which is one of the two networks offered through Shaw Go WiFi, is available for anyone looking for internet connectivity, including non-customers. Shaw Internet customers with Android devices and older iPhones can also connect to this network.

Which Shaw Network Should I Use?

If you are a Shaw Internet customer using an iPhone running on iOS 8 or later, then you should connect to the ShawPasspoint network.

On the other hand, if you have an Android phone or an iPhone running on iOS 7 or earlier, then you’ll want to use the ShawOpen network. This network is also available for people who aren’t Shaw Internet customers.

Why Won’t My Device Connect to Shaw Go WiFi?

If you’re having trouble connecting to Shaw Go WiFi, try the following:

If you are not a Shaw customer and have already registered a phone or laptop, you need to wait until the end of your one-week period to register and connect again.
If you are a Shaw customer, visit My Shaw, click “Shaw Go WiFi” then select “Manage Shaw Go WiFi.” Here, you can check if you've reached your device limit.
Make sure you have enabled cookies on your device settings or browser.