Arriving in India without a working Indian SIM? Free airport Wi-Fi can help you contact family, check your hotel booking or arrange a pickup, but you may need to verify your identity before connecting.
Delhi and Mumbai airports provide alternatives to mobile OTP verification through information desks or Wi-Fi kiosks. Procedures differ by airport, so do not assume every terminal uses the same network, documents or access limits.
No Indian mobile number? At Delhi, take your passport to a Wi-Fi kiosk or information desk for an access code. At Mumbai, you can first try an international number that receives SMS; if that does not work, use the airport’s identification-based access process.
Last checked: 15 September 2026.
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Free Wi-Fi at Indian Airports: What to Expect
There is no single nationwide Wi-Fi login process or free-session duration. Use the network displayed on airport signage and check the terms shown when you connect.
| Airport | Network or Access Details | Without a Working Mobile OTP |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi (DEL) | GMR FREE WIFI. The airport advertises free unlimited access. | Passport verification at a kiosk or information desk. |
| Mumbai (BOM) | #MumbaiAirportWiFi. Local and international numbers are accepted for SMS verification. | Information desk or Wi-Fi kiosk with valid identification. |
| Lucknow (LKO) | #LKO_FreeWi-Fi. The current airport instructions accept local or international numbers. | Passport or accepted domestic identification at a desk or kiosk. |
| Hyderabad (HYD) | Air India’s airport guide lists two hours of free Wi-Fi. Confirm the network on terminal signage. | Ask the nearest help desk for connection assistance. |
References: Delhi Airport, Mumbai Airport, Lucknow Airport and Air India’s Hyderabad airport guide.
Using another airport? For Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Pune, Goa (Dabolim or Manohar International Airport), Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Mangaluru, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Varanasi, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli or another arrival point, confirm Wi-Fi availability, the current network name, login method and free allowance with airport staff. Do not assume Delhi’s unlimited access or Mumbai’s international-number login applies elsewhere.
How to Connect to Free Wi-Fi at Delhi Airport
With an Active Indian Mobile Number
- Select GMR FREE WIFI in your device’s Wi-Fi settings.
- Open the login page and enter your Indian mobile number.
- Enter the OTP received by SMS to complete the connection.
Without an Active Indian Mobile Number
- Find an information desk or self-service Wi-Fi kiosk.
- Scan your passport at the kiosk or present it to the staff.
- Collect your coupon code.
- Enter the KYC ID and coupon code as instructed on the login screen.
These are the procedures published in Delhi Airport’s Wi-Fi instructions.
How to Get Free Wi-Fi at Mumbai Airport
- Select #MumbaiAirportWiFi.
- Open your browser to reach the login page.
- Enter a local or international mobile number capable of receiving SMS.
- Enter the OTP to connect.
If You Cannot Receive an OTP
Visit an information desk or Wi-Fi kiosk. International passengers should present a passport; domestic passengers can use accepted identification such as Aadhaar, a driving licence or PAN card. Staff or the kiosk will provide access credentials after verification.
The airport lists kiosks across arrival and departure areas, including an international arrivals information desk near baggage belt 8. Check Mumbai Airport’s kiosk locations for your area.
What If the OTP or Wi-Fi Login Does Not Work?
The OTP Does Not Arrive
- Check the number and country code.
- Make sure the relevant SIM is enabled and connected to a mobile network.
- Wait briefly before requesting another code.
- If SMS reception is unavailable, ask about identification-based access instead.
Airplane mode can prevent ordinary SMS delivery. Do not switch it on while waiting for an SMS OTP. Receiving SMS and using mobile data are separate functions; you do not need to turn on chargeable data roaming simply to use airport Wi-Fi.
Your Phone Connects but the Login Page Does Not Open
- Look for a “Sign in to Wi-Fi network” notification.
- Open a browser and try loading a webpage.
- Forget the network, reconnect and try again.
- Ask the information desk for the correct login instructions if the portal still fails.
Keep documents handy: Carry your passport and save your boarding pass offline. Document requirements vary, and some verification systems may request travel details.
Is Airport Wi-Fi Fast Enough for WhatsApp Calls?
Do not depend on free airport Wi-Fi for an important voice or video call. Calls may work, but congestion, weak coverage or session interruptions can make them unstable. Text messages are a better first option when the connection is poor.
Low bandwidth does not mean WhatsApp calls are universally prohibited or impossible. Equally, an airport advertising high-speed Wi-Fi does not guarantee a smooth call at every gate or baggage carousel.
- Send a short arrival message before attempting a call.
- Try audio rather than video if the connection struggles.
- Pause downloads and automatic backups.
- Use available mobile data if you need a more dependable alternative.
Alternatives: International Roaming, T-Mobile and Travel eSIMs
T-Mobile Customers Arriving From the United States
India is included in T-Mobile’s international roaming destinations, and eligible plans include data and texting benefits. This can let you connect after landing without using an airport Wi-Fi kiosk.
Check your exact plan before departure: included high-speed data, reduced speeds and calling charges vary. Connection also depends on local coverage and your phone registering on a partner network, so instant access is not guaranteed.
See T-Mobile’s official roaming guidance and our T-Mobile data and texts guide for India travel.
Travel eSIM or Another Roaming Plan
If you arrange a travel eSIM, check India coverage, phone compatibility, carrier-unlock requirements and when the package activates. Install it before travelling when the provider’s instructions allow.
A data-only eSIM does not provide an Indian SMS number. It may give you internet access, but it will not necessarily help you receive a mobile OTP for airport Wi-Fi.
Simple Precautions for Public Wi-Fi
- Confirm the network name using airport signage or staff.
- Do not ignore browser certificate warnings.
- Enter identification details only through the verified airport process.
- Use your own charger and cable when charging your phone.
- Save essential travel information offline before your journey.
Does Airport Wi-Fi Work on the Plane?
No. Airport Wi-Fi and onboard connectivity are separate services. Having internet in the terminal does not mean your flight provides it.
For aircraft availability, paid plans and complimentary access benefits, read Wi-Fi on India Domestic Flights: Which Airlines Offer It?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy an Indian SIM just to use airport Wi-Fi?
Not necessarily. Some airports provide document-based access, and some accept foreign numbers for SMS verification. Check the instructions for your arrival airport above.
Is free Wi-Fi always limited to 30 or 60 minutes?
No. Allowances differ. Read the current login terms instead of relying on a general time limit.
Will a Wi-Fi kiosk be beside my arrival gate?
Do not assume so. Ask airport staff for the nearest accessible kiosk or information desk before leaving your terminal area.
Can I book a taxi using airport Wi-Fi?
You can try once connected, but the taxi app may require its own account verification. Set up the app before travelling and save your hotel address and pickup instructions offline.
Should I rely entirely on free airport Wi-Fi after landing?
Keep a backup for essential communication. Save your pickup contact, meeting point and booking details before departure so a login problem does not leave you without instructions.
Plan Your Arrival Connection
Check your arrival airport’s login process before flying. If you cannot receive SMS, locate the airport’s identification-based access option. For urgent communication, prepare a suitable roaming or eSIM option and keep essential information offline.
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