A method for accessing a local network includes: subscribing, by a network device, to service area change information of user equipment, where the service area change information of the user equipment indicates that the user equipment enters or leaves a service area of the local network; receiving, by the network device, the service area change information of the user equipment; and performing, based on the received service area change information, policy control for the user equipment accessing or leaving the local network. In this way, access to the local network is accurately controlled, and is not affected by wireless network planning and adjustment, which greatly enhances user experience in use of the local network.