Embodiments of this application relate to the communications field, and provide an access point connection method and a terminal, so as to preferentially connect to a traffic-free access point, reduce traffic consumption of a user, and improve video experience of the user. The method specifically includes: A terminal first obtains a charging type of each of at least one AP, where the AP charging type includes a traffic-free AP and a traffic-charged AP; and then the terminal selects an AP for connection based on the charging type of each of the at least one AP and an AP connection priority. A connection priority of the traffic-free AP is higher than that of the traffic-charged AP. This application is used to connect to an AP by a terminal.